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Games Consumer Insights

Digital Console
Mainstream gaming consoles are doing away with disc drives in favor of downloads
Trend - Industry-leading gaming brands are releasing game consoles devoid of disc drives in favor of all-digital downloads. By foregoing the disc drive, brands can offer consoles at reduced prices, while game prices themselves can be lowered by not needing to mass-produce and distribute physical copies.

Insight - One of the largest reasons why a modern gamer may gravitate toward a console rather than a computer is due to convenience and simplicity. Game consoles are plug-and-play experiences that require no tinkering. Additionally, these consumers are drawn to the cost-effectiveness of consoles. Gaming brands are taking into account the priorities of convenience and cost-effectiveness and offering devices with lower prices and free of disc drives to provide savings and simplicity.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage the priorities of convenience and cost-effectiveness to enhance our offerings for customers?
6.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Strikingly Minimalist Gaming Consoles
Strikingly Minimalist Gaming Consoles
The Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Carbon Black Arrives in Fall
The Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB Carbon Black is a high-storage version of the gaming console ready to provide gamers with access to their favorite digital titles in a design-conscious way. The... MORE
play_circle_filledAnniversary-Celebrating Console Bundles
Anniversary-Celebrating Console Bundles
Sony Launched a PS5 Bundle with PS1-Inspired Designs
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the PlayStation brand, Sony has introduced a special collection of PlayStation 5 products. This collection includes limited edition versions of the PS5 Pro and... MORE
Ergonomic Pro-Grade Game Systems
Ergonomic Pro-Grade Game Systems
The Asus ROG Ally X Has the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor
The Asus ROG Ally X handheld gaming computer is a powerful piece of gear engineered with the needs of professional and passive players alike in mind to help them play from virtually anywhere. The... MORE
Slim Modular Consoles
Slim Modular Consoles
Sony's New PlayStation 5 is Thinner with a Detachable Disk Drive
Sony has announced a new version of its PlayStation 5 console that features a slimmer design and a removable disc drive. The new PS5 has the same internal hardware as the original model, but it has... MORE
play_circle_filledAll-Digital Consoles
All-Digital Consoles
Microsoft Announced the Digital Xbox Series X & S at the Xbox Games Showcase
During the annual Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft revealed all-digital Xbox Series X and S consoles as discless models that support the needs of digital-first players. Xbox president Sarah Bond... MORE
Inclusive Hairstyle
Video game developers increasingly invest in textured hair-centric initiatives
Trend - Game companies are launching efforts to enhance diversity and expand the variety of hairstyles in character customization. Focusing on Black hair textures and other historically underrepresented styles, these organizations aim to create a space where all players feel valued and represented equally.

Insight - Black gamers frequently struggle to find hair options that represent their natural textures and styles, a challenge that often stems from limited diversity in character customization menus. In response, gaming companies are investing in DEI initiatives to better reflect the full spectrum of player identities. Recognizing that representation is key to player satisfaction, these companies prioritize inclusivity, knowing that it strengthens player retention and garners positive community feedback.
Workshop Question - How can your brand ensure that its initiatives reflect and include a diverse range of identities?
7.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Developer Marketplace
Large software companies are offering asset marketplaces for game developers
Trend - Software companies in the gaming space are launching marketplaces designed for game developers. These marketplaces offer assets, such as 3D character models, audio tracks, or maps, to be purchased and licensed for use by other developers, aiming to streamline and decentralize game development.

Insight - Novice game developers could encounter any number of issues when entering the space based on their prior expertise. For example, those with an artistic background may have no trouble drawing their character models and maps, but may struggle with music or 3D animations, while the inverse may be true for another developer. In order to appeal to these developers and alleviate stress where it may arise, gaming software brands are launching marketplaces with licensable assets.
Workshop Question - How could your brand offer a solution to support professionals with varying skillsets via its products or services?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Esports Betting
Esports companies increasingly invest in enhanced technologies for betting sites
Trend - Esports technology companies are increasingly investing in software to help consumers more accurately predict the outcomes of competitive gaming matches. These technologies, from data analytics to machine learning, allow users to make informed decisions when wagering on esports events.

Insight - As betting platforms gain traction within the growing esports industry, brands are seizing the opportunity to establish themselves as significant players in this untapped market. Many companies prioritize adopting cutting-edge technologies that attract and retain users, encouraging them to choose their platform over others. These brands understand that esports fanatics seek novelty in their experiences, making technological advancement key to differentiating themselves in this evolving space.
Workshop Question - How can your brand differentiate itself from competitors in new and emerging markets?
3.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Automotive Peripheral
Automotive and computer brands are partnering on co-branded products
Trend - Automotive brands are becoming increasingly involved in the consumer technology industry by releasing co-branded smartphones, computers, components, and accessories. These products come with the established credibility of both respective brands, leading to rapid growth within the space.

