The most popular April 2015 gaming trends are indicative of a huge shift that's happening in the video game industry. Although plugging into a video game is a huge source of entertainment, many games are being transformed into tools to assist with health, debt or acquiring exclusive discounts when shopping.
This shift in gaming for a purpose can be categorized as divergence, one of the key patterns of opportunity addressed in Trend Hunter CEO Jeremy Gutsche's New York Times bestselling book, Better and Faster. Innovations that are divergent are best recognized as ones that oppose the mainstream. Putting practicality before pure enjoyment are games like Givling, which helps students pay off debt through rounds of trivia, and Ubisoft's Dig Rush, which treats lazy eye.
Top 35 Gaming Products in April
35
Gamer Subscription Services
Loot Crate Delivers Monthly Boxes of Geeky Swag of Video Game Lovers
34
8-Bit Camera Guns
Dmitry Morozov Creates a Fun Way to Take Photos and Instantly Print Them
33
Innovative Gaming Tablets
A 10-Inch Curved Screen Establishes an Immersive Play Experience
32
8-Bit Subscription Services
'My Retro Game Box' Makes It Easy to Stock Up on Classic Video Games
31
Android TV Consoles
Nvidia Shield is a Sharp, Slim and Minimalist Piece of Technology
30
Web-Based Party Games
Cards Against Originality Lets You Play the Popular Party Game Online
29
Mobile Nintendo Games
Nintendo is Working with DeNA to Create Original Experiences for Smartphones
28
Potion-Brewing Board Games
The Alchemists Game Requires Players to Invent Magic Potions
27
Therapeutic 3D Games
Ubisoft's Dig Rush is Capable of Treating Lazy Eye
26
Virtual Reality Gaming Headsets
The HTC Vive Lets You Walk Around In Your Virtual Reality Space
25
8-Bit Java Cans
The DyDo Super Mario Coffee Puts Warp Pipes on Cups of Joe
24
Alternate Reality Games
Schuh's Shops Are Portals for Google's Ingress Location-Based Game
23
Medieval Board Games
The Carcassone Board Game Retains Its Old-World Charm On Your iPhone and iPad
22
Member-Only Gamer Communities
The Rockstar Games Social Club Enhances and Extends the Experience
21
Interactive Game Projectors
The Lumo Interactive Projector Turns Kids' Rooms Into Playgrounds
20
Carbon-Infused LEGO Bricks
The LEGO Ultra Agents Merge Physical and Digital Play
19
Shapeshifting Gamepads
The Grifta Gamepad Changes Size and Splits Into Two
18
Opensource Video Game Platforms
Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 Lets Users Build Games for Free
17
Gaming Channel Expansions
The Machinima Many-to-Many Network Increases Its Base of Influence
16
Concept Gaming Galleries
The SXSW Gaming Concept Gallery Lets You Test-Drive Concept Games
15
African Safari Mobile Games
Kate and Harry in Africa Lets Kids Explore An African Safari
14
Gratis Gaming Apps
Gamee is a Platform for Free Games That Rejects In-App Purchases
13
Video Game Exhibits
The SXSW Videogame History Museum Explores Gaming's Evolution
12
Lucrative Gaming Collaborations
Maker Studios Signed Diamond Minecart for an Explosive Partnership
11
Winsome Gaming Apps
Big Time Game is a Mobile Gaming App with a Large Cash Prize
10
Debt-Diminishing Games
Givling Helps Pay Off Student Loans with Rounds of Trivia
9
Gamer Finder Apps
The GamerLink App (in BETA) Helps You Find Gamers Online You Want To Play With
8
Predictive Search Board Games
The Query Game Plays Off Google's Predictive Search Feature
7
Board Game-Extending Apps
MONOPOLY zAPPed Introduces Mini Games to Enhance the Playing Experience
6
Beat-Keeping Music Games
The SongArc Game Debuting at SXSW Changes the Way You Listen to Music
5
Immersive Input Devices
This Feet-Incorporating VR Controller Makes Gaming More Realistic
4
Fountain-Controlling Video Games
The 'Granary Squirt' App Turns Fountains into a Game of Snake
3
Tablet Game Builders
Bloxels' Digital Board Game Lets Kids Create Their Own Challenges
2
Indie Developer Platforms
Microsoft Announces Xbox One SDK Will Go Public at the GDC
1
Historical Video Games
'Titanic: Honor and Glory' is Seeking Funds to Portray the Tragic Events
Related Ideas
Gaming Console Smartphones
The Nintendo Switch Phone Concept by Ivan Llaneza Prioritizes Play
