2024 has been a transformative year for the gaming industry. As someone who’s deep in the trenches—running a startup that helps creators and companies build games—it’s been exciting to see how the industry has evolved. And while the year is more than halfway done, there’s still plenty of time for new developments. If you’re not paying attention, you’re missing out on a massive shift in how we play, create, and monetize gaming experiences.
Let’s dive into seven gaming trends that are dominating 2024 and reshaping the future of the industry.
1. Fitness Gaming: Where Play Meets Physical Health
Gaming is no longer relegated to couch potatoes with the rise of fitness gaming. The global fitness gaming market is projected to grow by $8.2 billion from 2022 to 2026, and it’s no wonder why. Games like Ring Fit Adventure and Beat Saber are blending exercise and entertainment in ways that make working out feel less like a chore and more like play.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have been huge drivers here, creating immersive environments where players can physically engage—whether it’s boxing, tennis, or full-body workouts. The rise of Active Video Games (AVG) is getting more people off the couch and into the virtual gym, and it’s changing how we think about fitness altogether.
2. Multiplayer Mobile Gaming: The Social Revolution
If 2023 was the year that mobile gaming took center stage, 2024 is the year that multiplayer mobile gaming cemented its dominance. Mobile games account for over 57% of total gaming revenue worldwide, and with the rise of eSports and fantasy sports, it’s clear that competitive multiplayer experiences are what’s keeping players glued to their devices.
Games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile have turned casual gaming into something far more all-encompassing. And it’s not just about the competition—mobile multiplayer games are becoming full-fledged social platforms where players can connect, chat, and even make lifelong friendships.
3. Generative AI in Gaming: Creating Personalized Player Experiences
Of course, with all the hubbub around AI, it’s not surprise that this year, generative AI is taking gaming to the next level. We’re not just talking about smarter NPCs; we’re talking about entire worlds, quests, and interactions being dynamically generated based on how you play. The global AI in gaming market is expected to reach $9.1 billion by 2028 , and it’s easy to see why.
From creating personalized narratives to procedurally generated environments that adapt to your playstyle, generative AI is turning gaming into a more personal, immersive experience. Imagine a game that evolves based on your actual decisions, behaviors, and preferences. This no longer seems like a pipedream for the future; it is already taking shape.
4. NFT and Esports: Play to Earn, Not Just Compete
The rise of eSports and NFTs has opened up entirely new revenue streams for both players and developers. eSports is already a billion-dollar industry, with global eSports revenues expected to surpass $1.87 billion by 2025 , and NFTs are adding a new layer of ownership to digital assets in gaming.
Gamers are no longer just playing for fun—they now have the opportunity to actually earn money as they play. Platforms like Axie Infinity have popularized the concept of “play-to-earn,” where players can earn real-world income by participating in the game. Meanwhile, NFTs allow players to own in-game assets—whether that’s a rare weapon, a piece of virtual real estate, or a character skin. This is especially attractive to Gen-Z gamers, who are redefining what it means to “work” in the digital age.
5. No-Code Game Creation Platforms: Democratizing Game Development
Many people want to become game developers but lack the skills required to do so. No-code platforms like Moddio are making it possible for anyone to build a game, even if they’ve never written a single line of code before. The global no-code development platform market is forecasted to hit $187 billion by 2030, and the impact on gaming is massive.
The reason why platforms like what we built at Moddio are exciting is because it allows creators to build multiplayer games directly from their browser, with easy-to-use tools that handle the complex backend work. This makes it easier for anyone to get started making their own game.
6. Metaverse Gaming: Beyond Virtual Worlds
The metaverse was the buzzword of 2023, but 2024 is the year we’re seeing real traction. The metaverse gaming market is expected to skyrocket from $105.4 million in 2024 to a staggering $936.6 billion by 2030 , according to market estimates.
In the metaverse, players don’t just play – they also build worlds, connect and create. Whether it’s creating avatars, exploring the open worlds, or hosting virtual events, the metaverse blends gaming, social media, and technology in exciting ways. And as AR and VR technologies continue to evolve, the metaverse will only become more engaging and integral to how we play.
7. Cloud and Streaming Video Games: The Netflix of Gaming
Cloud gaming—often referred to as Gaming-as-a-Service (GaaS) —is set to change the way we think about gaming hardware. By 2025, the cloud gaming market is expected to hit $8 billion , driven by improvements in internet infrastructure and the rollout of 5G.
Platforms like Nvidia’s GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming are big drivers, allowing players to stream high-end games on any device, so expensive consoles are no longer required. This means AAA games can be accessed by audiences that may have previously been priced out. And with 5G networks rolling out globally, streaming is about to become the dominant way we experience games.
The Bottom Line: 2024 is Just the Beginning
These trends are showing us how the future of gaming will play out. Whether it’s the rise of no-code platforms empowering creators or the shift toward immersive metaverse experiences, the gaming industry is seeing rapid transformation. As we start to move into 2025, it’s clear that many changes are still to come.
