The Evolution of Gaming Consumption | Exploring the Future of Play

The gaming industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with digital distribution supplanting traditional boxed releases. However, the digital landscape is now fragmenting, with numerous new ways to consume games vying for user attention. As a result, the concept of a 'game platform' is evolving, driven in part by the growing emphasis on live servicing of titles. In fact, the industry may soon move away from the traditional notion of a 'platform' altogether. In this episode of the Playable Futures podcast, we delve into the future of game consumption and the changing dynamics between users, creators, and platforms. Our guests, Stephanie King and Karol Severin, bring their expertise and insights to the conversation, discussing the shifting consumer behaviors across various formats, including boxed, digital ownership, subscription, and streaming services. They also explore the impact of social media platforms like TikTok and Netflix on the gaming landscape. As industry veterans, King and Severin offer a nuanced perspective on the evolving face of game consumption, from instant gaming and digital storefronts to the role of platforms in connecting people. Their conversation touches on pressing issues like discoverability and saturation, but also highlights the potential for games to become a shared experience, a means of escape, and a way to connect with others. King notes that 'games connect people, and people want to play to feel a connection and escape.' In this context, walled garden platforms can be seen as divisive, undermining the medium's ability to bring people together. The episode also examines the idea that we are entering an era of increased choice, with a broader range of experiences available across various mediums. Severin argues that 'winning platforms will be those that do the best job of helping declutter and being useful to the consumer.' Ultimately, the conversation suggests that the notion of a platform may soon blur with traditional concepts of subculture, with games becoming a means of defining one's identity. The Playable Futures Podcast is part of a larger project, featuring insights, interviews, and articles from global games leaders sharing their visions for the future of the industry. The podcast is available on various platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and Google Play.