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Top 100 Video Game Trends in 2020

From Next-Gen Gaming Consoles to Voter-Targeted Streams

— January 24, 2021 — Tech
The 2020 video game trends highlight the many launches that were done in anticipation of the new PlayStation and Xbox consoles that made their debut, as well as a wide range of gamer accessories, furniture, and even fashion launches.

2020's Chipotle Challenger Series took a turn this year, inviting 'Fortnite' players to compete for the first time. In previous years 'Call of Duty' gamers entered their teams, however 2020's event gave a new fan base the chance to win a year's worth of Chipotle meals and $30,000. Epic Games also launched in-game concerts through Fortnite to allow players to take part in virtual shows in place of the many cancelled events caused by the pandemic. A few headliners have included Anderson .Paak, Diplo, and Travis Scott.

Ahead of 2021, Warner Bros. Games announced the launch of 'Hogwarts Legacy,' a new RPG that gives 'Harry Potter' fans the chance to explore the wizarding world before the birth of the boy wizard. Players are able to navigate the open world as a student who holds the key to an ancient secret, and make choices that will impact the magical world for decades to come.

For more game trends in the year ahead, check out Trend Hunter's 2021 Trend Report.
6.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
100
Exclusive RPG Remakes
Exclusive RPG Remakes
'Demon's Souls' Has Been Updated for the PlayStation 5
<
99
Corrupt Hobbit Games
Corrupt Hobbit Games
Players Act as the Deprived Ring-Bearer in 'The Lord of the Rings: Gollum'
<
98
Alternative History Adventure Games
Alternative History Adventure Games
'Paradise Lost' Takes Place in a Lost Bunker in Poland
<
97
Console Theme Park Simulators
Console Theme Park Simulators
'Planet Coaster' is Coming to PlayStation and Xbox
<
96
Intrasellar Exploration Games
Intrasellar Exploration Games
'Jett: the Far Shore' Challenges Players to Create a New Future
<
95
Mysterious Space Combat Games
Mysterious Space Combat Games
Players Act as a Deadly Warrior Named Nara in 'Chorus'
<
94
Hyperreal Hitman Games
Hyperreal Hitman Games
IO Interactive's 'Hitman 3' Concludes the 'World of Assassination' Trilogy
<
93
Frozen Planet Game Expansions
Frozen Planet Game Expansions
'Destiny 2: Beyond Light' Adds New Challenges to the FPS
<
92
Afterlife-Themed Video Games
Afterlife-Themed Video Games
Spiritfarer Educates Players on How to Cope with the Concept of Death
<
91
Off-Road Racing Games
Off-Road Racing Games
Players Race on All Types of Terrain in Codemasters' 'Dirt 5'
<
90
Hacking-Inspired Adventure Games
Hacking-Inspired Adventure Games
'Recompile' Takes Place Within a Mainframe Computer
<
89
Misfit Road Trip Games
Misfit Road Trip Games
Players Journey Across the Divided States of America in 'Dustborn'
<
88
Story-Driven Spirit Guide Games
Story-Driven Spirit Guide Games
'Kena: Bridge of Spirits' is a Beautiful Third-Person Adventure
<
87
Paranormal Action-Adventure Games
Paranormal Action-Adventure Games
'GhostWire: Tokyo' is Coming to PlayStation 5 and PC in 2021
<
86
Revived Mob Games
Revived Mob Games
'Mafia: Definitive Edition' is a Remake of the 2002 Video Game
<
85
Open World Archery Games
Open World Archery Games
Players Become Master Archers in 'The Pathless'
<
84
Hyperreal Moon-Set Action Games
Hyperreal Moon-Set Action Games
Capcom's 'Pragmata' is Coming to New Consoles in 2022
<
83
Psionic Warrior RPGs
Psionic Warrior RPGs
Players Navigate a Futuristic World as a Powerful Psychic in 'Scarlet Nexus'
<
82
Vengeful RPG Sequels
Vengeful RPG Sequels
'Tales of Esperia: Desperation' Follows Up Lilith Games' 'AFK Arena'
<
81
Heroic Platform Games
Heroic Platform Games
'Oddworld: Soulstorm' is a Continuation of 2014's 'Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty!'
<
80
Controller Guidance Games
Controller Guidance Games
'Astro's Playroom' Showcases the DualSense Controller's Improvements
<
79
Low-Latency Controller Designs
Low-Latency Controller Designs
Microsoft's New Console Controller Reduces In-Game Latency
<
78
Surround Sound Gamer Headsets
Surround Sound Gamer Headsets
The CORSAIR HS75 XB Wireless Gamer Headset Offers Dolby Atmos Audio
<
77
Surreal Fast-Paced Adventure Games
Surreal Fast-Paced Adventure Games
'Solar Ash' Follows Up Heart Machine's 'Hyper Light Drifter'
<
76
Relaunched Hacker Games
Relaunched Hacker Games
Nightdive Studios' 'System Shock' is a Remake of a 1994 Video Game
<
75
Influencer Water Slide Games
Influencer Water Slide Games
'Slide Stars' Features Famous TikTok and Instagram Personalities
<
74
Voter-Targeted Game Streams
Voter-Targeted Game Streams
