How It All Started
There was a boom in the online gaming industry at the same time as the first personal computers appeared. Since then, a flood of very popular LAN-based multiplayer games were developed, paving the way for the birth of online gaming.
The expansion and maturation of the internet over the years have paved the way for the development of a dizzying array of fresh categories of online games. The hearts of players have been quickly won over by online games, which continue to be one of the best ways to relax at the end of a hard day.

But that's not all; now, several trends are working together to fuel the industry's continued growth. Certain ones have failed completely, while others are just getting started and showing great potential.
Let's look at some of the most notable ones that are potentially going to define various subsets of online gaming in 2022 and beyond.

Gaming and the Cloud
Not only is playing games in the cloud a fun and affordable pastime for gamers, but it also has other benefits. In addition to this, it presents businesses across a wide range of sectors with an abundance of benefits and new opportunities.
There seems to be a lot of development occurring in Cloud gaming at the moment though it has not yet become as common as console gaming.
Due to the ever-increasing capabilities of modern electronics, it is possible that in the not-too-distant future, typical broadband speeds may provide more than enough bandwidth for this kind of gameplay. That is because, when deciding whether to use gaming hardware or the Cloud, the advantages of faster processing and better visuals are key considerations.

The Rise and Rise of Esports
Esports' rapid rise in popularity over the last few years has helped drive up the industry's worth and earnings. When compared to more conventional sports and governing bodies, the environment in which esports compete is vastly unique. Therefore, a significant part of its expansion goals includes ensuring the safety of the industry's participants, brand sponsors, intellectual property owners, and viewers. Thankfully, a lot of resources have been channeled in that direction.

Moreover, the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming cater specifically to the video game community. These have been allowing viewers to communicate directly with their favorite players and teams. Additionally, these ties have been bolstered by the widespread use of social media.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Online Gaming
Numerous opportunities exist for collaboration between AI researchers and game developers. New games are being developed with the goal of monitoring player behavior to improve their AI, yet AI is still utilized to provide realism. Clearly, AI will have more far-reaching effects on the gaming and e-gaming industries in the future.

When used in video games, one of AI's principal functions is to make the experience of competing against other players in a virtual setting as lifelike as possible. In addition, the technology greatly improves player safety and fraud detection systems. In the long run, it contributes to a more customizable experience that keeps gamers coming back.

Live Casino Gaming for Adults
Live casinos are gradually replacing online casino gaming as the game of choice among adults. The atmosphere, portability, and possibilities for interaction with other players and the dealer all contribute to this. Finding online casinos with live blackjack or roulette is now easier than ever. Top online gaming brands are working towards offering these live games while new entrants into the market are giving competitors a run for their money with fresh gaming options.

The industry's willingness to adopt new technology is also contributing to live casinos' upward momentum. To provide just two examples, the sector has benefited greatly from the rise of mobile gaming and the buzz around cryptocurrency. There are lots more on the horizon.
There is no denying that customers want a realistic simulation of a casino when they play, and live casinos provide it in a manner that traditional online ones cannot. When it comes to adult-oriented casino entertainment, they represent the wave of the future.

Immersive Online Gaming Experiences
In the future, online gaming will be almost inseparable from technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). These take online entertainment to a new level of realism and immersion, which will change the way we view the medium altogether. They already work together in very impressive ways and it is fascinating to picture what they will be capable of as depicted by lots of fiction.

These inventions heralded the beginning of the Metaverse. The release of the first VR-powered gaming metaverse has generated unprecedented excitement in the gaming community and has been the subject of widespread discussion among players, creators, and enthusiasts.
With the Metaverse, users may feel as if they have entered a genuine world, complete with all the sights, sounds, and sensations that come along with it. Users are effectively transported to a virtual world in which they may engage in intimate, three-dimensional interaction with the meta-physical environments.

As a bonus, Metaverse users can study, socialize, work, and even virtually attend meetings and concerts, all while having an out-of-this-world experience. Further, the utilization of NFT trading and live game broadcasting opens new avenues for content monetization.

Conclusion
In 2021, the worldwide video game industry made $178.2 billion in revenue. This figure is expected to rise to $196 billion in 2022. Since the industry's beginnings, the value of the market has been steadily increasing, but the revenue growth over the last decade has been much larger.

If trends continue in this direction, it will be because of advances in technology. That is precisely the direction in which the majority of the investment will be directed. The bright side is that in the long run, as well as in the short, customers can count on getting products that are even better and more innovative.