Advanced Pro-Grade Gamer Consoles
The Conceptual 'Tingting GO' Handheld Gaming Console is Powerful
Nostalgic Gaming Timepieces
The Retro Gaming Watch Brings Gameplay to the Wrist
Sliding Gamer Smartphone Concepts
This Sony PlayStation XPERIA Smartphone is Built for Play
Monthly Free Game Bundles
Sony Confirmed its Three Free Titles on PlayStation for June
Dedicated Web3 Gaming Platforms
Gamestop is Working with 'Elixir' on a Crypto Gaming Launcher
Dice-Shaped Gaming Consoles
unidice Elevates Analog or Digital Pastimes with Six Displays
Game-Themed Apparel Collections
BoxLunch and Super Mario Bros Launch Collaborative Apparel
Customizable Mobile Gaming Consoles
The 'ORBIS' Handheld Gaming Console Concept is Multipurpose
Handheld K-Beauty Devices
APR Corp. is Bringing Advanced K-Beauty Tech to CES 2024
Compact Gamepad Designs
99 City 8's Gamepad Concept Boasts a Hint of Playful Color
Tablet-Friendly Gaming Controllers
The Razer Kishi Ultra Mobile Gaming Controller is Responsive
Charging-Friendly Smartphone Controllers
The 'PocketPlay' iPhone Gaming Controller is Feature-Rich
Motion-Sensing Mobile Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual 'Nova' Handheld Game Console is Sensor-Laden
Folding All-in-One Entertainment Systems
The PlayStation Capsule by Alisher Ashimov is Retro
Active Wearable Tech
Skip Debuts the GameTime Tarp to Enhance the At-Home Viewing Experience
Gaming-Inspired Haptic Response Sneakers
The Nike PG2 PlayStation Shoes are Paul George-Approved
Console-Style Smartphone Controllers
The GameSir G8 Galileo Works on Android and iOS Devices
Digital Board Game Devices
Arcade1Up's Infinity Game Board Offers Hundreds of Tabletop Games
Gaming Archetype Personality Quizzes
The New York Times Games Presents a Puzzle Personality Quiz
Flipped Handheld Gaming Devices
AYANEO's Flip DS Gaming Device is Inspired by Nintendo
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Stylish Gaming Controllers
The Xbox Wireless Controller Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition is Chic
Playful Entrepreneurial Metaverses
e.l.f. UP! on Roblox Helps Gen Z & Gen Alpha Build Skills
Bright Video Game-Inspired Footwear
Onitsuka Tiger Launches a Street Fighter-inspired Sneaker
Modular Handheld Gaming Systems
The 'feeel' Gaming System by Jasmin Kappler is Customizable
All-Purpose Gaming Controllers
The Machenike G5 Pro is a Hall-Effect Controller for All Platforms
Handheld Android Gaming Devices
Powkiddy's 'X28' is the Brand's Most Powerful Device Yet
Nostalgic Mobile Gamer Devices
The Retroid Pocket Flip Has a Throwback, Clamshell Design
Mobile-Friendly Gaming Controllers
The 'MOI3D' Concept Controller by Vadim Danilkov is Two-in-One
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
Nostalgic Mobile Gaming Controllers
This Nintendo Switch GameCube Controller Revives a Classic
Connected Gamer Campaigns
Heineken's Just Another Night Out Shatters Anti-Social Stereotypes
Arcade-Style Gaming Controllers
The Octopus Arcade Stick Brings the Arcade to the Living Room
Themed Gaming Console Bundles
The Nintendo Switch Mario Choose One Bundle Comes with a Game
Coming-Of-Age Digital Games
Uvula and AbleGamers Develop the Cartoonish To a T Game
Connected Digital Game Boards
'The Last Gameboard' is an Interactive Digital Board Game Platform
Gamified Shopping Apps
Yaysay Combines AI-Powered Personalization & Gamification
Digital Pet-Inspired Streetwear
The BAPE x Tamagotchi Collab Delivers Nostalgia with Style
Monetizable Mobile Gaming Apps
'Playbite' Enables Players to Win Gift Cards and Prizes
Wearable PC Keyboard Controllers
The Grab Shell is a New Multifunctional Handheld Keyboard Design
Compact Clip-On Gaming Controllers
The Jacknife Gamer Mini Gamepad is Pocket-Friendly
Gamer-Targeted Beauty Collabs
Revolution Beauty x Fortnite Features Favorite Game Characters
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Pro-Grade Gamer PC Peripherals
The Logitech G PRO Series 2023 Includes Three Products
Gaming Lifestyle Brand Collaborations
Razer Released a Set of Mobile Suit Gundam Merchandise
Cloud-Based Retro Gamer Apps
The Polymega App Offers Access to Nostalgic Titles
AI Beauty Shopping Apps
