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Top 100 Gaming Trends in 2018

From Esports Training Facilities to Performance Enhancing Headbands

— February 3, 2019 — Tech
The gaming industry is growing at an alarming, thanks to the rise of esports as a legitimate athletic venture, and this list of 2018 gaming trends showcases where the industry is headed.

Becoming a professional video game player was once considered a joke in contemporary society, but thanks to the rise of esports being good at video games is now a legitimate career option. While some colleges and universities have already established esports teams, PlayVS is hoping to give gamers a chance to blossom at a younger age by establishing a national high school esports league. Working with the National Federation of State High School Associations, PlayVS hoping to bring the burgeoning sport to almost 14.5 million high school students.

While the future of esports is a huge part of the gaming industry, in 2018 gaming companies took a chance to look back into their history. Various retro gaming consoles were rereleased in 2018, including the 'PocketSprite tiny Game Boy.' This incredibly compact device gives gamers a sense of nostalgia while also incorporating various modern features.

For more gaming innovations in the year ahead, check out our 2019 Trend Report.
6.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
100
Iconic Celebratory Gamer Consoles
Iconic Celebratory Gamer Consoles
The 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro is Specially Designed
<
99
Retro Game-Upgrading Consoles
Retro Game-Upgrading Consoles
The Hyperkin 'SupaRetroN HD' Console Plays Classic Cartridge Titles
<
98
Intense Gamer Smartphones
Intense Gamer Smartphones
The RAZER Tarox offers Advanced Functionalities for Gamers to Enjoy
<
97
High School eSports Leagues
High School eSports Leagues
The PlayVS Startup Wants to Use eSports as an Educational Tool
<
96
Surreal Typing Games
Surreal Typing Games
'David Lynch Teaches Typing' is an Educational Game Based on the Director
<
95
VR Tank Video Games
VR Tank Video Games
'World of Tanks VR' is in Development and Will Use Location-Based VR
<
94
Internet Interaction Video Games
Internet Interaction Video Games
'Dab on 'em Haterz' Helps Players Feel Better About Themselves
<
93
Audiophile-Approved Gaming Headphones
Audiophile-Approved Gaming Headphones
The Audeze Mobius Brings Advanced Sound to Gaming
<
92
Automotive-Backed eSports Leagues
Automotive-Backed eSports Leagues
An Overwatch and Toyota Partnership Introduces a Great Union
<
91
Revolutionary Gamer Smartphones
Revolutionary Gamer Smartphones
The Razer Phone 2 is Ready for Optimized Mobile Gaming Action
<
90
Stutter-Proof Gaming Monitors
Stutter-Proof Gaming Monitors
The 'LG Ultragear' Monitors Guarantee Smooth On-Screen Gaming Action
<
89
Hardcore Gardening Games
Hardcore Gardening Games
'Dark Soil' Forces Players to Plant and Fight Leafy Monsters
<
88
Next-Generation Arcade Controllers
Next-Generation Arcade Controllers
The Razer Panthera Evo Arcade Stick Enables Precision Gaming
<
87
eSports Industry Events
eSports Industry Events
The Esports Academy Will Help New Players Enter the Competitive World
<
86
Digital Monster Gamer Consoles
Digital Monster Gamer Consoles
The Pokémon Let’s Go Limited Edition Switch Console is Chromatic
<
85
Commuter-Friendly Gaming Laptops
Commuter-Friendly Gaming Laptops
The New Razer Blade Laptop is Just 0.66 Inches Thick
<
84
Business-Focused Video Games
