The casual gaming market is booming and this is why

With more games available across more platforms than ever before, the gaming and gambling sectors continue to grow at a rapid rate

The global games market is set to generate upwards of $180 billion per year by 2021 according to a recent survey by Newzoo.

The survey says there are a massive 2.3 billion gamers around the world playing across a huge range of games and platforms.

From smartphones to tablets, via desktops, laptops and consoles, technology is helping the sector ride an incredible upwards growth trajectory

What’s more, gamers have a huge range of options when it comes to the games they can play including battle royal titles Fortnite and PUBG and mobile games like World Of Tanks.

There has also been an uptick in the number of casual players enjoying online casino games, particularly with casino brands that allow them to play without depositing.

This growth has been accelerated by casino comparison websites such as Bojoko.com that have made it easy for new players to find casinos that offer no deposit casino bonuses.

Indeed, the relationship between games and online casino continues to go from strength to strength, with both attracting the same or very similar audiences.

This is evidenced by the way both sectors are taking inspiration from the other.

Take online slots, for example. We are seeing developers launch games that feature key aspects of console games such as characters and narratives.

Some slots also allow players to take control of their character and make decisions that impact the outcome of the story and game, just as they would in titles such as Call of Duty.

Gamification has also become a major part of online slots play, with players required to complete tasks and missions within the game.

In some cases, they earn points and trophies for doing this, which can be tracked on a progress bar and then exchanged for bonus games or prizes.

Current trends also show that gamers do like to wager on the outcome of games, but usually with just a small stake. This, in turn, has seen bingo surge in popularity in recent months.

Another point of crossover is streaming, with channels such as Youtube and Twitch popular with video game streamers and casual game streamers alike.

These streams are being watched and shared by millions of people around the world, which is helping to drive more people to mobile, casual and casino games than ever before.

As games and online casino keep inspiring and learning from each other, it is clear that both sectors will continue to grow at an incredible rate.

The Newzoo report forecasts a bright future, but as technology penetration rises and games become more engaging and entertaining, the sky is the limit for the global gaming market.

This makes it an incredibly exciting time for any business that plies its trade in the gaming industry or those that are closely related to it.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.