Trendio's Video Shopping App Shares Personally Curated Content
Trendy Metaverse Sportswear
adidas Enters the Virtual World Through a Roblox Collaboration
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Table-Top Gaming Candles
Gameplay Candles' Table Top Gaming Candles Ignite the Adventure in Us All
Digital Collectible Displays
Gatebox's Digital Figure Box Shows Off Virtual Collectibles
Arcade-Style Metaverse Games
JD Sports Steps into the Metaverse with 'King of the Game'
Battle Royale Gaming Peripherals
Razer and KRAFTON Released a Special PUBG Collection of Devices
Gen Z-Focused Board Games
Mattel Launches Scrabble Together for Non-Competitive Gen Z Consumers
Portable Folded Gaming Chairs
Logitech G and Playseat Presents the Playseat Challenge X
Game-Inspired PC Peripherals
The Elgato x Starfield Streaming Set Comes with Two Devices
Shapeshifting Game Controllers
The RODO Game Controller by Duhan Oben Kayman is a Unique Concept
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Modernized Nostalgic Gaming Consoles
The Atari Gamestation Pro Features More Than 200 Games
Preschool Gaming Subscriptions
The Piknik App Subscription Service Shares Games for Preschoolers
Gamer-Designed Custom Controllers
Dream Controller Boasts Beautiful and Unique Designs
Summer-Themed Gaming Accessories
The Xbox Summer Accessories Collection for 2023 is Dazzling
Unsubscribing Activity Campaigns
Unsubscribe for Sports Challenges Canadians to Get Active
Dynamic Mobile Fashion Games
Tommy Hilfiger Unveils a New Mobile Fashion Game Called FashionVerse
Inclusive Controller Accessories
Logitech Taps Sony for a New Disability-Supporting Controller Kit
Challenging Sensory Games
Toy Mania's Quick Pops Feature Four Game Modes
Hourly Job-Finding Apps
Gigs is a Job Platform for the Gig Economy
Rewarding App-Based Games
Pick n Pay Introduces the New 'Smart Hopper' Game for Shoppers
Versatile Gaming Controllers
Yifeeling Design Launches a Controller with Detachable Design
Interactive Gaming Clogs
These Special Crocs Can Be Scanned for an Exclusive Gaming Experience
Summer Console Sales
Anbernic Launched a Site-Wide Sale in Celebration of Amazon Prime Day
Modular Gaming Controller Concepts
The Lifil Multiverse Controller by Diego Perez Rogé is Advanced
Game Streaming Service Updates
Sony has Added Several Titles to 'PlayStation Plus Premium'
Gaming Ads-Inspired Video Games
D3 Publisher and Monkeycraft Present the Ironic Those Games
NFC-Equipped Gaming Chairs
The Chungqiu Furniture 'GT Player' Reads a Phone's NFC Card
Exclusive Gamer Gift Cards
Candy Crush Saga Gift Cards Share a 48-Hour Unlimited Lives Bonus
Collaborative Gorpcore-Themed Apparel
IVY PARK and adidas Continue to Grow its Expansive Capsule
Handheld Cloud Gaming Devices
Logitech Launches the New Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld in Europe
Custom Keyboard Keycaps
HyperX Enables New Keyboard Customization Options for Gamers
Casual Mini Games
This Online Hub Allows for Players to Easily Learn Engaging Games
Sleek Snake-Adorned Razers
Gillette and Razer Launch a Collaborative Razor for Gaming Enthusiasts
Streaming Service Game Controllers
Netflix Unveils a New Game Controller App for iPhones
AI Financial Education Games
Go Boldly Empowers Players with Financial Tools and Tips
Racing Game Adapters
Logitech G Launches a Racing Adapter for Customizable Racing Setups
Time-Managing Joystick Chargers
Oasis is an Innovative Wellbeing-Focused Game Controller Charger
All-in-One iGaming Solutions
CrazyGames Unveils a New Collection of Browser-Based Games
Competitive Monetary Game Platforms
'VersusNow' Allows Players to Compete for Real World Prizes
Mobile Retro Gaming Apps
The 'Delta' Application is Now Available on iOS Devices
Esports Merchandise Capsules
PlayVS Partners with Emerge Apparel on a New Apparel Collection
Adult Board Game Campaigns
Hasbro and Ageless Innovation Rebrand Childhood Games for Adults
Mobile Game Sequels
Persona 5: The Phantom Thieves Continues the Persona Story on Mobile
Promotional Influencer Videos
Activision Recruits Multiple Creators to Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Celebratory Sci-Fi Tech Products
