The most popular April 2015 gaming trends are indicative of a huge shift that's happening in the video game industry. Although plugging into a video game is a huge source of entertainment, many games are being transformed into tools to assist with health, debt or acquiring exclusive discounts when shopping.
This shift in gaming for a purpose can be categorized as divergence, one of the key patterns of opportunity addressed in Trend Hunter CEO Jeremy Gutsche's New York Times bestselling book, Better and Faster. Innovations that are divergent are best recognized as ones that oppose the mainstream. Putting practicality before pure enjoyment are games like Givling, which helps students pay off debt through rounds of trivia, and Ubisoft's Dig Rush, which treats lazy eye.
Top 35 Gaming Products in April
35
Gamer Subscription Services
Loot Crate Delivers Monthly Boxes of Geeky Swag of Video Game Lovers
34
8-Bit Camera Guns
Dmitry Morozov Creates a Fun Way to Take Photos and Instantly Print Them
33
Innovative Gaming Tablets
A 10-Inch Curved Screen Establishes an Immersive Play Experience
32
8-Bit Subscription Services
'My Retro Game Box' Makes It Easy to Stock Up on Classic Video Games
31
Android TV Consoles
Nvidia Shield is a Sharp, Slim and Minimalist Piece of Technology
30
Web-Based Party Games
Cards Against Originality Lets You Play the Popular Party Game Online
29
Mobile Nintendo Games
Nintendo is Working with DeNA to Create Original Experiences for Smartphones
28
Potion-Brewing Board Games
The Alchemists Game Requires Players to Invent Magic Potions
27
Therapeutic 3D Games
Ubisoft's Dig Rush is Capable of Treating Lazy Eye
26
Virtual Reality Gaming Headsets
The HTC Vive Lets You Walk Around In Your Virtual Reality Space
25
8-Bit Java Cans
The DyDo Super Mario Coffee Puts Warp Pipes on Cups of Joe
24
Alternate Reality Games
Schuh's Shops Are Portals for Google's Ingress Location-Based Game
23
Medieval Board Games
The Carcassone Board Game Retains Its Old-World Charm On Your iPhone and iPad
22
Member-Only Gamer Communities
The Rockstar Games Social Club Enhances and Extends the Experience
21
Interactive Game Projectors
The Lumo Interactive Projector Turns Kids' Rooms Into Playgrounds
20
Carbon-Infused LEGO Bricks
The LEGO Ultra Agents Merge Physical and Digital Play
19
Shapeshifting Gamepads
The Grifta Gamepad Changes Size and Splits Into Two
18
Opensource Video Game Platforms
Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 Lets Users Build Games for Free
17
Gaming Channel Expansions
The Machinima Many-to-Many Network Increases Its Base of Influence
16
Concept Gaming Galleries
The SXSW Gaming Concept Gallery Lets You Test-Drive Concept Games
15
Gratis Gaming Apps
Gamee is a Platform for Free Games That Rejects In-App Purchases
14
African Safari Mobile Games
Kate and Harry in Africa Lets Kids Explore An African Safari
13
Video Game Exhibits
The SXSW Videogame History Museum Explores Gaming's Evolution
12
Lucrative Gaming Collaborations
Maker Studios Signed Diamond Minecart for an Explosive Partnership
11
Winsome Gaming Apps
Big Time Game is a Mobile Gaming App with a Large Cash Prize
10
Debt-Diminishing Games
Givling Helps Pay Off Student Loans with Rounds of Trivia
9
Gamer Finder Apps
The GamerLink App (in BETA) Helps You Find Gamers Online You Want To Play With
8
Predictive Search Board Games
The Query Game Plays Off Google's Predictive Search Feature
7
Board Game-Extending Apps
MONOPOLY zAPPed Introduces Mini Games to Enhance the Playing Experience
6
Beat-Keeping Music Games
The SongArc Game Debuting at SXSW Changes the Way You Listen to Music
5
Immersive Input Devices
This Feet-Incorporating VR Controller Makes Gaming More Realistic
4
Fountain-Controlling Video Games
The 'Granary Squirt' App Turns Fountains into a Game of Snake
3
Tablet Game Builders
Bloxels' Digital Board Game Lets Kids Create Their Own Challenges
2
Indie Developer Platforms
Microsoft Announces Xbox One SDK Will Go Public at the GDC
1
Historical Video Games
'Titanic: Honor and Glory' is Seeking Funds to Portray the Tragic Events
Related Ideas
Nostalgic Gaming Timepieces
The Retro Gaming Watch Brings Gameplay to the Wrist
Modernized 90s Gaming Consoles
