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
Dedicated Web3 Gaming Platforms
Gamestop is Working with 'Elixir' on a Crypto Gaming Launcher
Modular Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual Nintendo Switoo Imagines the Brand's Next Handheld
Projector-Equipped Handheld Gaming Consoles
This Nintendo Game Boy Concept is 90s-Inspired
Tablet-Friendly Gaming Controllers
The Razer Kishi Ultra Mobile Gaming Controller is Responsive
3D Display Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual 'Uplight' Game Console Has Interchangeable Components
Handheld K-Beauty Devices
APR Corp. is Bringing Advanced K-Beauty Tech to CES 2024
Customizable Mobile Gaming Consoles
The 'ORBIS' Handheld Gaming Console Concept is Multipurpose
Active Wearable Tech
Skip Debuts the GameTime Tarp to Enhance the At-Home Viewing Experience
Gaming-Inspired Haptic Response Sneakers
The Nike PG2 PlayStation Shoes are Paul George-Approved
Console-Style Smartphone Controllers
The GameSir G8 Galileo Works on Android and iOS Devices
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
Flipped Handheld Gaming Devices
AYANEO's Flip DS Gaming Device is Inspired by Nintendo
Reservation-Based Gaming Retail Initiatives
PlayStation 5 Pro in Japan is for Hardcore Gamers
Personalized Digital Playgrounds
Pringles Poptopia is an Immersive, Engaging Experience for Fans
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
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
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Digital Creator Revenue Shifts
Newsletter Platform Beehiiv Lets Readers Set Their Own Price
Playful Entrepreneurial Metaverses
e.l.f. UP! on Roblox Helps Gen Z & Gen Alpha Build Skills
Stylish Gaming Controllers
The Xbox Wireless Controller Nocturnal Vapor Special Edition is Chic
Streaming Series Games
Netflix Stories Invites Viewers to Participate in Their Own Adventures
Modular Handheld Gaming Systems
The 'feeel' Gaming System by Jasmin Kappler is Customizable
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Creative Game-Themed Peripherals
The Higround x Minecraft Collection Has Several Styles
AI-Driven Customer Loyalty Systems
TurboPush Aims to Streamline Digital Loyalty Programs
Gamer-Centric Fast Food Campaigns
Burger King's Gaming Campaign to Rewards “Burger-to-King” Goals
Handheld Gaming Console Concepts
Alex Casabo Designs the Playfusion Console Concept
Mobile-Friendly Gaming Controllers
The 'MOI3D' Concept Controller by Vadim Danilkov is Two-in-One
Nostalgic Mobile Gaming Controllers
This Nintendo Switch GameCube Controller Revives a Classic
Arcade-Style Gaming Controllers
The Octopus Arcade Stick Brings the Arcade to the Living Room
Heritage-Inspired Game Consoles
PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection Nods to the First Console
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
Gamified Shopping Apps
Yaysay Combines AI-Powered Personalization & Gamification
Interactive Gaming Phone Cases
Bitmo Lab Introduces the Protective GameBaby Transformative Case
Developer-Inspired Keyboard Lines
Higround and Hideo Kojima Unite on a Sleek Black Accessory Line
Digital Pet-Inspired Streetwear
The BAPE x Tamagotchi Collab Delivers Nostalgia with Style
Monetizable Mobile Gaming Apps
'Playbite' Enables Players to Win Gift Cards and Prizes
Professional Social Media Games
LinkedIn Released Three Games to Build Connections on its Platform
Gamified Virtual Fitness Apps
GymPet Transforms Workouts Like an Interactive Game
Pro-Grade Gamer PC Peripherals
The Logitech G PRO Series 2023 Includes Three Products
Foldable Gaming Consoles
This Game Boy Flip Concept Pushes the Boundaries of Handheld Gadgets
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
Table-Top Gaming Candles
Gameplay Candles' Table Top Gaming Candles Ignite the Adventure in Us All
Game-Themed Retro Keyboards
Higround and Minecraft Launch a New Collaborative Keyboard Collection
Revived Retro Internet Games
Neopets is Celebrating its 25th Anniversary with New Revivals
Gen Z-Focused Board Games
Mattel Launches Scrabble Together for Non-Competitive Gen Z Consumers
Portable Folded Gaming Chairs
Logitech G and Playseat Presents the Playseat Challenge X
Game-Inspired PC Peripherals
The Elgato x Starfield Streaming Set Comes with Two Devices
Video Game Travel Merchandise
The Nintendo Super Mario Travel Items are Arriving for Summer
Fashion Gaming App-Updates
Fashion Gaming App 'Drest' Launches New Update
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
Pay-What-You-Want Gaming Platforms
Humble Bundle Changes Game Distribution with Flexible Pricing
AI-Driven Video Game Consoles
The PlayStation 5 Pro Has the Spectral Super Resolution Feature
Updated Traditional Game Experiences
Admiral Clash Reimagines Battleship in New Angle
Multifunctional Game Sets
The 'LEGO' Group is Merging Physical and Digital Play
Preschool Gaming Subscriptions
The Piknik App Subscription Service Shares Games for Preschoolers
