Just like last year for 2023, game industry news site GamesIndustry.biz asked several analysts for predictions about the global gaming market in 2024.
Here is a repost from my contribution to their article:
“Switch 2” will come and be $400
The time is finally here for a Switch successor, even though I can say a “Pro” model actually did exist and certain developers were already working with the dev kit. I believe the next hardware will drop next year for $400. There is a high chance that games will cost more, too: $70. The next system is also likely to be an iteration rather than a revolution. Nintendo might add some bells and whistles to the device, but it will be similar to the current Switch. And because there is Pokémon, and Pokémon is associated with handheld gaming, there is no way on earth Nintendo will drop the portability feature for their next big thing.
Saudi Arabia will make more big moves
Saudi Arabia has already become a powerhouse in gaming, and 2024 will probably be the year for one of their funds to make at least one more significant move. Valuations are down across the board right now, but it will not stay this way for very long. So it’s a good time for the kingdom to not only invest but outright acquire a top player in the industry. My guess is that following Scopely in 2023, they will take over one of the big video game publishers out there.
AI will become an even bigger topic in 2024
2023 already was the year of AI, and I think AI will radically revolutionize how we develop and play games going forward. In 2024, we will see at least one big launch of a title primarily made with AI. The Finals in 2023 was just the beginning.
Square Enix will release a big IP game with crypto elements
I think after a few years of announcements and experiments, 2024 is the year in which Square Enix will finally launch a big crypto game. My expectation is they are actually going to use the Final Fantasy IP – but probably not for a traditional RPG.
