# Topical Gaming Games targeted toward adults take on topical, of-the-moment themes. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Jul 7, 2016 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/topical-gaming ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Topical Gaming trend? **Topical Gaming:** Increasing engagement and capitalizing off of buzz, games focused around pop culture phenomena like politics or Internet memes are taking off. By playing into topics that consumers are already interested in and talking about, game creators are not only able to increase sales, but generate word-of-mouth around the products themselves as well. This shift toward a more niche version of existing products is reflective of a consumer base that seeks out goods that reflect their specific interests. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 12 to Jul 6, 2016 - Published: Jul 7, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Topical Gaming trend ### Pop Culture Phenomena Games focused around pop culture phenomena take advantage of buzz-worthy topics to increase sales and generate word-of-mouth around the products themselves. ### Niche Products A shift towards niche products is reflective of a consumer base that seeks out goods that reflect their specific interests; this presents significant opportunities for creators to capitalize. ### Humorous Adaptation Humorous adaptations of popular games and apps, such as dating apps and internet memes, allow for immense innovation opportunities within traditional board games and card games. ## What the Topical Gaming trend means for industry ### For Gaming The gaming industry is experiencing growth as games become more niche in response to ever-growing pop culture phenomena trends. ### For Marketing Marketing professionals can look to capitalize on pop culture phenomena trends by creating products reflective of current cultures and subcultures to target specific consumers. ### For Entertainment Entertainment industry professionals must adapt to the trend of humorous adaptations of popular games to remain competitive in an ever-changing market. ## Workshop question If you were to leverage a pop culture phenomenon to connect with consumers, which one would you choose and how would you leverage it? ## Trend signals for Topical Gaming Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 51%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 63% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Topical Gaming trend 4 featured examples from Feb 12 to Jul 6, 2016. - [Comically Insulting Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-cards-against-humanity): This New Cards Against Humanity Game Mocks Donald Trump (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The creation of 'Trump Against Humanity' signals the opportunity for disruptive innovation within the party game industry, as businesses capitalize on the trend of unconventional… - [Virus-Fighting Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/complex-board-game): This Complex Board Game is Said to Be the Best One Ever Made (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for board game manufacturers to innovate and create more intricate and immersive games. - [Internet Meme Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/card-board-game): The 'What Do You Meme?' Card Board Game Has Players Caption Memes (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity for board game companies to tap into the popularity of Internet memes and create meme-themed games that target younger audiences. - [Dating App Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinderbased-card-game): This Tinder-Based Card Game Pokes Fun at Online Dating (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Developing card games and gamified experiences based on popular online platforms like Tinder creates opportunities for innovation in the gaming industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)