ReportNewzoo
Games, Esports, Live Streaming, Cloud and the Metaverse: 2022 Trends to Watch
1 Jan 202230 pages~25 min full read
Cloud gaming is driving industry growth by bypassing hardware limitations, enabling publishers to deliver high-end experiences to mobile devices and legacy consoles.
See it on page 16The metaverse is evolving into a commercial ecosystem supported by significant venture capital, virtual real estate markets, and digital fashion integration.
See it on page 28Monetization models are shifting toward Web3.0 and blockchain-based player trading, despite ongoing consumer resistance to non-fungible tokens.
See it on page 3Regulatory and consumer pressure is forcing a transition away from traditional app store gatekeepers toward more open distribution ecosystems.
See it on page 5Esports organizations are prioritizing mobile-first titles and utilizing co-streaming strategies to diversify revenue and expand global viewership.
See it on page 10The industry is seeing a surge in high-quality cross-media intellectual property adaptations, intensifying competition for consumer attention in a crowded release market.
See it on page 6The global gaming industry is currently undergoing a structural transformation characterized by the integration of emerging technologies and a pivot toward cross-platform accessibility. Central to this evolution is the expansion of cloud gaming, which serves as a critical bridge to overcome hardware constraints, allowing publishers to reach broader audiences on mobile devices and legacy consoles. Simultaneously, the metaverse is maturing into a robust commercial ecosystem, fueled by significant venture capital investment, the proliferation of virtual real estate, and the integration of digital fashion. These developments signal a broader industry shift toward enhanced creator-viewer interactivity and the adoption of Web3.0 business models.
Monetization strategies are diversifying as companies experiment with blockchain-based player trading and fan engagement tools, despite notable consumer resistance toward non-fungible tokens. This period is also defined by a surge in high-quality cross-media intellectual property adaptations and a crowded release calendar, which intensifies competition for consumer attention. Furthermore, regulatory and consumer pressures are forcing a transition toward more open app store ecosystems, challenging traditional distribution gatekeepers.
Within the esports sector, organizations are actively diversifying revenue streams by prioritizing mobile-first titles and leveraging co-streaming to maximize viewership reach. These trends, observed throughout 2022, reflect a strategic effort to sustain growth across global markets. By synthesizing market intelligence and tracking key performance metrics, the industry continues to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, balancing the pursuit of innovative monetization with the necessity of maintaining user trust in an increasingly interconnected virtual landscape.