The Analogue 3D Console Upscales N64 Games to 4K
Modular Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual Nintendo Switoo Imagines the Brand's Next Handheld
Dedicated Web3 Gaming Platforms
Gamestop is Working with 'Elixir' on a Crypto Gaming Launcher
Projector-Equipped Handheld Gaming Consoles
This Nintendo Game Boy Concept is 90s-Inspired
3D Display Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual 'Uplight' Game Console Has Interchangeable Components
Tablet-Friendly Gaming Controllers
The Razer Kishi Ultra Mobile Gaming Controller is Responsive
Customizable Mobile Gaming Consoles
The 'ORBIS' Handheld Gaming Console Concept is Multipurpose
High-Fashion Video Game Consoles
The Balenciaga Snake Game Marks the Lunar New Year
Gaming Archetype Personality Quizzes
The New York Times Games Presents a Puzzle Personality Quiz
Ergonomic Minimalist Gaming Controllers
The Moenix Game Controller Concept Has a Yoke-Style Design
80s-Inspired E-Ink Gaming Consoles
The 'Ink Console' Offers a Series of Text-Driven Adventures
Flipped Handheld Gaming Devices
AYANEO's Flip DS Gaming Device is Inspired by Nintendo
Video Game-Themed Chocolate Gifts
The Nintendo and Godiva Chocolates are Arriving in Japan
Expanded Game-Streaming Services
Microsoft Now Lets Players Stream their Library with xCloud
Personalized Digital Playgrounds
Pringles Poptopia is an Immersive, Engaging Experience for Fans
Promotional Game-Themed Collabs
Microsoft Partnered with Several CPG Brands to Offer Xbox Rewards
Novel AI-Generated Product Designs
Arcade Introduced a Transformative AI Product Creation Platform
AI-Powered Choose-Your-Own Adventure Books
Playbrary GPT Merges Literature with Gaming
In-Game Billboard Advertising
Gameloft Enables Partners to Advertise Natively in its Games
Stylish Gaming Controllers
The Xbox Wireless Controller Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition is Chic
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
Streaming Series Games
Netflix Stories Invites Viewers to Participate in Their Own Adventures
Gamer-Centric Fast Food Campaigns
Burger King's Gaming Campaign to Rewards “Burger-to-King” Goals
Reservation-Based Gaming Retail Initiatives
PlayStation 5 Pro in Japan is for Hardcore Gamers
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
AI-Driven Customer Loyalty Systems
TurboPush Aims to Streamline Digital Loyalty Programs
Creative Game-Themed Peripherals
The Higround x Minecraft Collection Has Several Styles
Digital Creator Revenue Shifts
Newsletter Platform Beehiiv Lets Readers Set Their Own Price
Handheld Gaming Console Concepts
Alex Casabo Designs the Playfusion Console Concept
Video Game-Inspired Makeup Ranges
The Pat McGrath Labs x Candy Crush Saga Range is Limited-Edition
Data-Driven QSR Campaigns
Burger King's BK Unwrapped Reveals Customers' 2024 Ordering Preferences
Active Lifestyle-Supporting Campaigns
Kellogg's® Vector® Launches the Become Your Player Campaign
Drink-Shaped Gaming Devices
7-Eleven is Giving Fans the Chance to Win a Slurpee-Shaped Tetris Game
Heritage-Inspired Game Consoles
PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection Nods to the First Console
Interactive Gaming Phone Cases
Bitmo Lab Introduces the Protective GameBaby Transformative Case
Anthropomorphized Gaming Systems
The 'Playdate' Handheld Gaming Device Has a Charming Function
Developer-Inspired Keyboard Lines
Higround and Hideo Kojima Unite on a Sleek Black Accessory Line
Fashion House Retro-Gaming Devices
Balenciaga Presents a Device That Only Plays the Snake Game
Monetizable Mobile Gaming Apps
'Playbite' Enables Players to Win Gift Cards and Prizes
Interactive Educational Toy Lines
LeapFrog Debuts Its Latest Collection at Toy Fair 2025
Professional Social Media Games
LinkedIn Released Three Games to Build Connections on its Platform
Esports-Focused Creator Programs
Team Vitality Unveils a New Epic Games Creator Programme
Gamified Virtual Fitness Apps
GymPet Transforms Workouts Like an Interactive Game
Foldable Gaming Consoles
This Game Boy Flip Concept Pushes the Boundaries of Handheld Gadgets
Sharable Digital Video Games
The Nintendo Switch Virtual Game Card Allows for Sharing
Personalized Health Gadgets
