How To Keep Up With the Evolution of the Gaming Industry

Are you having a hard time keeping up with the gaming industry evolution? With advances in video game technology and consumers becoming more demanding everyday, publishers are constantly putting out new content for gamers. So let’s delve into how you can keep up to date with all the goings-on in the industry and stay ahead of the game!

Social Media

For a lot of individuals, social media is their main source of news. Twitter is a great place to get the very latest on all things gaming through following certain individuals or hashtags. You can also connect with the gaming community. Other popular platforms include Instagram and Facebook, where most publishers and developers also like to share the very latest. Be aware, however, that with the rise of ‘fake news’ some information may not be entirely accurate, or could be straight up fabricated. 

Influencers

Publishers are increasingly relying on influencers to promote their games. What was once a small number of individuals carrying out their hobby for the viewing of a few thousand people has turned into thousands of influencers creating content for millions of viewers. Videos include commentary, Let’s Plays and reviews. This allows viewers to see the video in action as opposed to simply screenshots. 

Common platforms for video game influencers include TikTok, Twitch, Twitter and, of course, YouTube. Influencers tend to get a hands-on look at a video game or update before it is released to the public. So following these individuals will keep you in the loop! The most popular individuals who act as influencers for the industry include PewDiePie, VanossGaming, Markiplier and Syndicate. However, there are so many out there from whom you can get your daily news. 

Publishers and Developers

Video game publishers are always keeping their players up to date. If they are releasing a new patch or update, then those following them online will be among the very first to know about it. Ahead of new releases, trailers are always shown on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. 

Also many publishers have community managers on social media. These individuals are responsible for building and maintaining the publisher’s public perception. Publishers want gamer’s to feel like their voice is being heard. So if you’ve got feedback or issues with a game you are playing, get in contact with one of the community managers. 

Publications

There are thousands of video game publications both in print and online. If you want to keep your sources online, look into news sites like GamesRadar+, Polygon and IGN.

If you’d rather head to your local newsagents, there are plenty of monthly gaming magazines.For the very latest news for PC gaming, you could look at PC Gamer Magazine. If consoles are more your thing you’ve got the choice of publications focusing on Xbox, Nintendo and PlayStation. 

Industry Events

Largely put on hold throughout 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, video game events are a great place to get the very latest. There are (usually) tonnes of events every year ranging from the large-scale conventions like E3, EGX and Gamescom, to more indie-tailored events such as Indiecade and PAX. Companies also like to host their own conventions specifically for their games like Blizzcon and Minecon.

Going to conventions is the best way to experience the very latest video games for real, meet the individuals who make your favourite game and connect with fellow gamers. 

Electronic Entertainment Expo

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) has long brought the entire gaming industry together, with developers fighting for visitors’ attention across the show floor. Traditionally held in June at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California, E3 attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year – welcoming over 66,000 people through the doors in 2019. 

It’s been a continuing debate as to whether the importance of the event is dwindling. Yet the event still attracts juggernauts of the industry such as Microsoft, Nintendo, Ubisoft, Bethesda and Square Enix, all of whom are looking to showcase their very latest upcoming projects. 

With entrance permitted to mostly those working in the industry, or with media credentials, tickets can be very hard to get hold of. Luckily, E3 continues to live stream the most important keynotes for viewers at home. 

Gamescom

Held in Cologne, Germany, Gamescom is the world’s largest gaming event with over 370,000 visitors descending on The Koelnmesse in 2019. Gamescom welcomes more individuals from the public, giving them a hands-on look at the very latest releases. 

What’s more is that Gamescom boasts an impressive exhibitor list of over 1,000! This includes video game publishers big and small. 

Taking place every August, Gamescom is ideally placed for gamers looking to get the latest scoop before the busy video game release schedule of the autumn and winter.

Summary

With information coming at you so fast in the gaming industry, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the very latest trends. Luckily you have a range of ways in which you can stay in the loop – most of which are available right at your fingertips. The rise of social media and influencers has meant that simply following your favourite YouTube personality will give you a major advantage in staying up to date. 

Publishers who continuously release new content, whether it’s a video game or an update for an existing game will look to keep gamers informed. It’s definitely worth attending industry events too, these present a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience with a video game before it goes on general sale. 

If you’re an avid gamer it’s important to stay well informed to give you that competitive edge over your competitors!