Our predictions for gaming in 2014

2013 is drawing to a close, and 2014 looks to be an exciting year for gaming. So what’s going to happen this year? What new innovations will rock the scene and change our gaming lives forever? We’re not prophets, but we’re going to go on record with our predictions anyway!

Charlie’s predictions

China gets a game console. This is an obvious one, but China should see its first nationwide game console release in over a decade sometime next year. Whether or not Chinese gamers will be interested is another story, though. I predict it meets a pretty lukewarm reception.

Oculus Rift makes our brains explode. This may be wishful thinking, but I’m predicting we see the consumer version of the Oculus Rift in 2014. If it’s as good as it should be, this will likely change the way many of us game forever (in the long run; in 2014 it’ll probably still be crazy expensive). Still, I couldn’t be more excited.

Chris’ predictions

Rise of eSports. I haven’t been following eSports for very long, but the past few months have been pretty big. America recognized a Korean player as an athlete, more and more events keep popping up throughout the world, and eSports as a whole are getting more public attention. All signs point to eSports having a surge in popularity this year, which is very exciting.

JRPGs will own 2014. Ok maybe I should specify: they will own my life during 2014. With titles like; Tales of Xillia 2, Tales of Symphonia Chronicles, Trails in the Sky SC, Drakengard 3, Kingdom Hearts Remix 2.5, Lightning Returns, and my personal favorite FFX/X-2, this is going to be a very big year for JRPGs.

Iain’s predictions

China will rise! Opening up to games consoles was a massive step for Chinese game developers who suddenly have a new and exciting platform to develop for. Expect to see Chinese-developed console games entering the market before the end of 2014.

The fall of the Wii U. Despite its slowly improving game lineup the Wii U is the decided underdog in the current console race. Considering its massive head start, this doesn’t look good for Nintendo. Coupled with its confusing online ecosystem and dwindling developer support, I predict the Wii U may well be in bargain bins by the end of 2014.

Xairylle’s predictions