As the game trends of 2012 show, this past year was the year of geek chic. Commonly perceived as basement lurkers and the socially awkward, members of the modern gaming community took nerdom to new places, avenging their geekier predecessors by making gaming cooler than ever.
Though there is a lot to be said for new games released in 2012, the most interesting fad found in gaming last year was the development of real-life gaming-inspired products. Everything from furniture, such as the retro game controller cushions modeled after the original Nintendo console, to fashion, like the Skyrim-inspired 'Dragonborn' photo series, showed a dash of geeky pride.
Rest assured, the more practical areas of gaming, such as video game technology, still showed promise in 2012. The Sensic 'SmartGoggles' left the crowd salivating at the possibility of fully immersible gaming at CES 2012, giving a hint at what the future of gaming could look like.
To find out what these microtrends mean for your company and general consumer behavior, check out our Games Trend Report.
Top 100 Game Trends of 2012
100
Colorblocked Assassin Attire
The Kenway Jacket Will Give You a Totally Lethal Look
99
Menacing Mech Designs
Markus Vogt Renders Badass Looking Robots & Machines
98
Mountain-Sized Monster Depictions
Nicolas Ferrand Renders Gigantic Creatures Terrorizing Citizens
97
8-Bit Movie Cast Caricatures
Ty Lettau Renders Star Wars Characters in Mega Man-Like Style
96
Realistic Game Character Renderings
Lili Ibrahim Gives Cartoony Figures Correct Anatomy
95
Generational Difference Charts
The 'Culture of the Class of 2016' Infographic Shows Changes
94
Dance-Encouraging Sneakers
Ground Wave by Tom Sykes Syncs to an App So Dancers Can Boogie Away
93
Gamer Engagement Rings
Passionate Gamers Can Combine Their Hobbies with These Video Game Rings
92
Retro Arcade Art Installations
The 3D Ms. Pac-Man Display is Interactive and Fun
91
Mini Cyborg Phone Docks
The Helios iOS Device Turns Your Cellular Device into a Robot
90
Geeky Gaming Pumps
The 'Super Mario Wedge Heels' Will Stomp Out Goombas
89
Fantasy Video Game Fashion
Skyrim Gets Stylish in the Dragonborn Photo Series
88
Human Cadaver Cafeterias
The Pop-Up Human Butchery and Morgue Sells Fake Edible Body Parts
87
Entrepreneur Computer Graphics
'Tech Companies That Started Something Great' Infographic is Smart
86
Gamer Night Lights
The Minecraft Light Keeps Players Safe After Lights Out
85
Pixelated Gamer Artwork
The Video Game Crafts by Winwolfz are 8-Bit Beauties
84
Futuristic Medieval Fantasy Females
XiaoBo Tong Renders Warrior Women that Transcend Time
83
Recreated Gaming Legends
The Zelda Project Brings Iconic Characters to Life
82
Online Info Museums
The Big Internet Museum Opens 24/7 to Anyone with Online Access
81
Cutesy Game Avatar Art
Andrew Wilson Depicts Classic Nintendo Characters in a Pseudo-3D Style
80
Chalk Weapon Warfare
Chalk Warfare 2 is an Awesome Twist on Your Standard Video Game
79
Blocky Sci-Fi Spaceship Models
This LEGO Hyperion Battlecruiser Recreates StarCraft 2 Vehicle
78
Functional Gamer Furniture
The Nintendo Controller Coffee Table Boasts Fully Functional Controls
77
Steampunk Cyborg Portraits
Concept Art for Bioshock's Handyman is Tragic and Menacing
76
Key-Guarding Figurines
The 'DIY LEGO Key Holder' is a Star Wars Lover's Dream
75
Retro Gaming Caricatures