Bevel Launched a New Product That Leverages Data from Wearable Devices
Athletic Health-Focused Gadget Lines
Therabody Debuts Offerings Ahead of the 2024 Holiday Season
Celebratory Stacking Game Consoles
The Tetris Forever Handheld Video Game Console Marks 40 Years
Game-Themed Retro Keyboards
Higround and Minecraft Launch a New Collaborative Keyboard Collection
Interactive Game-Based Fitness Platforms
Ergatta & iFIT Join Forces to Make Workouts More Engaging
Gamified Crowdfunding Platforms
Tiltify Personal Helps Raise Money with Interactive Tools
Expanded Game-Streaming Features
Xbox Cloud Gaming and LG Debut a New Xbox Game Pass Partnership
AI-Powered Adventure Apps
The 'Globe Chaser' App Features Geocaching-Inspired Tours
Revived Retro Internet Games
Neopets is Celebrating its 25th Anniversary with New Revivals
Smart TV Party Games
Jackbox Games is Coming to Smart TVs Through a New Update
Gen Z-Focused Board Games
Mattel Launches Scrabble Together for Non-Competitive Gen Z Consumers
Vibrant Retro Handheld Gaming
Retroid Designs the Pocket Classic Gaming Device
Fashion Gaming App-Updates
Fashion Gaming App 'Drest' Launches New Update
Video Game Travel Merchandise
The Nintendo Super Mario Travel Items are Arriving for Summer
Digital Taste Profiles
The Shelf App Creates Comprehensive Media Consumption Analytics
Creature-Inspired Gaming Peripherals
Razer is Partnering with Pokémon Co. On New Peripherals
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Mobile Retro Gaming Apps
The 'Delta' Application is Now Available on iOS Devices
AI-Driven Video Game Consoles
The PlayStation 5 Pro Has the Spectral Super Resolution Feature
Multifunctional Game Sets
The 'LEGO' Group is Merging Physical and Digital Play
Updated Traditional Game Experiences
Admiral Clash Reimagines Battleship in New Angle
Pay-What-You-Want Gaming Platforms
Humble Bundle Changes Game Distribution with Flexible Pricing
Stream-to-Earn Gaming Apps
'Tilted' is Coming to iOS Devices Later this January
Interactive App-Themed Game Maps
Twitch Unveiled 'The Glitch' Brand Map in Fortnite for Twitchcon
Casual Mini Games
This Online Hub Allows for Players to Easily Learn Engaging Games
Comprehensive Tech Showcase Events
Logitech Announced Gadgets and Software at 'LogiPlay 2024'
Digital Pet Video Games
Tamagotchi Plaza is Arriving on the Nintendo Switch
Web Browser-Focused Rebate Programs
Shift is Launching the Toggle Tax Rebate Program
Expanded Game-Streaming Services
Sony Added a Number of Games to its 'PS Plus' Service in June
Best-Selling Console Sequels
Nintendo Dropped the Reveal Trailer for the 'Nintendo Switch 2'
Modular Gaming Controller Concepts
The Lifil Multiverse Controller by Diego Perez Rogé is Advanced
AI-Driven Consumer Goods Platforrms
Cpg Radar’s New AI-Driven Platform is Efficient
Sports-Centric Digital Collectibles Platform
Sweet Took Part in the Launch of NHL Breakaway
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
Innovative Game Collections
Particula Redefines Play and Learning with Elevated Classics
Foldable Gaming Controller Concepts
The Swift Game Controller Concept Makes it Easily Portable
Influencer-Based Gaming Activations
Niantic Taps Google to Recruit Creators for Pokémon GO Fest
Game Console-Branches Streetwear
PlayStation Joins F.C. Real Bristol and SOPH on a Fashion Capsule
Next-Gen Console Customizations
eXtremeRate Unveiled Solutions for the ' Nintendo Switch 2'
Gaming Ads-Inspired Video Games
D3 Publisher and Monkeycraft Present the Ironic Those Games
Thin Gaming Keyboards
Logitech G Launched Low-Profile Keyboards
Luxury Adventure Travel Platforms
UNCHARTED Recently Introduced the EVOLVE Multimedia Platform
Co-Branded Racing Game Events
Xbox and Gilette Launched the 'Gilette P1 Program' in Forza
Free Urban Adventure Games
Adventure City Games Launches a Consumer-Focused Initiative in BC
Expandable Mobile Gaming Controllers
abxylute's S9 Controller Enables Cloud Gaming on Phones
Collaborative Gaming Peripherals
Razer Releases a New Fortnite Gaming Peripherals Collection
Ad-Free Gaming Platforms
Subscrible's Latest Gaming Platform is Available on Mobile Devices
Cloud Gaming Service Updates
