Games Consumer Insights

Trend - Technology companies are transitioning from IPS and LCD displays to OLED panels to increase the products' quality. These panels deliver richer colors with wider contrast ratios while taking up less space, using less power, and weighing less, extending the value of laptops and handhelds.

Insight - The concerns gamers have with portable devices are related to battery life, quality, true portability, and power. These consumers primarily consider turning to more compact devices only when no compromises are being made in these areas, and otherwise use larger solutions. Several products have demonstrated these consumers are willing to pay a small premium over alternative devices for significant gains in quality, leading to manufacturers turning to newer, more efficient technologies.

Trend - Toxicity moderation tools encompass various technologies and strategies game developers employ to address and mitigate toxic behavior within gaming communities. Toxicity moderation tools aim to foster positive and inclusive gaming environments by identifying and managing toxic interactions.

Insight - Gamers often seek a safe gaming environment where they can foster a sense of community, interact with and support one another, and share a common passion for gaming. However, toxic behavior can undermine the integrity of the gameplay experience, contributing to feelings of unsafeness, anxiety, and stress. By launching moderation tools, game developers are able to address this issue while encouraging positive communication and enhancing the gaming experience for everyone involved.

Trend - Brands are launching remastered and reworked versions of popular platformer games from the 1990s and 2000s. Platformer games are heavily reliant on seamlessly navigating through levels or platforms while running, jumping, and interacting with the elements involved.

Insight - Consumers often rely on nostalgia to fuel their purchases, especially when the product is associated with a specific era or memory. By leaning into this concept, game developers can market to older audiences while providing younger fans with novelty. Moreover, those who still own older consoles can relish a fresh yet familiar gaming experience through these remastered editions.

Trend - K-Pop video games are video games that are centered around Korean pop music and idols. These games typically incorporate rhythm and business management elements, allowing players to engage with the K-Pop industry and its artists more personally.

Insight - Mobile music games are desired by fans who want to feel closer to their idols and immerse themselves in their day-to-day lives. These games allow players to manage their virtual characters or idols, execute thrilling performances, and access exclusive content in a way that mimics the real idol experience. This allows fans to feel more connected to the K-pop experience and what it might be like to be a part of it.

Trend - Computer brands are launching miniature PCs with advanced specs and stunning design elements. These systems are designed to be space-efficient and energy-efficient with a smaller footprint that helps consumers compute tasks, conduct professional work, and play video games.

Insight - Consumers are often looking for compact electronic devices that cater to a variety of needs, ranging from travel and professional commitments to budget considerations. These computers benefit consumers who require a system that is portable and lightweight, power-conscious, and versatile while providing sufficient computing power for various tasks. Brands are responding to this desire for affordable, portable workstations by launching small form factor PCs.

Trend - Esports continues to dominate the entertainment industry, and with the new opportunities in games, companies are racing to equip today’s students with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue a career in gaming. These initiatives include student esports leagues, esports management programs, and more.

Insight - As the global perception of gaming shifts, companies are recognizing how investing in educational esports initiatives can lead to increased interest in technology-driven careers. Esports encourages students to pursue further education and professions in STEM while also assisting them in developing new transferable and digital literacy skills. Additionally, providing students with an outlet to express their interests helps foster a mutually beneficial relationship with the educational institution.

Trend - Computer hardware manufacturers are focusing on compact, power-efficient, and size-efficient gaming computers for customers with less space or high energy costs. These compact gaming devices take next-to-no space while offering comparable experiences to full-size gaming computers.

Insight - While PC enthusiasts are willing to spend time and money researching, building, and customizing computers to ensure each included component is perfect, many others simply want to purchase a device that works out of the box. These consumers are drawn to a number of different products, seeking either value for money, aesthetic, portability, or overall power draw. These consumers are increasingly being drawn to mini PCs, as these devices fulfill each of the aforementioned categories.

Trend - Game developers are leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology to make games more immersive and less predictable. By using AI for non-player characters (NPCs), players can have more lifelike conversations with NPCs, build bonds with NPCs, and be more engaged overall.

Insight - Escapism and immersion are two of the largest draws to gaming for many consumers. However, while gaming offers respite from busy lives, consumers often purchase many games after growing bored of one game, as games become repetitive over time. As game prices continue to rise, many consumers are unable to purchase multiple full-price games a month. There is a market for games that offer excellent immersion and escapism without in-game actions feeling repetitive and pre-written.

Trend - Gaming furniture and peripheral brands are launching gaming-focused chairs with built-in surround sound speaker systems. These chairs are immersive and comfortable, offering directional audio without the discomfort of a headset, enabling longer, more enjoyable gaming sessions.

Insight - Modern gamers continually seek devices that improve their performance, comfort, or experience. These players seek whatever products offer a competitive edge without breaking the bank. This involves purchasing multipurpose devices, such as multiplatform peripherals or heavily adjustable chairs for ergonomics. Brands have responded to this pressure by launching furniture with smart features. These appease the consumer's desire for increased performance, cost-saving, and personal comfort.

Trend - Esports teams and organizations have begun opening physical facilities across the world for players to hone their skills, participate in live events, explore wellness practices, and produce in-house content. Physical esports facilities also house content creators and professional esports players pursuing higher opportunities and help connect influencers looking to collaborate.

Insight - Content houses and facilities provide a unique gaming experience to locals looking to get involved with the esports scene. Content facilities often become gathering places for lovers of a specific team or game. This helps local fans connect with their idols and participate in events such as local area network (LAN) tournaments and meet and greets. By fostering relationships with notable team members and aspiring creators, consumers looking to pursue a professional career in gaming can network easier and seek out opportunities within the scene.