Brendan Corris Renders Nintendo Heroes with Exaggerated Features
74
Arachnid Assault Games
Fight a Creepy Crawly With Mentos' Spider Swiper App
73
Cinematic Video Game Posters
Ron Guyatt Re-Imagines Xbox, PS3 & Nintendo Titles as Movies
72
Ludicrous Retro Gaming Lavatories
Gregory Pinzone Fashions a Bathroom Inspired by '80s Arcades
71
Game-Centred Coffee Tables
The MokasWoodCrafting Table Will Bring out the Nerd in Everyone
70
Geeky 8-Bit Aquariums
The Super Mario Fish Tank Lets Sea Creatures Swim with Goombas
69
Woody Tablet Protectors
The Woodero iPad Case is Sturdy and Practical
68
Typographic Video Game Graffiti
Artist Tilt Hides Words in Images of Super Mario Bros. Cast
67
Authentic-Looking Assassin Toys (UPDATED)
The Assassin’s Creed Hidden Blade Replica Looks Re
66
Videogame Romance Charts
The ‘Gamers Get Girls Infographic' Shows That Dating Sites Ca
65
Secret Agent-Inspired Watches
These Timepieces Use Linear LED Lights Instead of Rotating Hands
64
Role-Playing Gamer Pullovers
The Mists of Pandaria Hoodie Gives Warcraft Players a Stylish Edge
63
Pixelated Geeky Crafts
The DIY Space Invaders Pixelated Paper Art is a Homage
62
Historical Game Hero Infographics
'30 Years of Super Mario' Follows the Journey from 8-Bit to 3D
61
Realistic Gaming Rifles
The Delta Six Combat Rifle Gives Gamers a Real Combat Experience
60
Fighting Game Mini Figures
Julian Fong Crafts Custom LEGO Toys Inspired by Street Fighter
59
Realistic Avian App Renderings
Sam Spratt Illustrates Lifelike Versions of Angry Birds Characters
58
Toy Pocket Monster Models
Mike Nieves Crafts Pokemon Figurines Using LEGO Blocks
57
Gamer Blade Desktop Backgrounds
The Zelda Weapon Wallpaper Displays All of Link’s Swords
56
Zombified Playing Cards
The Deck of the Dead Manipulates Each Suit Into Zombie Delights
55
Fully Functional Gamer Instruments
The Custom Super Mario Guitar Helps Save Virtual Worlds
54
Surreal Gaming Specs
The 'Oculus Rift' Headset Provides an Interactive Experience
53
Gaming-Themed Timekeepers
The Eviga Hola Watch Has Video Game Style
52
Arcade-Inspired Character Art
'PAC MODS' Features Famous Characters as Pac Man Creatures
51
Personified Corporation Messages
'Texts From Video Game Companies' Mocks Lousy Business Practices
50
Mind-Blowing Melon Cases
The Sensic 'SmartGoggles' Debuted at CES 2012
49
Creepy Clawed Lighting
The Barnacle Ceiling Lamp is Inspired by the Half-Life Video Game
48
Video Game Pixel Paintings
Deviantartist RubiksPhoenix Creates Nerdy 8-Bit Artwork
47
Playful Punctuation Posters
John Scarratt Illustrates Quirky Versions of the Exclamation Mark
46
Sleek Gaming Gas Masks
The Sentry Turret Soldier Helmet is Weapon Fixture for the Face
45
Retro Game Controller Cushions
Felt Sew Good Churns Out Geeky Pillows for Nintendo Fans
44
Pseudo Supernatural Promotions
China Has its Own Teleporting Girl Superhero
43
Musical Gamer Guitars
The Skyrim Dragon Mandolin is Designed to Slay and Play
42
Video Game Picture Books
Caldwell Tanner Parodies Children's Tales with Nintendo Characters
41
Galactic Alliance Apparel
These Star Wars: The Old Republic T-Shirts Let You Show Your Loyalties
40
Fan-Made Game Endings
Koobismo Spearheads Take Back ME3 with 'Marauder Shields' Comic
39
Triforce Skate Shoes
The Zelda 'Twilight Princess' Vans are a Cosplay Essential
38
Concealed Assassin Weapon Toys
The Ezio Auditore Role–Play Gauntlet Replica Completes Fan Co
37
Gaming Animation Comparisons
HTML5 vs Flash Games Breaks Down The Two Formats
36
Hipsterfied Video Game Animals
Adam Sidwell Morphs Star Fox Characters into Subculturists
35
Smartphone Gamer Peripherals
The Xappr Gun Offers a More Portable and Realistic Experience
34
Video Game Propaganda Posters
Joe Simpson Creates Promos Reminiscent Wartime Images
33
Classic Video Game Soaps
Legend of Zelda Soaps Keep Lazy Gamers Clean
32
Hybrid Computer Gamepads
Chameleon X-1 Assassin's Creed Mouse Has a Slick New Look
31
Nintendo Timekeepers
The 'Nerdy Clocks' Etsy Shop Offers Old-School Gaming Gems
30
Retro Game Chalk Renderings (UPDATE)
Leon Keer Adorns a Sidewalk with a 3D Pac-Man Piece
29
Retro Gaming Sound Systems
The Atari 2600 Speaker Lets You Pump Music and Play Pong
28
Anachronistic Video Game Accessories
This Duncan Shirah Steampunk Portal Gun is Gorgeously Geeky
27
Steampunk Gaming Platforms
This Steampunk Nintendo System is a Radically Retro Re-Imagination
26
Gamer Currency Cushions
These Rupee Pillows Will Have You Dreaming of Zelda
25
Fantasy Game Fashion Models
The Prada 2012 Spring Men's Collection Uses Virtual Mannequins
24
Sci-Fi Game Guns
The M-3 Predator Full Scale Replica Brings the Mass Effect Pistol to Life
23
Jumbled Pixel Portraits
Laura Vidal Illustrates Game Characters Using Disorganized Squares
22
Detailed Video Game Depictions
Jose Emroca Flores Paints Super Mario Like a True Artist
21
Arcade-Inspired Graffiti (UPDATE)
'3D Super Mario Chalk Art' by Chris Carlson is Hyper-Realistic
20
Vintage Gaming Adapters
The Retrode Lets You Play SNES and Sega Genesis Games on Your Computer
19
Culture Icon Cameo Phantoms
The Ryan Coleman Pac-Man Ghosts are Versatile
18
Funky Flying Cameras
The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Can Turn Your Reality Digital
17
Gamer Coffee Cups
Tiago Goncalves Makes a Mug Resembling an Old School Game Boy
16
Relatable Game Revelation Memes
N7 Confessions Denotes Experiences of Mass Effect Fans
15
Retro Console Papercrafts
Alexis Huret Designs a Hip Nintendo Entertainment System Monster
14
Portable Game Station Cases
GAEMS G155 Lets You Play Your XBOX or PS3 Slim On-The-Go
13
Nerdy Gamer Night Lights
The Super Mario Mushroom Lamp is an 8-Bit Illuminator
12
Retro Avian Art
Pixel Angry Birds Takes the Popular Mobile Game Back in Time
11
Fantasy Game Crochet Totes
The Zelda Bomb Bag and 3 Blue Bombs are Perfect for Geeky Friends
10
Mind-Reading Decks
The Board of Imagination Moves From Your Thoughts
9
Retro Gamer Lights
The Zelda Triforce Lamp Pays Tribute to Nintendo's Other Hero
8
Iconic Gamer Mancessories
The Legend of Zelda Cufflinks Let You Save Hyrule in Style
7
8-Bit Drinking Tables
The Legend of Zelda Beer Pong Table is Perfect for Retro Frat Boys
6
Green Elf Game Tributes
Gabriel Leoni Honors Legend of Zelda Franchise with Regal Poster Designs
5
Puzzling Timepieces
Tell Time and Exercise Your Brain With the Sudoku Watch
4
RPG Mug Rugs
Decoy's Dork Decor Sells Retro and Modern Gamer Drink Coasters
3
Abbreviated Stealth Game Stories
'Metal Gear Solid Lore in a Minute' Chronicles Solid Snake's Tale
2
Video Game Breathing Apparatuses
The Portal Gas Mask by Brian Cargile is Some Chic Gamer Gear
1
Retro Gaming Cutting Boards
Jim Van Winkle Designs Cooking Tool with a Pixelated Super Mario
Related Ideas
Colorblocked Assassin Attire