Nvidia Added High-Demand Games to its GeForce Now Game Service
Value-Minded Video Game Consoles
This Nintendo Switch MAR10 Day Bundle Celebrates the Console
Age-Inclusive Board Games
Hasbro Revamps its Classic Board Games to Accommodate Aging Consumers
Gaming-Themed Tech Accessories
The Kojima Productions x Higround Collection Arrives This Month
Subscription Game Service Updates
Nintendo Added Four New Games to its Switch Online Service
Youth Movement Competitions
The PLEZi Absurdly Good Games Encourages Summer Activity
Collectible Figurine Action Games
Funko! Announced 'Funko Fusion' for Modern Platforms
Simplistic Dynamic Game Experiences
Joelle Tindall Created the Unique Touch Egg Game
Accessible Game Development Apps
CrazyGames Partnered with 'Struckd' to Enable In-Browser Creation
Game Streaming Service Updates
Sony has Added Several Titles to 'PlayStation Plus Premium'
Cozy Self-Exploration Games
Betwixt Provides Epic Escapes from Stress & Anxiety with Storytelling
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
Collaborative Esports Events
Samsung and GIANTX are Hosting an Activation at EGX Comic Con
Competitive Monetary Game Platforms
'VersusNow' Allows Players to Compete for Real World Prizes
Artistic Gaming Peripherals
Razer Has Launched a Collection Inspired by the Late Keith Haring
Gaming Aim Training Tournaments
Logitech G and Aim Lab Launched 'The Gauntlet' Competition
Multi-Genre Multiplayer Games
'Shape of Dreams' Blends Popular MOBA and Roguelike Gameplay
Gamified Shopping Experiences
Browse Booster Rewards Coupons for Product Views
Classic Board Game Remakes
Dungeons & Dragons Takes on a Celebratory Modernized Update
Gaming Experience-Enhancing Innovations
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. Debuts New Gaming Innovations
Video Game-Centric Discovery Platforms
Criticdb Debuts a Video Game Review & Discovery Platform
Functional Gaming Toys
Nintendo's Latest Gashapon Toys Can be Added as Controller Parts
Game-Collaborative Phygital Apparel
Balenciaga Unveils a Collaboration with Need for Speed Mobile
Premium Controller Modules
Turtle Beach Launches the Stealth Pivot with Rotating Button Modules
Second-Hand Tech Deliveries
CeX and Just Eat Takeaway.com Will Deliver Pre-Owned Gaming Products
Retro Arcade-Themed Capsules
The Hundreds and Tetris are Teaming Up on the 'Future Vintage' Line
Game Marketing Tools
Conduit.gg is a Marketing for Game Developers That's Great for Social Media
Women's Day-Inspired Tournaments
True Gamer Partners with Sony to Host a Match for Women's Day
Collapsible Gamer Controller Designs
The 'Swift' Foldable Controller Concept is Compact
Premium Console Game Controllers
FlyDigi's Apex 4 is a Precision Customizable Controller for Games
Interactive Entertainment Board Games
MONOPOLY GO! Transforms Digital Mobile Game into Real Play
Gaming-Inspired Headphone Campaigns
Nazarian Films Aims to Engage a Younger Generations
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
April Fool's Lifestyle Collections
Nugget Introduced Its 'Most Trendiest - High Endiest' Line Yet
Gaming Platform Rebrands
Marblex Gaming Platform Rebrands with a Bold Focus on Fun and Community
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges
Social Gaming Calendars
ArcadeCal Helps Gamers Coordinate Their Gaming Sessions
Aggregated Social Insights
IndiePulse Uses Forum and Thread Comments to Find Your Next Projects
Gamified Productivity Apps
Get Productive Turns Phone-Free Time into a Game with Rewards
Web3 Gaming Ecosystems
NEOWIZ is Launching the 'Adventure' Web3 Gaming Platforn
Expanded Digital Game Distributions
Limited Run Games Expands with Three Exciting Titles
Digital Dartboard Game Systems
The 'Pixeldarts' Electronic Throwing Game Offers Nonstop Fun
Daily Gaming Mystery-Solving
Players are Tasked to Guess the Game with 'Daily Game Trivia'
Newspaper Gaming Platforms
kr3m Crafts an Interactive, Reader-Centric Gaming Platform for Le Monde
Gamified Personal Goal Platforms
GoalQuest Transforms Goal-Setting into an Adventure
Online Trivia Platforms
Masters of Trivia Offers a New Take With a Diverse Array of Topics
Orange-Tonal Game Peripherals
CORSAIR Unveils a New Peripherals Collaboration with Call of Duty