Keeping abreast of the latest developments is no easy task, with new stories dropping at a relentless pace in the run-up to Christmas.
In what is undoubtedly an exciting time for anyone interested in the sector, we take a closer look at some of the top gaming stories right now.
Microgaming Shoots for the Moon
December is a busy month for casino software developer Microgaming, with the Isle of Man-based firm releasing a plethora of exciting new titles.
Assassin Moon may prove to be the best of the bunch, with operators such as JackpotCity online casino likely to add the game to their already impressive line-up.
Featuring Luna, an international woman of mystery and assassin to the stars, the slot offers players the chance to win a mega jackpot of 5,000 times their original bet.
Other notable new slot releases from Microgaming include Alchemy Fortunes, Silverback Multiplier Mountain and Diamond King Jackpots.
Players will undoubtedly be hoping to win big on these latest games, with many previous Microgaming titles creating millionaires over the past few years.
With an eagerly anticipated Texas Hold’Em poker game also going live during December, this should be another profitable month for the company.
eSports Forecast to Drive Gaming Growth
A recent report by ResearchAndMarkets.com has forecast that eSports will be one of the primary drivers for growth in the gaming industry over the next few years.
The study says that the gaming market is poised to grow by more than $119 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a compound annual growth rate of 12% during the forecast period.
The study claims that the rising popularity of eSports will have a massive impact on revenues as major broadcasters and sponsors start to jump on the bandwagon.
Traditional sports organisations have also crossed into the eSports industry in recent times, and this looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Soccer, basketball and motor racing are amongst the major sports to embrace eSports and more are expected to follow suit.
North America and China will be the two biggest regions for growth, while eSports tourism is also predicted to increase as host cities for events cash in on this growing phenomenon.
Scalpers Give Short Shrift
Online retailer Very took swift action to cancel some orders for the new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles after discovering that they had been placed by scalpers.
Limited supplies of the new machines sparked a rise in the number of parties attempting to buy more than one and then sell them on for a hugely inflated price.
Crep Chief Notify (CCN) were amongst the organisations who tried to cash-in on the shortage, with its members believed to have placed more than 4,000 orders for PS5 consoles.
According to its website, CCN says that it enables its members to resell ‘products that are in insanely high demand with relatively low stock’.
It has also claimed that its members have collectively made £3.2m in profit from scalping, although it does not provide any evidence to support this.
Wendy’s Team up With Uber Eats
Wendy’s and Uber Eats have teamed up to release the ‘Never Stop Gaming’ menu and a contest where game consoles and other prizes are up for grabs.
The two firms announced the promotion by launching signature meal combos from the biggest Twitch streamers – TFUE, FLIGHT, itsHafu, xChocoBars and Myth.
“For every Uber Eats meal ordered from the Wendy’s Never Stop Gaming menu, fans will receive an Uber Eats Prize Pass in their bag for the chance to win epic giveaways,” the companies said in a press release.
“Eaters can score Uber Eats gift cards, Never Stop Gaming swag including gaming hoodies and slides perfect for lounging, and the ‘hottest holiday gift this season’ – a next-gen gaming console.”
According to rules, there are 6,000 prizes with a combined value of more than $340,000. There are 25 next-gen game consoles listed as the grand prize with a value of $499 each.
Balenciaga: The Video Game?
The Balenciaga fashion house has created an online video game to showcase its latest collection, further highlighting how gaming is crossing into other sectors.
Titled Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow, the game is set in the ‘near-future’ of 2031 and allows players to tour Demna Gvasalia’s AW21 collection.
This ‘near-future’ is said to be one in which clothes are meant to be worn and transformed over many years, an ethos which shines through across all items in the range.
In the game, players are guided out of a store – where they can select pieces from the collection – and onto a busy city street.
The path then leads through a dark forest full of ravers and finally up to a mountain top, where they can complete challenges for a mysterious surprise.
While the gameplay experience is nothing particularly ground-breaking, Balenciaga’s efforts perfectly highlight how gaming is now part of the mainstream.