The Kenway Jacket Will Give You a Totally Lethal Look
Dapper Gamer Accessories
The 8-Bit Bow Tie Has Fun Written All Over It
Crime Fighter Cartoon Mash-Ups
Ann Marcellino Fuses The Avengers with Sailor Moon
Compact Computing Timepieces
NEXD Android Watches are Multifunctional and Sleek
11 Geeky Mass Effect Products
From Heavy Pistol Replicas to FemShep Barbie Dolls
Steampunk Switches
The Green Tree Jewelry Light Switch Plates Complicate a Simple Action
Simple Invisible Timepieces
Minimalist Analog Watches Tell Time Through Your Skin
Gamer Punctuation Jewelry
The Question Mark Ring is Inspired by the Super Mario Game
Culturally Melded Fantasy Art
Jennifer Hom Paints with a Blend of Eastern & Western Aesthetics
Sinister Superhero Sculptures (UPDATE)
The Exhibit 'Broken Heroes' by Patricia Waller is Somber
Unattractive Individual Illustrations
The Unflattering Portraits Series Focuses on Facial Flaws
Luxuriously Inked Timepieces
Mister Cartoon Diesel Watches Expertly Display Tattooing and Time
Retro Arcade Art Installations
The 3D Ms. Pac-Man Display is Interactive and Fun
Smartphone-Enhancing Gadgets
The Mini Cinema for iPhone Heightens Visuals and Sound
Steampunk Seafaring Jewelry
The Capt. Jules' Extraordinary Telescope Ring Will Inspire Adventure
Generational Makeup Editorials
The ELLE France 'Beauty Idol' Photoshoot Stars Ashley Smith
Mutated Mascot Drawings
Spencer Mann Imagines Mickey Mouse & Others in Psychedelic Manner
24 Jubilant Joystick Designs
From Gaming Keychains to Steampunk Pac-Man
Bold Butchered Shirts
The Yuko Sekine Meat Series is Delicious
Geeky Gamer Undergarments
The Xbox 360 Controller Bra is a Nerd-Themed Female Chest Supporter
Geeky Gamer Credentials
Paolo Castellaneta Space Invader Business Cards Stand Out From the Crowd
Recreated Gaming Legends
The Zelda Project Brings Iconic Characters to Life
Sneaky Stethoscope Pocket Watches
The Lexon 'Take Time' Watch is Superbly Flexible
Limited Edition Rainbow Watches
Swatch and Fred Butler Team Up to Debut the 777 Watch
3D Super Mario Chalk Art
Chris Carlson Creates Nintendo Characters That Pop Out of the Ground
Dramatic 1970s Editorials
The Vogue Us April 2012 Kloss Photoshoot is Retro and Expressive
Sophisticated Sci-Fi Timepieces
The Seiko Luxury Star Wars Watches are Gorgeously Geeky
Graffiti-Inspired Timepieces
The Swatch Spring/Summer 2012 Collection is Edgy
Superimposed Building Photoshoots
Cardboardcities on Society6 Amalgamates Models and Architecture
Expressive Mechanical Cat Tails
The Shippo Tail is a Must-Have Item for Kitty Fashionistas
Dual-Triangle Rotor Timepieces
The Experiment ZRO12 Watch is the First From C3H5N3O9
Sturdy Concrete Watches
Dzmitry Samal Creates A Series Of Strong Timepieces
Fishy iPhone Holders
The Smartphone Stand by Sushi Holds Up the Phone With a Big Appetite
Playground-Inspired Furniture
The Swing Sofa by Studio Aisslinger Brings Child-Like Fun Indoors
Ever-Changing Disk Timepieces
The Nendo 'Dark Noon' Watches Alter as Time Passes
Chronological Coding Charts
The History Of HTML5 Infographic is a Must-Read
Pixelated Geeky Crafts
The DIY Space Invaders Pixelated Paper Art is a Homage
Generational Anxiety Charts
This Millennial Stressor Infographic is Englightening
Arcade Game Timepieces
The RJ-Romain Jerome Pac Man Watch is a Limited-Edition Item
Conceptual Cloud Photography
Sarah Ann Wright Creates Surreal Scenes Using Cotton Wool