Business-Focused Video Games
The American Mall Game Focuses on the Death of Shopping Centers
<
83
Ultra-Fast Gamer Laptops
Ultra-Fast Gamer Laptops
The ASUS TUF Gaming FX504 Laptop is Prepared for Intensive Use
<
82
LED-Equipped Speakers
LED-Equipped Speakers
The Logitech G560 Speakers Feature Impressive Specs and RGB Lighting
<
81
Game-Upgrading VR Apps
Game-Upgrading VR Apps
The 'CLOVR' App Lets Players Partake in Any Game in VR
<
80
Large-Scale Ultra Monitors
Large-Scale Ultra Monitors
The Nvidia BFGD is a High-End Monitor Tailored for Gaming
<
79
Revamped Cult Classic Video Games
Revamped Cult Classic Video Games
Mutant Football League is Designed for Fans of the Series
<
78
Affordable Performance PCs
Affordable Performance PCs
The HP Omen Obelisk Provides Impressive Internals in a Stylish Case
<
77
Snatch-and-Grab Game Modes
Snatch-and-Grab Game Modes
The New Fortnite Getaway Mode Has Players Complete a Heist
<
76
Fake News Video Games
Fake News Video Games
'Bad News' Hopes to Stop Misinformation By Teaching People How It Works
<
75
Ultra-Performance Gaming PCs
Ultra-Performance Gaming PCs
The Acer Predator Orion 9000 Gaming Computer Retails for Over $7,000
<
74
Hybrid Mobile Gaming Controllers
Hybrid Mobile Gaming Controllers
The Razer Raiju is Customizable Through an Accompanying App
<
73
Rugged Gamer Smartphones
Rugged Gamer Smartphones
The DOOGEE S70 Smartphone is Ready for Indoor and Outdoor Use
<
72
Accessibility-Focused Controllers
Accessibility-Focused Controllers
The Project Z Controller Helps Disabled People Game Better
<
71
Computer-Constructing Games
Computer-Constructing Games
PC Building Simulator Lets Players Build Custom PCs in a Virtual Space
<
70
Refined Gaming Laptops
Refined Gaming Laptops
Gamers with Sophistication Should Take Notice of the GS65 Stealth
<
69
Trans-Centric Video Games
Trans-Centric Video Games
Indie Game 'Genderwrecked' is an Honest Depiction of Discovering Gender
<
68
Hassle-Free VR Console Controllers
Hassle-Free VR Console Controllers
The 'MoveShock' Controllers Offer an Intuitive VR Experience
<
67
Iconic Video Game Figurines
Iconic Video Game Figurines
An Initial Run of Fortnite Funko Pops is Now Available
<
66
Record-Breaking Crowdfunded Games
Record-Breaking Crowdfunded Games
The Star Citizen Game Raised Millions of Dollars on Kickstarter
<
65
Nostalgic Mobile Gamer Consoles
Nostalgic Mobile Gamer Consoles
This Handheld Gaming Console Packs 800 Games into the Unit
<
64
Retail-Based eSports Games
Retail-Based eSports Games
Sports Direct Will Host Live eSports Games Across Many of its Stores
<
63
Action-Packed Cooking Games
Action-Packed Cooking Games
Snack and Slash Changes Cooking Games with a Giant Knife
<
62
Dungeon-Exploring Indie Games
Dungeon-Exploring Indie Games
'It Lurks Below' Blends Gameplay to Create a Unique Experience
<
61
Retro-Inspired Indie Games
Retro-Inspired Indie Games
The Messenger is a Ninja Gaiden-Esque Adventure For Modern Gamers
<
60
Kid-focused AR Gaming Toys
Kid-focused AR Gaming Toys
Plugo is an Educational AR Gaming System Introducing STEM to Kids
<
59
Professional Esports Stadiums
Professional Esports Stadiums
'Esports Stadium Arlington' Will Provide Immersive Live Experiences
<
58
Reclining Gamer Immersion Chairs
Reclining Gamer Immersion Chairs
The Acer Predator Thronos Gaming Cockpit Enables Optimal Comfort
<
57
High-Tech Gaming Mousing Surfaces
High-Tech Gaming Mousing Surfaces
The Asus ROG Balteus is Designed for Serious Gaming
<
56
Interactive Restaurant Activities