The Logitech G Return of the Jedi-inspired Collection is Official
Folded Gaming Console Concepts
Jinseon Lee Designs the New Tam Tam Gaming Console Concept
Wearable Gaming-Focused Technology
Team Singularity Partners with Technology Brand GamerTech
Turkey-Based Game Studios
Frantic Games Raised $2.4 Million to Develop Engaging Mobile Games
Esports Wellness Platforms
Ninja Labs and Vivior Launch the 4SIGHT Wellness Platform
Collaboration Clothing-Branded Gaming Devices
The Razer EVISU Collection is Arriving Soon
Digitized Board Game Consoles
This Smartphone-Controlled System Displays Board Games On Your TV
Game Franchise-Themed Keyboards
Higround Unveils Exclusive Street Fighter Keyboard Collection
Superhero-Themed Gaming Features
Marvel Snap Prepares to Launch the PvP Mode by January 31st
Competitive Game Platforms
Gfinity’s Athlos Tournament Platform Joins with Playgendary Games
Dedicated Gaming Gear Shops
The Samsung Game Portal is Launching in 30 Countries
All-in-One PC Gamer Controllers
The Dell Concept Nyx Controller is at CES 2023
Large Group Video Games
Nintendo Everybody 1-2-Switch! Supports Up to 100 Players
Cross-Platform Game Libraries
Ubisoft is Bringing its 'Ubisoft+' Service to Xbox Consoles
Game-Based VR Subscriptions
Meta Announces the Quest+ VR Subscription for Never-Ending Games
Esports Wearable Sponsorships
Oxygen Esports is Renewing its GamerTech Partnership
Cross-Platform Game Libraries
Ubisoft is Bringing its 'Ubisoft+' Service to Xbox Consoles
Women's Day-Inspired Tournaments
True Gamer Partners with Sony to Host a Match for Women's Day
Happiness-Prioritizing QSR Campaigns
Dave & Buster's Launches the 'Adult Unlearn' Summer Campaign
Dynamic Accessible Gaming Controllers
Sony Unveils the Inaugural Inclusive Game Controller at CES
Daily Game-Guessing Services
'GuessTheGame' is a Wordle-Like for Video Game Fans
Short-Form Gaming Video Apps
'FreshCut' is TikTok for Video Games and Gaming News
Tycoon-Style Beauty Games
e.l.f. Cosmetics Launches a Digital Tycoon World on Roblox
Blockchain Gaming Platforms
Solana Labs Unveils a Tool to Streamline the Development of Web3 Games
Smartphone Game Feature Expansions
Apple's iPhone Event Announced its Upcoming Game Launches
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Retro Virtual Consoles
Nintendo Added GameBoy Color and GameBoy Advance to Switch Online
Streaming Service-Backed Games
YouTube Is Testing Its Online Games Category Called 'Playables'
Vibrant Celebratory Gaming Consoles
The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Red Edition is Sleek
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges
Action Rhythm Animated Games
Xbox and Bethesda Develop the New Hi-Fi Rush Game Available Now
Science-Based Gaming Platforms
Skillprint Launched a New First-of-Its-Kind Gaming Pairing Platform
Anime Service-Backed Games
Crunchyroll is Adding Mobile Games to its Subscription-Based Offerings
Student-Focused Esports Deals
Generation Esports Partners with Nintendo for Middle School Esports
Superhero-Themed Gaming Consoles
The PlayStation 5 Spider-Man 2 Limited Edition Bundle is Striking
Subscription-Based Mobile Games
Netflix Unveils the TMNT: Shredder's Revenge Mobile Game
Web3 Gaming Ecosystems
NEOWIZ is Launching the 'Adventure' Web3 Gaming Platforn
April Fool's Lifestyle Collections
Nugget Introduced Its 'Most Trendiest - High Endiest' Line Yet
Easter-Themed Game Giveaways
Fanatical's 'Mystery Egg Bundle' Holds Golden Egg Prizes
Daily Gaming Mystery-Solving
Players are Tasked to Guess the Game with 'Daily Game Trivia'
Branding Trivia Games
Decode the Identity is a Playful Homage to Iconic Brands
Animated Series-Themed RPGs
Paramount Prepares to Launch the Avatar Generations Mobile Game
Campaign-Led Esports Studios
Guild Launches New Creative Services Division Called ‘Guild Studios’
Input-Clarifying Game Icons
Valve Added a Badge to Dualsense Controller-Verified Games on Steam
Newspaper Gaming Platforms
kr3m Crafts an Interactive, Reader-Centric Gaming Platform for Le Monde
Gilded Gradient Gaming Controllers
The Xbox Wireless Controller Gold Shadow is Chic
Revamped Dual-Stick Digital Games
The Metroid Prime Remastered Game Gets a New Digital Form