CD Shard Dragons
Redditor Amon-a-boat's Alduin the Data Eater is Inspired by Skyrim
Pristine Prismatic Buildings
The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland Toys With Geometry
Veined Anatomical Desserts
The Human Head Cake is Intricate and Terrifying
Gas-Breathing Zombies
Animated Gaseous Halloween Zombie Prop is Sure to Scare
Arcade-Inspired Character Art
'PAC MODS' Features Famous Characters as Pac Man Creatures
Comical Celebrity Depictions
Michael Lewis's Photography Captures Celebrities in Playful Portraits
Video Game Pixel Paintings
Deviantartist RubiksPhoenix Creates Nerdy 8-Bit Artwork
Luxurious Skull Timepieces
The Romain Jerome Art-DNA Collection Captures Rebellious Consumers
Sleek Gaming Gas Masks
The Sentry Turret Soldier Helmet is Weapon Fixture for the Face
Fuzzy Pikachu Sweaters
The Custom Erosdiy Pokemon Hoodie by Eros DIY Design is Perfect for Gamers
Heritage Military Timepieces
The Fossil Watches Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection is a Vintage Take
Futuristic Film Material Timepieces
The DeLorean DNA Watch is Actually Made From DeLorean Parts
Depressing Occult Children Depictions
Adrienne Kammerer Illustrates Images with Magica
Dancing Smartphone Docks
The Shimi Android Stand Grooves Along to the Music
Concealed Assassin Weapon Toys
The Ezio Auditore Role–Play Gauntlet Replica Completes Fan Co
Video Game Propaganda Posters
Joe Simpson Creates Promos Reminiscent Wartime Images
Classic Video Game Soaps
Legend of Zelda Soaps Keep Lazy Gamers Clean
Carnal Classic Cartoons
The 'Bloody Looney Toons' Series is an Assault on Childhood Nostaliga
Controversial Test Subject Ads
Toshiba Satellite Ultrabook Ad Gets Backlash From Medical Community
Generational Comment Videos
The Pocket Jakes Short Film 'Online Now' is a Fascinating Perspective
Retro Game Chalk Renderings (UPDATE)
Leon Keer Adorns a Sidewalk with a 3D Pac-Man Piece
Pretty Pom-Pom Jewelry
The Vamoose Collection by Kathryn Blackmore is Soft and Feminine
Terrific Twin Timepieces
The Paul Kweton 'Spli-T-ime' Watch Sees Doubles
Geeky Gamer Window Shades
Direct Blinds has Created a Line of 8-Bit-Inspired Blinds
Floating Waterfront Museums
The Astrup Fearnley Museet is Set in Oslo's Canals
Anachronistic Video Game Accessories
This Duncan Shirah Steampunk Portal Gun is Gorgeously Geeky
Charity-Supporting Kicks
GIDEON SHOES are Hand-Crafted in an Anti-Sweatshop Ethical Workplace
Steampunk Writing Utensils
The ‘Montblanc Fountain Pen’ is an Expensive Investment
Light-Infused Blankets
The Fiber Optics Bedspread Creates a Soothing Glow
Circling Cellphone Hubs
The RING iPhone Dock Revolves for a Range of Viewing Orientations
Enlightening Smartphone Alerts
The Wake-To-Light Alarm Clock Rouses You in a Reasonable Manner
Game Fanatic Paper Figurines
George Alexopoulos Crafts Awesome Cartoon Character Desk Buddies
Colored Lichen Wall Art
The MOSSFrame by Benetti Stone Brings a Touch of Nature into the Home
Full-Fledged Cage Rings
Uniquely Accessorize Hands with the Lighthouse by Lulu Frost
Tiny Smartphone Gadgets
The Sensordrone Can Do a Multitude of Tasks and Fits on a Keyring
Cropped Tentacle Monster Hoodies
The Cthulhu Cosplay Shrug Shirt is Both Humorous and Horrific
Arcade-Inspired Graffiti (UPDATE)
'3D Super Mario Chalk Art' by Chris Carlson is Hyper-Realistic
Cross Continent Cartoon Mash-Ups
