Category
Tech
Delegated Interfaces
Trend cluster
Category
Cyclical
Gaming
Games take a step back to incorporate nostalgic elements from the past.
2.6
Trend score
Trend
What is the Cyclical Gaming trend?
Cyclical Gaming: Creating a sense of community within their fan base, video game developers are reusing familiar characters and themes of the past to spark emotional attachment amongst Millennial players. Reimagining highly recognizable characters from gamer’s adolescence increases brand engagement with new players as well as their core demographic base. This cyclical movement demonstrates a proclivity in the Millennial demographic to turn towards childhood nostalgia-inducing stimuli as a way to elevate their mood in times of stress or boredom.
Trend themes
Themes within the Cyclical Gaming trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Nostalgic Gaming
Video game developers are tapping into the Millennial demographic's love for nostalgia, reusing familiar characters and themes of the past to spark emotional attachment amongst players.
02
Reimagined Classic Games
Entrepreneurs are modernizing and reinventing classic games such as the cup and ball game, providing an opportunity to merge gaming and tech innovations.
03
Multiplayer VR Gaming
Entertainment companies are developing VR games with multiplayer functionality, providing a more immersive and social gaming experience for players.
Industry implications
What the Cyclical Gaming trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Gaming Industry
Gaming companies can leverage the trend of nostalgic gaming by developing games with familiar characters and themes from the past.
For
Tech Industry
Tech entrepreneurs can reimagine and modernize classic games by combining them with innovative technologies, creating new gaming experiences.
For
Entertainment Industry
Entertainment companies can disrupt the gaming industry by investing in VR gaming experiences and developing multiplayer games, creating a social and immersive gaming environment.
Workshop question
How could your brand use elements of nostalgia to create more engaging and memorable experiences?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Cyclical Gaming
Trend score 2.6 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 26%, freshness 8%.
Popularity45%
Activity26%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Cyclical Gaming trend
6 featured examples from Feb 5, 2016 to Apr 4, 2018CategoryLife-Stages
Reimagined Classic Games
This Version Of the Classic Cup and Ball Game Features Audio Instructions
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate technological advancements into traditional toys, creating interactive and immersive gameplay experiences.
CategoryTech
Disney Emoji Games
Users Collect Cartoon Emojis After Playing Games in 'Disney Emoji Blitz'
Creating engaging and addictive emoji games can drive user engagement and revenue growth in the mobile gaming industry.
CategoryPop Culture
8-Bit Disney Games
GOG.com has Partnered with Disney to Offer SNES Games Online
Online video game retailers will benefit from expanding their classic game offerings for retro gamers.
CategoryTech
Online 8-Bit Consoles
The PICO-8 Console Creates New and Nostalgic 80s Video Games
The use of the 8-bit aesthetic and development of 'fantasy consoles' could disrupt the gaming industry, creating new opportunities for innovative game design.
CategoryTech
Commemorative Video Games
This New Duke Nukem Release Celebrates a Classic 1990s Game
Video game developers can leverage the trend of releasing commemorative video games to tap into nostalgia, drive sales, and engage with loyal fanbases.
CategoryLife-Stages
Multiplayer VR Game Experiences
Nickelodeon and IMAX Corporation Debut Kid-Friendly Game SlimeZone
The entertainment and gaming industry can integrate multiplayer VR game experiences to provide innovative and captivating forms of interactive entertainment.