Insight - Brand identity plays a key factor for most consumers when searching for new products. Brands commonly regarded as household names often get preferential treatment when two products are perceived to be equal. For many consumers, this is true even for products outside of the respective companies' typical industries. In order to capitalize off the preference for established brands, automotive companies are partnering with consumer electronics companies on co-branded offerings in both spaces.
Workshop Question - How could your brand leverage co-branding partnerships across industries to enhance its brand credibility and reach new consumer segments?
7.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Inclusive Esports
Esports campaigns are adapted to appeal to neurodivergent and disabled gamers
Trend - As esports becomes a viable career option for experienced gamers, more competitive opportunities are emerging for disabled and neurodivergent gamers. These tournaments champion diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where all gamers can showcase their skills.

Insight - As the esports landscape becomes increasingly competitive, gamers with disabilities often desire opportunities that allow them to get involved while receiving necessary accommodations. In response, esports organizations are introducing new tournament formats and player pools catered to these groups, aiming to diversify the competitive space and champion inclusion. Businesses focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in esports can attract marginalized communities eager to join these spaces.
Workshop Question - How can your brand cater its product/service to a marginalized group?
5.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Clamshell Resurgence
Handheld devices with foldable designs are gaining popularity for nostalgia
Trend - Independent handheld gaming device manufacturers are creating devices with clamshell designs, screens that fold closed when not in use, for nostalgic appeal. These devices protect their own screens, not requiring a case or screen protector, while enhancing ergonomic comfort with viewing angles.

Insight - Many consumers of today recall when gaming devices were focused on compact sizes, portability, and unique designs. Gaming handhelds from the 90s and 2000s were often made of plastic, featured clamshell designs, and were limited to simple games. Today, handheld gaming has evolved to shrunken-down full-blown computers. However, many older gamers do not resonate with this type of gaming, and yearn for the simplicity of retro games. Companies are addressing these desires with clamshell devices.
Workshop Question - How can we incorporate nostalgic elements into our product design to cater to consumers' longing for simpler, retro experiences?
8.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Incremental Game
Games that passively progress over time are gaining popularity
Trend - Incremental games are titles that progress over time without user input. This progress can be accelerated by actively playing the game. The passive progression model leads to consistent progression for the players, which is often satisfying and addicting, regardless of the players' busy schedules.

Insight - One of the fastest-growing markets in gaming is mobile gaming. With nearly every consumer having a gaming-capable smartphone in their pocket, the potential user base for these games is incredibly expansive. However, not all consumers have the time to actively engage with games. For these busier consumers who desire the satisfaction and relaxation of gaming with minimal free time, brands are releasing incremental progression games that automatically play themselves, even when the app is closed.
Workshop Question - How could your brand ensure its products or services are usable by consumers with minimal free time?
6.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Web3 Console
Entertainment brands are launching consoles designed around web3 ecosystems
Trend - Web3 and gaming brands are creating dedicated gaming consoles for cryptocurrency and NFT-integrated games. These consoles connect to players' crypto wallets to streamline withdrawing or using acquired cryptocurrencies on other platforms, thus increasing the attractiveness of web3 gaming.

Insight - The incorporation of web3 elements in video games is polarizing to gamers, with many either fully embracing or rejecting the field. However, some of the barriers that prevent gamers from engaging with web3 features include complexity, volatility, and security concerns. In an attempt to better address these concerns, reduce barriers to entry, and expand the web3 gaming market, brands are designing easy-to-use hardware with embedded security features.
Workshop Question - How could your brand expand its consumer base by making its products or services more accessible to newcomers?
8.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AR Gaming
Entertainment brands are creating consoles designed for use with wireless AR headsets
Trend - Hardware manufacturers are creating new gaming consoles designed to be used with wireless Augmented Reality (AR) headsets. These unique handheld devices use head-mounted displays rather than traditional screens, but function like traditional game consoles instead of VR headsets.

Insight - The rapid advancement of metaverse-adjacent technologies, such as VR headsets, has made these devices far more sophisticated and cost-effective. This has led to an increased interest in these technologies from tech-enthusiast consumers looking to try new technologies as early as possible. As a result of these factors, brands in adjacent industries, such as gaming, are repurposing these new technologies to diversify product offerings in their spaces.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage the advancements in AR and metaverse-adjacent technologies to create innovative experiences or products for your target audience?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends