# Cyclical Gaming Games take a step back to incorporate nostalgic elements from the past. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published Dec 6, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/cyclical-gaming ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 5, 2016 to Apr 4, 2018 - Published: Dec 6, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Cyclical Gaming trend ### 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. ### 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. ### Multiplayer VR Gaming Entertainment companies are developing VR games with multiplayer functionality, providing a more immersive and social gaming experience for players. ## What the Cyclical Gaming trend means for industry ### For 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 for Cyclical Gaming Trend score 2.6 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 26%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 45% - Activity: 26% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Cyclical Gaming trend 6 featured examples from Feb 5, 2016 to Apr 4, 2018. - [Reimagined Classic Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cup-and-ball-game): This Version Of the Classic Cup and Ball Game Features Audio Instructions (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate technological advancements into traditional toys, creating interactive and immersive gameplay experiences. - [Disney Emoji Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cartoonemoji): Users Collect Cartoon Emojis After Playing Games in 'Disney Emoji Blitz' (Category: Tech) Implication: Creating engaging and addictive emoji games can drive user engagement and revenue growth in the mobile gaming industry. - [8-Bit Disney Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gogcom): GOG.com has Partnered with Disney to Offer SNES Games Online (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Online video game retailers will benefit from expanding their classic game offerings for retro gamers. - [Online 8-Bit Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pico8-console): The PICO-8 Console Creates New and Nostalgic 80s Video Games (Category: Tech) Implication: The use of the 8-bit aesthetic and development of 'fantasy consoles' could disrupt the gaming industry, creating new opportunities for innovative game design. - [Commemorative Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-duke-nukem): This New Duke Nukem Release Celebrates a Classic 1990s Game (Category: Tech) Implication: Video game developers can leverage the trend of releasing commemorative video games to tap into nostalgia, drive sales, and engage with loyal fanbases. - [Multiplayer VR Game Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multiplayer-vr-game): Nickelodeon and IMAX Corporation Debut Kid-Friendly Game SlimeZone (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The entertainment and gaming industry can integrate multiplayer VR game experiences to provide innovative and captivating forms of interactive entertainment. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)