New Trend Hunter Report Explores What’s New in Gaming

June 10, 2021 | TrendHunter.com’s latest free report for Toy Association members looks at the newest developments across online and analog gaming.

“This report highlights how brands are creating products that better support and facilitate communication among gaming communities, while also allowing for more customizable gaming experiences for users,” said Anne McConnell, senior director of market research & data strategy at The Toy Association. “Our members are encouraged to use this report for inspiration as they seek to develop products that appeal to how consumers wish to play and interact with one another.”

The “What’s New in Gaming?” report features the following key consumer insights:

• Immersive Roleplay – In order to immerse consumers more into their video games, brands are launching accessible products that can seamlessly enhance roleplay. These innovations boast voice changing capabilities and break down language barriers. This includes Acer’s SigridWave, a live in-game AI translator that, with the help of deep learning technology, improves communication between gamers from different countries that speak different languages.
• Gamer Wearables – Wearables that track and enhance the gaming experience for avid gamers are on the rise and include everything from data-tracking watches to discreet microphones for high quality streaming. For example, the Garmin Instinct Esports Edition smartwatch (pictured) lets avid gamers capture data related to their health to help them identify where changes can be made to optimize their gaming capabilities.
• AR Board Games – By incorporating augmented reality into standard board games, gaming brands look to merge traditional practices with ones that are more aligned with modern tech habits. Spin Master enhances its Hedbanz board game with the Hedbanz app which adds AR face filters to the “Who am I?” guessing game.
• Gamer Connecting – Brands are fostering positive interactions between gamers with virtual communities that include everything from mental health support to matchmaking services such as the 2Up app, which helps gamers connect on and off screen. The app lets users share their preferred platform or console, their favorite games, and if they play casually or competitively.

This report is the latest in a series from Trend Hunter offering in-depth perspectives and trends in various areas related to the toy industry and youth markets to help spark unique ideas. For additional relevant trends, toy companies can click on the report’s consumer insights examples, scroll down, and click the images for further information.

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