New Products in the Gaming Industry: What to Expect in the Second Half of 2024

The gaming industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with technological advancements and creative innovations reshaping the landscape. As we move into the second half of 2024, gamers have a lot to look forward to. 

From groundbreaking hardware to highly anticipated game releases and esports news, the upcoming months promise to be exciting for both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore the new products set to make waves in the gaming world.

Most anticipated games in the second half of 2024

When we talk about the most anticipated products of the second half of 2024, we cannot ignore the video game market.

Overall, on egw.news, the new games of 2024 will become one of the central topics of discussion, and this is not surprising, as we are expecting some really high-profile releases. Here are just a few of the titles we expect by the end of the year.

Star Wars: Outlaws

Star Wars: Outlaws will be a major test for Ubisoft. After a series of unsuccessful releases, the company is placing high hopes on its project set in the Star Wars universe. This will be a single-player Action RPG with a focus on the story. The game is scheduled for release on August 30, 2024.

Black Myth: Wukong

If you are a fan of “Eastern” settings, then Black Myth: Wukong is just for you. And if you also love souls-like games, this is definitely your choice. Wukong is based on “Journey to the West,” one of the four classic novels of Chinese literature. The game is scheduled for release on August 20, 2024.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Another hit release of the second half of 2024 is expected to be S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The long-awaited project from GSC is set to be released on September 5, 2024. Heart of Chornobyl promises to further acquaint players with the Chernobyl “exclusion zone” and immerse them in the classic gloomy atmosphere.

These games are just a small part of the major releases of the second half of 2024. There will be many more worthy products.

Next-Generation Consoles and Hardware

One of the most anticipated hardware releases in late 2024 is the PlayStation 5 Pro. Building on the success of the PS5, the Pro version promises enhanced performance, with a focus on delivering 8K gaming experiences and improved ray tracing capabilities. Sony has teased that the PS5 Pro will also come with a revamped design and a more efficient cooling system, addressing some of the overheating issues reported by users of the original PS5.

Similarly, Microsoft is gearing up to launch the Xbox Series X Elite. This new iteration of the Xbox Series X is expected to feature upgraded internals, including a faster SSD and a more powerful GPU. The Elite model aims to push the boundaries of what is possible with current-gen gaming, providing smoother frame rates and quicker load times. Both Sony and Microsoft are also heavily investing in their respective cloud gaming services, PlayStation Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, making it easier for gamers to access their favorite titles from virtually anywhere. And let’s not forget about the third huge player in the game console market – Nintendo, who are clearly planning to release their Switch 2 and, most likely, it will happen in the second half of 2024.

VR and AR Innovations

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies continue to gain traction in the gaming industry. In the second half of 2024, we can expect to see the release of Meta Quest 3, the latest in Meta’s (formerly Facebook) line of VR headsets. The Quest 3 promises to deliver higher resolution displays, improved hand tracking, and a more comfortable fit. Additionally, Meta is working on expanding its library of VR games, with several high-profile titles set to launch alongside the headset.

Meanwhile, Apple is rumored to be entering the AR market with its Apple AR Glasses. Although primarily designed for broader applications, these glasses are expected to have significant implications for gaming. Leveraging Apple’s powerful ecosystem, developers are likely to create immersive AR experiences that blend seamlessly with the real world. The integration of AR gaming with everyday life could open up new possibilities and redefine how we interact with games.

Advancements in AI and Game Development

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to play a crucial role in game development. In 2024, we’re seeing AI being used to create more realistic NPCs (non-player characters) and generate expansive game worlds. NVIDIA’s Omniverse is one such tool that developers are leveraging to build more immersive environments. By simulating realistic physics and lighting, Omniverse enables the creation of lifelike worlds that react dynamically to players’ actions.

AI is also being used to enhance procedural generation in games. Titles like “No Man’s Sky” and “Minecraft” have demonstrated the potential of procedural generation, and upcoming games are taking this technology to new heights. By using AI to generate content, developers can create virtually limitless worlds, providing players with unique experiences every time they play.

E-Sports and Streaming

The esports industry continues to grow, with new games and tournaments drawing in massive audiences. In the latter half of 2024, we can expect to see big esports tournaments. These include the Dota 2 World Championship – The International 2024 – a similar League of Legends event – LoL Worlds 2024 – and the VALORANT World Championship – Valorant Champions 2024, which will be the culminating events of the year in the world of eSports.

Streaming platforms are also evolving. Twitch and YouTube Gaming remain dominant, but new competitors like Kick are gaining traction. These platforms are introducing innovative features to attract streamers and viewers, such as better revenue sharing models and interactive elements that enhance viewer engagement.

Conclusion

The second half of 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting period for the gaming industry. With new hardware pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, innovative VR and AR experiences, and a lineup of highly anticipated game releases, gamers have plenty to look forward to. As AI and procedural generation continue to advance, we can expect even more immersive and dynamic gaming experiences. Whether you’re a console gamer, a VR enthusiast, or an e-sports fan, the upcoming months promise to deliver something for everyone.