4 Exciting Opportunities For Creative Game Developers

With technology always evolving, it’s time to expand what it means to be a video game developer. In the past, working in game development meant focusing on creating run-of-the-mill online arcades, as well as more advanced PC and console titles. That’s not to say there isn’t limitless potential for creativity in these areas. But the game industry is not stagnant, and newer mediums and technologies have created new spaces that allow for even more creative control and innovation.

Here are four exciting opportunities for aspiring, inventive developers.

VR and AR

Virtual and augmented reality are beginning to look like the future of the video game industry. These near-futuristic technologies have become more and more ubiquitous over the course of the last four years or so, and by now few doubt their potential. That being said, VR and AR aren't perfect. There is a lot that still needs to be fine-tuned, in everything from gameplay to graphics. And this essentially creates a perfect storm for game developers: a growing category generating a great deal of interest, but one widely recognized as being far from perfect. As VR and AR continue to evolve, innovate, and improve, innumerable new games will make developers' careers.

Casino Arcades

Chances are that if you aren't a fan of casino games online personally you aren't aware of how much they've developed and modernized over time. For one thing, the games are more available than they've ever been. Not only are there more providers, but the gaming options they provide are more dynamic. Ireland offers free-to-play slot arcades; UK sites allow users to pay via their phone bills. In short, you don't have to be a hardcore gambler to enjoy these games anymore, and the games themselves are far more like real video games than they used to be. Even among slots it's now the norm to see immersive animations, character themes, and even cinematic interludes - all of which makes for interesting developer opportunities in a perpetually growing space.

Mobile Games

Throughout the smartphone era, mobile games have become explosively popular, and now constitute a major category unto themselves. One great thing about these games for developers is that so many genres do well. While there are certainly some kinds of games that stand above the rest - puzzles (like Bejeweled), real-time strategy games (like Clash Of Clans) and a few others - there are virtually limitless types of games win high demand. Now, it's also fair to say that the mobile sector its somewhat oversaturated - but there's still plenty of space for creative developers, both with established gaming juggernauts and independent teams alike.

MMORPG

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, aka MMORPGs, have been around for many years now. However, thanks to live streaming platforms (like Twitch), MMORPGs have become even more popular of late. As a result, developers who are interested in making a more-than-decent living off of their game design may want to consider trying to find work in this genre. MMORPGs have huge fan bases, rake in a ton of cash, and probably aren't anywhere near through with their evolution. It's a matter of when, not if, the next big ones come along.