The trend of the game industry has many implications for the future development of role-playing games, mainly in the following aspects:
- Technical level:
- Picture Quality Improvement: with the continuous progress of game engine technology, the picture of role-playing games will become more realistic and detailed. High-resolution materials, realistic light and shadow effects, and detailed character modelling can bring players a more immersive gaming experience. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 is a game whose excellent graphic performance makes players feel like they are in a real future world, and future role-playing games will continue to break through in terms of graphic quality. This will attract more players who demand quality graphics, and at the same time raise the production threshold of games, prompting developers to focus more on the application of technology and innovation.
- Application of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Technology: VR and AR technology enables players to experience the game world more immersively. In role-playing games, players can experience the game scene in an all-round way through VR devices, and interact more realistically with the characters to enhance the sense of immersion in the game. For example, some VR role-playing games have already enabled players to freely explore and fight in the virtual world, as if they have really become the characters in the game. And AR technology can combine game elements with the real world to bring new ways of playing and experiencing role-playing games, such as solving puzzles and exploring based on realistic scenarios.
- Development of cloud-based games: Cloud-based game technology makes it possible for players to play games without installing a huge game client on their local devices, simply by connecting to the Internet. For role-playing games, this lowers the hardware threshold for players on the one hand, so that more players can easily experience high-quality games; on the other hand, developers can update and maintain the game more conveniently, and launch new content and features in a timely manner.
- Play design:
- Open World Becomes Mainstream Trend: Open world gameplay has become more and more popular among players in recent years, and will continue to be an important development direction for role-playing games in the future. Open world provides a higher degree of freedom and explorability, and players are free to choose quests, explore locations, and develop their characters in the vast game world. For example, in games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wilderness and Proto-God, players are free to climb, glide, and explore a variety of mysterious places, and this freedom of play has brought new vigour to role-playing games. Future role-playing games will focus more on building huge, rich and realistic open worlds, providing more exploration content and hidden elements.
- Playing Game Convergence and Innovation: The development of the gaming industry has prompted different types of gameplay to converge with each other, and role-playing games are no exception. For example, combining role-playing with action, shooting, strategy, puzzle-solving and other elements creates a more diverse gameplay experience. For example, in Anecdotes of the Goddesses 5, in addition to traditional role-playing elements, it also incorporates turn-based combat and social simulation; The Witcher 3 combines role-playing with open-world exploration and action combat. This integration of gameplay can meet the needs of different players and increase the fun and challenge of the game.
- Enhancement of social elements: Online socialisation has become an important part of modern games, and role-playing games will also enhance the integration of social elements. Future games are likely to focus more on interaction and co-operation between players. For example, in multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), players can team up for adventures, complete quests together, and establish guilds. In addition, the integration of social platforms will make it easier for players to share their gaming experiences and exchange tips with friends, enhancing the social and sticky nature of the game.
- Plot and Content:
- Improvement of Story Depth and Diversity: Players’ demands for game plots are getting higher and higher, and future role-playing games will pay more attention to the depth and diversity of stories. Game developers will put more effort into creating compelling plots, portraying fleshed-out characters, and exploring more complex themes and emotions. For example, some role-playing games have begun to involve social issues and the exploration of human nature, so that players can not only enjoy entertainment, but also provoke thought in the process of the game. At the same time, diverse plot branches and endings will also become a trend, and players’ choices will have a greater impact on the development of the game’s plot, increasing the game’s repeatability.
- Fusion of Cultural Elements: As the global gaming market continues to integrate, role-playing games will incorporate more different cultural elements. Developers will draw inspiration from cultures around the world to create game worlds with unique cultural backgrounds. For example, Souls of Tsushima is set against the backdrop of ancient Japanese culture, showcasing the unique samurai culture and landscapes, while the Assassin’s Creed series unfolds in different historical periods and locales, allowing players to enjoy the charm of various cultures. This fusion of cultural elements not only enriches the content of the game, but also promotes communication and understanding between different cultures.
- Business model:
- Popularity of free-to-play games with in-buy model: The business model of free-to-play games paired with in-buy is becoming more and more common in the gaming industry, and role-playing games are no exception. In the future, more role-playing games may adopt this model, attracting a large number of players through free-to-play and then generating revenue through in-built purchases of props, skins, and expanded content. This model can lower the barrier to entry for players, while also providing more profit opportunities for developers. However, developers need to grasp the balance of the game and the design of paid content to avoid over-reliance on in-order purchases that may affect the game experience.
- Development of game subscription services: The emergence of game subscription service platforms provides players with a new way of acquiring games and may have an impact on the distribution and promotion of role-playing games in the future. Players can play multiple games on the platform at a lower cost through the subscription service platform, which is a better opportunity for some small or independent role-playing game developers to showcase and promote their games. At the same time, subscription services may also prompt developers to pay more attention to the long-term operation and updating of their games in order to attract players to continue subscribing.
- Cross-platform development:
- Multi-Platform Release Becomes the Norm: In order to expand the scope of the game’s audience, future role-playing games will focus more on cross-platform release. A game may be released simultaneously in multiple versions, such as the console version, the PC version, and the mobile version, to meet the needs of different players. For example, Proto-God has been successful on console, PC and mobile platforms. This cross-platform development model enables more players to access the game, while also increasing its impact and commercial value.
- The Rise of Mobile Platforms: As smartphone performance continues to improve, the market for role-playing games on mobile platforms will continue to expand. Mobile versions of role-playing games will focus more on operation optimisation and adaptation to provide a better gaming experience. At the same time, the convenience of mobile platforms and the fact that they can be played anywhere and anytime make it easier for players to enjoy role-playing games.
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