Interactive Restaurant Activities
Toronto's Richtree Market Offers Fun Farm and Pizza-Making Games
<
55
Skateboarding Game Apps
Skateboarding Game Apps
Skate Icon Nyjah Huston Launched His First Skateboarding Video Game
<
54
Professional eSports Athlete Keyboards
Professional eSports Athlete Keyboards
The Logitech G Pro Gaming Keyboard is Lightning Fast
<
53
Wireless Charging Mousepads
Wireless Charging Mousepads
Razer Created a Charging Mousepad for Gamers
<
52
Atmospheric Indie Games
Atmospheric Indie Games
'The Mind's Eclipse' is a Fantastic Game with a Contemplative Storyline
<
51
Customizable Module Game Controllers
Customizable Module Game Controllers
The Astro C40 TR Controller Can be Changed to Suit Your Needs
<
50
Brand Comparison Games
Brand Comparison Games
'Battle of the Brands' is a Game for Contrasting Brands' Online Presences
<
49
Location-Based VR eSports
Location-Based VR eSports
VR Arena Pits Players Against One Another in VR Arcades
<
48
Pre-Built Open-Source Consoles
Pre-Built Open-Source Consoles
The RetroStone Allows for Mobile Gaming and Wired Console Gaming
<
47
User-Generated Online Gaming Platforms
User-Generated Online Gaming Platforms
Roblox Can Be Accessed from a Large Number of Devices
<
46
Modernized Retro Game Controllers
Modernized Retro Game Controllers
The Nintendo Switch Wireless NES Controller is Nostalgic
<
45
Supple Ergonomic Gamer Chairs
Supple Ergonomic Gamer Chairs
The Sharkoon SKILLER SGS5 is Adjustable and Finished with Leather
<
44
Portable Gaming PC Desktops
Portable Gaming PC Desktops
The Lenovo Legion C530 Cube Can be Brought with You Anywhere
<
43
Real-World Video Games
Real-World Video Games
Moment Factory's Real-World Pong Brings Social Aspects Back to Gaming
<
42
Competitive Puzzle Games
Competitive Puzzle Games
OnePlus' 'Crackables' is an Intense Puzzle Game with a Distinct Prize
<
41
Stylish First-Person Shooter Games
Stylish First-Person Shooter Games
Alientrap's Gunhead Game Is Action Packed and Visually Stunning
<
40
Video Game-Inspired Keyboards
Video Game-Inspired Keyboards
The Resident Evil 2 Qwerkywriter S Lexington Keyboard is Mechanical
<
39
eSports-Enhancing Headbands
eSports-Enhancing Headbands
The Humm Headband Uses Electrical Signals to Improve Gameplay
<
38
Touch-Responsive Board Games
Touch-Responsive Board Games
'Blinks' is a Lit-Up Social Board Game That is Fit for Any Age Group
<
37
Mental Health-Focused Games
Mental Health-Focused Games
The Anamorphine Video Game Explores Depression in Interactive Ways
<
36
AR Air Hockey Tables
AR Air Hockey Tables
Sony Created an Augmented Reality Air Hockey Game for SXSW
<
35
Detachable Gaming Keyboards
Detachable Gaming Keyboards
The 'Dygma Raise' Keyboard Splits into Two for Seamless Keystrokes
<
34
Portable Retro Gaming Console
Portable Retro Gaming Console
The 'Retro' by Atari is a Potent Hit of Nostalgia for Gamers
<
33
HD Retro Gaming Consoles
HD Retro Gaming Consoles
The Polymega Console Plays All of Your Favorite Classic Games
<
32
Pocket-Sized Gaming Devices
Pocket-Sized Gaming Devices
The 'PocketSprite tiny Game Boy' Brings Nostalgia in a Mini Package
<
31
Immersive Gaming Motion Controllers
Immersive Gaming Motion Controllers
The 'Kai' Gesture Controller Intuitively Tracks Hand Movements
<
30
DIY Retro Game Consoles
DIY Retro Game Consoles
The Odroid-Go Console Kit Lets Users Create a Portable Handheld System
<
29
Arcade Game-Inspired Watches
Arcade Game-Inspired Watches
Romain Jerome Introduces the 'Pac-Man' Level III Timepiece
<
28