Jose Armillas Nieves Melds 'My Neighbor Totoro' with 'Futurama'
Retro-Futuristic Timepieces
The Devon Tread 1 Steampunk Watch Has a $25,000 Price Tag
Feathered Designer Timepieces
The Dior The VIII Grand Bal Watch Takes Flight
Gaming Sister Campaigns
The Super Mario Bros. 2 Commercial Stars Penelope and Monica Cruz
Female Gamer Outfits
The 'Shhh Couture' Latex Super Mario Costume is Ideal for Parties
Boozy Rock Band Beverages
KISS Beer Blends Rockstar Swagger with Easy Drinking Taste
Classic Arcade Hero Attire
The Mega Man Hoodie Hides a Mega Blaster Up its Sleeve
Candy Cane Cosmetics
The Candy Cane Sugar Scrub is a Festive Beauty Regiment
Floating Orb Archiecuture
The National Art Museum by MAD Architects Design is Otherworldly
Superhero-Inspired Sweatshirts
The 'Wonder Woman Knit Sweater' is a Nostalgia-Filled DIY
Fantasy Game Crochet Totes
The Zelda Bomb Bag and 3 Blue Bombs are Perfect for Geeky Friends
Handsfree Gaming Glasses
IOP Reuses Game Consoles to Make Affordable Games for Mobility-Impaired
Iconic Toy-Inspired Sweaters
The Rainbow Dash Hoodie is Perfect for 'My Little Pony' Fanatics
Gambling Demographic Stats
The 'Rise of Bingo' Infographic Marks a Change in The Industry
Arcade Hero Graffiti
The Megaman Street Art Puts Up a Fight Against Ugly City Walls
Retro Console Converters
The iOS GameDock Turns Your iDevice Into an Old School System
Monumental Moments Memorials
Google's Memories for the Future Remembers the 2011 Japan Earthquake
Mechanical Elation Inducers
Treat Yourself to an Inspiration Picker-Upper with a Happiness Machine
Wireless Game Controllers
John Godfroid's Gamepad for Tablets Creates an On-The-Go Gaming Unit
Stained Glass Cartoon Displays
Judith Mascolo Brings Iconic Characters to Life
Killer 8-Bit Gun Covers
The Nintendo Zapper Holster Makes 'Duck Hunt' More Interesting
Impossibly Hard Video Games
Give Up is a Game That Takes Frustration to Another Level
Benevolent Business Training
On Purpose is a Program for Tomorrow's Social Enterprise Leaders
Miniature Glowing Lights
The Glow in the Lamp is a Tiny Illuminator
Hand-Cooling Computer Devices
The Black Element Gaming Mouse Cyclone Will Leave Your Hands Dry
Competitive Street Corner Games
Crosswalk Pong Gives You Something to Do While Waiting to Walk
Old-Fashioned Paranormal Posters
Steampunk Ghost Busters Illustrations Combine Past and Future
LEGO Weapon Replicas
The LEGO Hylian Shield Recreates the Legend of Zelda
Flying Blowfish Videos
Arthur Philippe Brings on Laughter in his 'Fugu' Video
Brain-Devouring Clocks
The Zombie Clock Will Wake You Up in Time for the Apocalypse
Timelapse Drawing Films
This Super Mario 3D Chalk Art Jumps Off the Street
Vintage Hero Garments
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Knit Sweatshirt is Totally Nostalgic
Social Media Drinking Games
Sh*tFacedbook Brings Networking Straight to Your Liver
Stop-Motion Note Videos
Super Mario Comes to Life in Mario Post-It Life
Online Cemetery Platforms
The Memmento Website Allows Users to Commemorate the Deceased
Smartphone Connected Timepieces
The iPhone-Compatible Casio G-Shock 2 Wristwatch is Out
Adorable Undead Flash Drives
The Zombie USB by Blueshift Nine is Animated
Destructive Digital Theme Parks
Sims Meets Roller Coaster Tycoon in this Augmented Reality Video
A.I-Inspired Board Games
The Alan Turing Monopoly Game Celebrates the Turing Test