Dynamic Mobile Fashion Games
Tommy Hilfiger Unveils a New Mobile Fashion Game Called FashionVerse
Inclusive Controller Accessories
Logitech Taps Sony for a New Disability-Supporting Controller Kit
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'
Web Browser-Focused Rebate Programs
Shift is Launching the Toggle Tax Rebate Program
Rewarding App-Based Games
Pick n Pay Introduces the New 'Smart Hopper' Game for Shoppers
Expanded Game-Streaming Services
Sony Added a Number of Games to its 'PS Plus' Service in June
Modular Gaming Controller Concepts
The Lifil Multiverse Controller by Diego Perez Rogé is Advanced
Sports-Centric Digital Collectibles Platform
Sweet Took Part in the Launch of NHL Breakaway
AI-Driven Consumer Goods Platforrms
Cpg Radar’s New AI-Driven Platform is Efficient
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
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
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
Exclusive Gamer Gift Cards
Candy Crush Saga Gift Cards Share a 48-Hour Unlimited Lives Bonus
Free Urban Adventure Games
Adventure City Games Launches a Consumer-Focused Initiative in BC
Co-Branded Racing Game Events
Xbox and Gilette Launched the 'Gilette P1 Program' in Forza
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
Sleek Snake-Adorned Razers
Gillette and Razer Launch a Collaborative Razor for Gaming Enthusiasts
Streaming Service Game Controllers
Netflix Unveils a New Game Controller App for iPhones
Cloud Gaming Service Updates
Nvidia Added High-Demand Games to its GeForce Now Game Service
Age-Inclusive Board Games
Hasbro Revamps its Classic Board Games to Accommodate Aging Consumers
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
Gaming-Themed Tech Accessories
The Kojima Productions x Higround Collection Arrives This Month
Collectible Figurine Action Games
Funko! Announced 'Funko Fusion' for Modern Platforms
Simplistic Dynamic Game Experiences
Joelle Tindall Created the Unique Touch Egg Game
Affordable Gaming Chairs
GTPLAYER Has Garnered Acclaim with Its Gaming Chair
Game Streaming Service Updates
Sony has Added Several Titles to 'PlayStation Plus Premium'
Accessible Game Development Apps
CrazyGames Partnered with 'Struckd' to Enable In-Browser Creation
Collaborative Esports Events
Samsung and GIANTX are Hosting an Activation at EGX Comic Con
All-in-One iGaming Solutions
CrazyGames Unveils a New Collection of Browser-Based Games
Competitive Monetary Game Platforms
'VersusNow' Allows Players to Compete for Real World Prizes
Esports Merchandise Capsules
PlayVS Partners with Emerge Apparel on a New Apparel Collection
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
Gaming Experience-Enhancing Innovations
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. Debuts New Gaming Innovations
Gamified Shopping Experiences
Browse Booster Rewards Coupons for Product Views
Promotional Influencer Videos
Activision Recruits Multiple Creators to Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Functional Gaming Toys
Nintendo's Latest Gashapon Toys Can be Added as Controller Parts
Celebratory Sci-Fi Tech Products
The Logitech G Return of the Jedi-inspired Collection is Official
Game-Collaborative Phygital Apparel
Balenciaga Unveils a Collaboration with Need for Speed Mobile
Retro Arcade-Themed Capsules
The Hundreds and Tetris are Teaming Up on the 'Future Vintage' Line
Digitized Board Game Consoles
This Smartphone-Controlled System Displays Board Games On Your TV
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
Short-Form Gaming Video Apps
'FreshCut' is TikTok for Video Games and Gaming News
Tycoon-Style Beauty Games
e.l.f. Cosmetics Launches a Digital Tycoon World on Roblox
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
Blockchain Gaming Platforms
Solana Labs Unveils a Tool to Streamline the Development of Web3 Games
Smartphone Game Feature Expansions
Apple's iPhone Event Announced its Upcoming Game Launches
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
Streaming Service-Backed Games
YouTube Is Testing Its Online Games Category Called 'Playables'
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges
Vibrant Celebratory Gaming Consoles
The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Red Edition is Sleek
Social Gaming Calendars
ArcadeCal Helps Gamers Coordinate Their Gaming Sessions
Anime Service-Backed Games
Crunchyroll is Adding Mobile Games to its Subscription-Based Offerings
Aggregated Social Insights
IndiePulse Uses Forum and Thread Comments to Find Your Next Projects
Web3 Gaming Ecosystems
NEOWIZ is Launching the 'Adventure' Web3 Gaming Platforn
Expanded Digital Game Distributions
Limited Run Games Expands with Three Exciting Titles
Input-Clarifying Game Icons
Valve Added a Badge to Dualsense Controller-Verified Games on Steam
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
Gilded Gradient Gaming Controllers
The Xbox Wireless Controller Gold Shadow is Chic
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