Competition-Focused Game Controllers
Competition-Focused Game Controllers
The Scuf Vantage Prioritizes Customization and Performance
<
27
Arcade Cabinet Console Holders
Arcade Cabinet Console Holders
The PixelQuest Arcade Kit Works with the Nintendo Switch
<
26
Gold-Awarding Gaming Apps
Gold-Awarding Gaming Apps
Players Have the Chance to Win Real Gold with Planet Gold Rush
<
25
Manual Controller Smartphone Cases
Manual Controller Smartphone Cases
The GEED H1 Phone Controller Turns Smartphones into Consoles
<
24
Upgradeable Gaming PC Towers
Upgradeable Gaming PC Towers
The Alienware Aurora PC is Ready for VR Gaming and More
<
23
Nostalgic Video Game Shrines
Nostalgic Video Game Shrines
Love Hultén's Nintendo Entertainment System is Fully Operational
<
22
AI-Integrated Console Concepts
AI-Integrated Console Concepts
This PS5 Concept Reacts and Remembers User Preferences
<
21
Specialized PC Gamer Packs
Specialized PC Gamer Packs
The Razer Rogue Backpack withstands the Elements for Optimal Durability
<
20
Video Game-Themed Computer Cases
Video Game-Themed Computer Cases
The Fallout Computer Case Takes Inspiration From the Wasteland
<
19
Nostalgic Next-Gen Consoles
Nostalgic Next-Gen Consoles
The 'PlayStation V' Concept Draws Inspiration from Previous Consoles
<
18
Next-Gen Smartphone Gamepads
Next-Gen Smartphone Gamepads
The 'GameSir G5' Turns Your Device into the Optimal Game Console
<
17
Movie-Themed VR Experiences
Movie-Themed VR Experiences
SPACES Offers a Multi-Sensory Terminator Virtual Reality Experience
<
16
Revamped Cult Video Games
Revamped Cult Video Games
Fallout 4's Engine Will Include the Fallout New Vegas Mod
<
15
Handmade Retro Arcade Consoles
Handmade Retro Arcade Consoles
Love Hulten's 'OriginX' is Styled After the Original Pong Cabinet
<
14
Futuristic eSports Training Facilities
Futuristic eSports Training Facilities
OMG's eSports Facility Draws Inspiration for Sci-Fi Films
<
13
Gamified Cooking Books
Gamified Cooking Books
Jenn Sandercock's Cookbook Boasts Highly Engaging Edible Games
<
12
Immersive eSports VR Spaces
Immersive eSports VR Spaces
Greenwall Aims to Be the First eSports-Focused VR Social Space
<
11
Video Game-Inspired Cookbooks
Video Game-Inspired Cookbooks
The Fallout Cookbook Turns Apocalyptic Food into Culinary Treats
<
10
Plug-N-Play Retro Gaming Devices
Plug-N-Play Retro Gaming Devices
Blast! Games Can be Plugged into a Television
<
9
eSport Bar Chains
eSport Bar Chains
Kappa Bar is Sweden's Largest Gaming Bar Chain and Plans for Expansion
<
8
360-Degree Projection Gaming Systems
360-Degree Projection Gaming Systems
The FLUID Design 'PLAY' Turns Any Surface into a Console
<
7
eSports-Focused Foods
eSports-Focused Foods
Runtime is a eSports Nutrition Company That Supports Peak Player Performance
<
6
Gravity-Bending Retro Games
Gravity-Bending Retro Games
'Jelly Mario Bros' Breaks the Original In a Fun and Hilarious Way
<
5
Atmospheric Pixel Art Games
Atmospheric Pixel Art Games
The Librarian Fuses Puzzles and Exploration with the Paranormal World
<
4
Home Arcade Cabinets
Home Arcade Cabinets
Arcade1Up Machines Will Bring Cabinet Games to the Home Market
<
3
Underground eSports Bars
Underground eSports Bars
Red Bull Opens a Gaming Sphere with the Latest Tech in Gaming Culture
<
2
Handheld Edge-to-Edge Consoles
Handheld Edge-to-Edge Consoles
This PSP Concept Puts Controls onto the Immersive Screen
<
1
Battle Royale Skin Creators
Battle Royale Skin Creators
A Fortnite Skin Creator Has Been Developed by Fans for Fans
<