Gamification

Trend - Esports continues to dominate the entertainment industry, and with the new opportunities in games, companies are racing to equip today’s students with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue a career in gaming. These initiatives include student esports leagues, esports management programs, and more.

Insight - As the global perception of gaming shifts, companies are recognizing how investing in educational esports initiatives can lead to increased interest in technology-driven careers. Esports encourages students to pursue further education and professions in STEM while also assisting them in developing new transferable and digital literacy skills. Additionally, providing students with an outlet to express their interests helps foster a mutually beneficial relationship with the educational institution.

Trend - Computer hardware manufacturers are focusing on compact, power-efficient, and size-efficient gaming computers for customers with less space or high energy costs. These compact gaming devices take next-to-no space while offering comparable experiences to full-size gaming computers.

Insight - While PC enthusiasts are willing to spend time and money researching, building, and customizing computers to ensure each included component is perfect, many others simply want to purchase a device that works out of the box. These consumers are drawn to a number of different products, seeking either value for money, aesthetic, portability, or overall power draw. These consumers are increasingly being drawn to mini PCs, as these devices fulfill each of the aforementioned categories.

Trend - Game developers are leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology to make games more immersive and less predictable. By using AI for non-player characters (NPCs), players can have more lifelike conversations with NPCs, build bonds with NPCs, and be more engaged overall.

Insight - Escapism and immersion are two of the largest draws to gaming for many consumers. However, while gaming offers respite from busy lives, consumers often purchase many games after growing bored of one game, as games become repetitive over time. As game prices continue to rise, many consumers are unable to purchase multiple full-price games a month. There is a market for games that offer excellent immersion and escapism without in-game actions feeling repetitive and pre-written.

Trend - Brands are launching new focus-enhancing technology designed to help students better concentrate on their work in remote or hybrid learning environments. These products and features help immerse students in their school work, showcasing the benefits of technology in the classroom and eliminating procrastination and potential distractions from outside sources.

Insight - The rapid rise of remote learning, in hybrid classes, or in busy environments has posed issues for some kids. Distractions in these environments, and/or varying learning styles, can make remote learning a challenge for some students. As a result, parents and educators are becoming interested in technological resources that promote concentration, which helps ensure their students receive the same quality of education without external factors interfering. Focus technology helps students refine their fine motor skills while filtering out background noise, which is especially important for kids under 10.

Trend - Esports teams and organizations have begun opening physical facilities across the world for players to hone their skills, participate in live events, explore wellness practices, and produce in-house content. Physical esports facilities also house content creators and professional esports players pursuing higher opportunities and help connect influencers looking to collaborate.

Insight - Content houses and facilities provide a unique gaming experience to locals looking to get involved with the esports scene. Content facilities often become gathering places for lovers of a specific team or game. This helps local fans connect with their idols and participate in events such as local area network (LAN) tournaments and meet and greets. By fostering relationships with notable team members and aspiring creators, consumers looking to pursue a professional career in gaming can network easier and seek out opportunities within the scene.

Trend - Esports organizations and game developers are introducing new esports initiatives for countries based in the Middle East. As countries like Saudi Arabia continue to invest in the growth of the esports sector, brands are starting to recognize the untapped potential that the region holds for gaming.

Insight - As esports continues to captivate the globe, consumers are looking for ways to engage with this content in their own regions. By hosting Middle Eastern esports competitions, launching esports organizations, and pioneering grassroots initiatives, consumers in these regions can experience gaming content in a more accessible fashion. Additionally, local gamers and content creators can join the major global leagues to compete professionally and attract an international following.

Trend - Brands are creating immersive metaverse experiences specifically for kids, offering engagement that's both educational and entertaining. These metaverse-based experiences exist across a range of industries that kids might take an interest in--from sports to toys.

Insight - Today's kids are truly digital natives, as they've never known any alternatives to the digital experiences and interactions that are now ubiquitous. Their digital competence offers new avenues of engagement for kids' brands looking to be more innovative--particularly as they're more easily able to pick up on new technologies in the same way it's generally easier for children to learn languages.

Trend - Companies in the boating space have begun entering the metaverse through virtual reality experiences and collectible NFTs. These brands are adapting to the changing Web3 landscape either through the launch of their own metaverses, or by partnering with established metaverses.

Insight - Consumers interested in the boating industry and boating products actively search for new ways to enjoy the age-old lifestyle. This desire has placed pressure on the traditional boating industry to modernize with experiences that simultaneously appeal to boaters and tech-savvy consumers outside of the hobby. The metaverse and Web3 provide new experiences to existing consumers while offering improved accessibility for consumers who wish to engage with the hobby, as the metaverse can be accessed from anywhere.

Trend - Culinary brands are fostering more involved interactions in the home with instructional cooking content that is easy for kids to enjoy and follow along to, while having them learn a useful skill and creating engaging experiences between family members.

Insight - Many Millennial and Gen X parents are using the influence of tech on their children's lives as a way to get them involved in the various hobbies and skills that they'll develop over the years. Content that engages kids visually or in a way that aligns with their tech-based habits is a way to create more impactful learning experiences for a generation that is growing up in a digital world.

Trend - Due to mobility issues and/or other age-related disabilities, senior citizens find it more difficult to connect, travel, exercise, and enjoy outdoor activities. Brands are leveraging the accessibility of the metaverse to create tailored experiences that address these problem areas. Services emphasize social interaction and immersion in the metaverse.

Insight - The pandemic caused levels of perceived isolation to worsen, leading to elderly people feeling even more disconnected from their friends and communities. These individuals found it harder to remain active and access daily services. The rapidly-advancing metaverse arose as a space for innovation in these areas, leading to brands creating curated experiences for elderly people that help with socialization, exercises, mental stimulation, and services such as banking or healthcare.