Summer Game Fest starts off an exciting week in the world of video games as E3 2021 approaches this Saturday.

The coronavirus pandemic brought about a surge in video game usage as people sought a diversion during lockdowns. Now, as life begins to open up, the question arises – will the commitment to gaming remain the same, or could it diminish?

The upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) and Summer Game Fest may provide some answers. These events, which were cancelled last year due to the pandemic, are set to kick off this week with a lineup of new game releases and announcements from major players in the industry.

David Cole, founder and CEO of research firm DFC Intelligence, believes that the uncertainty caused by the pandemic has led to a lack of communication from game companies about their upcoming releases. However, he anticipates that the enthusiasm for gaming will continue into 2021 and beyond.

Despite a projected 1% decline in the global games market for 2021, industry analysts like Tom Wijman from Newzoo foresee a return to growth and increased spending in the coming years. This is supported by the recent surge in investments in the gaming industry, with several new studios launching and increased M&A activity.

Mobile gaming is also expected to play a significant role in the future of the industry, with projections indicating a doubling of spending on mobile games by 2030. Traditional game makers are taking notice of this trend, as seen in recent acquisitions of mobile game companies by major players like Activision and Electronic Arts.

The demand for next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X continues to outstrip supply, leading to frustration among gamers who are unable to purchase these coveted devices. Despite this, the industry remains optimistic about the future of gaming, with new developments in cloud gaming and mobile gaming expected to drive growth in the years to come.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, the future of gaming looks bright, with new technologies and innovations set to shape the landscape of gaming for years to come.