Playing games is a fun hobby enjoyed by people of all ages. According to data from Statista, there were 3.24 billion gamers around the world as of 2020. It is no wonder why the gaming industry has evolved and tech companies continue to invest in developing more types of games. Read on to see what the next big projects in game development are.

1. Strategy Games

Strategy games allow players to engage in a battle that requires decision-making, tactics and skilful thinking in order to win. Common themes usually include political, fantasy, and lineage-based strategy games with the goal of being the most powerful faction across the game.

Looking forward into 2022, strategy games like Crusader Kings 3 and Total War: Warhammer II have expanded themes to include using one’s wealth, kingdom, military might, religious influence and even diplomacy. These are only games, but you can see how these new themes are actually developing out of real-world situations and true-to-life tactics which makes them even more exciting to play. Players can imagine themselves as wealthy powerful world leaders taking over a kingdom with military might.

2. Business simulation games

Business simulation games allow players to jump into real-world positions and enjoy a make-believe experience. The simulations can vary from driving a vehicle, flying an airplane or being an engaged firefighter. Interestingly, Rikkeisfoft, a development company we’ve profiled previously, is ahead of the curve in this space with its Restaurant Simulation Game currently being enjoyed by more than 3 million players. Simulation games offer excitement combined with real-life situations and are quickly gaining steam. We’ll definitely see more types of these games as real-world tasks and businesses make a fun and entertaining theme.

3. Virtual reality games

Virtual reality (VR) games are at the forefront of technology and have gained popularity since it was first launched. VR games allow players to be immersed in a virtual world created by wearing a headset and moving in a digital world created by software. The application of VR varies from adventure to dance and poker.

VR poker

VR poker games have already emerged, but given the worldwide popularity of poker, it’s likely that we’ll see a lot of development toward making a smash hit VR poker game. Especially with the release of the Oculus Go VR headset, players can conveniently enjoy playing poker with people from any in the world, from the comfort of their homes.

Fully immersive online casino simulations

Beyond VR poker, it’s also likely that developers will be working on full casino simulations. Gala Casino’s live games provide a glimpse of what some individual games of this nature may look like, with titles such as Elevation Roulette and Crazy Time. Of course, piecing experiences like these together in VR within one large simulation is a natural future for casino gaming.

To make VR even more immersive, developers are working on extending the current sensory receptors to include touch and smell. Just imagine playing poker and being able to high-five your partners or smell the money in a virtual world!

4. Role-Playing Games

Role-playing games (RPGs) allow players to take on the identity of a fictional character and interact with other characters in the game. The type of interaction includes a storyline, battles, adventures, decisions and consequences. The modern-day RPGs aim to take you on a journey as you dive into the character’s experience.

In 2022, RPG games like Expeditions: Rome and Elden Ring have a new goal — and that is to give players a deeper gaming experience than ever before. Games with narratives will give you a chance to have a deeper personal impact on the outcome. For example, if you are engaged in a dialogue, what you say can actually change the course of the game.

Games are a big part of how we relax and have fun. Video games are continuously evolving to meet the demands and imagination of gamers. With these projects in the works, gamers around the world will never be bored and will definitely have a lot to look forward to.