AOC Played 'Among Us' on Twitch to Connect with Young Voters
<
73
Gamer-Targeted Hard Drives
Gamer-Targeted Hard Drives
The Silicon Power A62 External Game Drive Stores Up to 50 Games
<
72
Co-Op Sci-Fi Shooter Games
Co-Op Sci-Fi Shooter Games
Players Make Their Way Across a Hostile Planet in 'Outriders'
<
71
Terrifying Dual-Reality Video Games
Terrifying Dual-Reality Video Games
'The Medium' is a Third-Person Psychological Horror Game
<
70
Nightmare-Combating Adventure Games
Nightmare-Combating Adventure Games
'Figment: Creed Valley' is a Puzzle-Filled Dream World
<
69
Exclusive Monster-Slaying RPGs
Exclusive Monster-Slaying RPGs
Capcom Will Release 'Monster Hunter Rise' on Nintendo Switch
<
68
Cyberpunk Comic Book Games
Cyberpunk Comic Book Games
'Foreclosed' Takes Inspiration from Antab Studio's Experiences
<
67
Thrilling Graphic Novel Shooters
Thrilling Graphic Novel Shooters
'XIII' is a Remake of a 2003 First-Person Action Game
<
66
Gaming Design Contests
Gaming Design Contests
PUBG Boasts a Community Skin Contest for PlayerUnknown’s Battleground
<
65
Compact Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
Compact Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
The Xbox Series S will Deliver Robust Performance in a Small Unit
<
64
19th Century Open-World Wizard RPGs
19th Century Open-World Wizard RPGs
'Hogwarts Legacy' Allows Players to Shape the Wizarding World
<
63
Futuristic Megalopolis RPGs
Futuristic Megalopolis RPGs
Players Fight Their Way to Eternal Life in 'Cyberpunk 2077'
<
62
Advanced Customization Game Controllers
Advanced Customization Game Controllers
The Razer Wolverine V2 is for the New Xbox Series Consoles
<
61
Third-Person Cat Adventure Games
Third-Person Cat Adventure Games
'Stray' is Set is a Dangerous Neon-Lit Cyber City
<
60
Food-Branded Esports Events
Food-Branded Esports Events
The 2020 Chipotle Challenger Series Was Made for 'Fornite' Players
<
59
Third-Person Sci-Fi Shooter Games
Third-Person Sci-Fi Shooter Games
Players Control a Stranded Space Pilot in 'Returnal'
<
58
Nostalgic Game System Branding
Nostalgic Game System Branding
These Amazon Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Boxes are Retro
<
57
Athletically Branded Game Consoles
Athletically Branded Game Consoles
This Microsoft x Nike Xbox One X is Extremely Limited-Edition
<
56
Video Game-Celebrating Performances
Video Game-Celebrating Performances
A Mascot of Crash Bandicoot Joined Brazil's Carreta Furacão
<
55
In-Game Movie Nights
In-Game Movie Nights
Fortnite & Warner Bros are Hosting a Unique Movie Screening Event
<
54
Race Car-Inspired Gaming Chairs
Race Car-Inspired Gaming Chairs
Atlantic Announced New Dardashti Gaming Chairs at CES 2020
<
53
Gamer-Targeted Smartwatches
Gamer-Targeted Smartwatches
The Garmin Instinct Esports Edition Smartwatch Captures Specific Data
<
52
Viking Survival Games
Viking Survival Games
Players Stand Against an Onslaught of Giants in 'Tribes of Midgard'
<
51
Dedicated Gaming Service Controllers
Dedicated Gaming Service Controllers
The Amazon Luna Controller Has Cloud Direct Technology
<
50
Video Game-Upscaling Consoles
Video Game-Upscaling Consoles
The Analogue Duo Supports TurboGrafxs CDs and Cartridges
<
49
Lag-Free Gamer Laptops
Lag-Free Gamer Laptops
The Latest Razer Blade Stealth 13 Has a 120 Hz Display
<
48
Video Game-Inspired Mail Stamps
Video Game-Inspired Mail Stamps
The New Royal Mail Stamps are Informed by a Nostalgic Theme
<
47
Digital Music Festival Games
Digital Music Festival Games
'Fuser' is a New Game from the Creators of 'Rock Band'
<
46
Dance-Based Social Media Contests
Dance-Based Social Media Contests
Epic Games Announces a TikTok Contest for Fortnite's Next Emote
<
45
In-Game Art Galleries
In-Game Art Galleries
The Getty Museum's Tool Lets Players Import Art in Animal Crossing
<
44
PC-Packed Handheld Consoles
PC-Packed Handheld Consoles
The Alienware Concept UFO Shows Off a Handheld Design at CES 2020
<
43
Universal Gamer Controllers
Universal Gamer Controllers
The BETOP G-2 Turns Smartphones into Gaming Powerhouses
<
42
Video Game Beauty Films
Video Game Beauty Films
Shiseido's Camellia Project Invites Users to Connect in Animal Crossing
<
41
In-Game Rap Concerts
In-Game Rap Concerts
Anderson .Paak is Set to Take Fortnite's Party Royale Spotlight Soundstage
<
40
Smartphone Console Conversion Controllers
Smartphone Console Conversion Controllers
The Razer Kishi Highlighted Portability at CES 2020
<
39
Smartphone-Powered Gaming Devices
Smartphone-Powered Gaming Devices
The AnyConsole Mini Lets Users Play Mobile Games on Their TV Set
<
38
Gummy Worm Video Games
Gummy Worm Video Games
Packages of Trolli Gummy Worms Connect to the Deliciously Dark Escape Game
<
37
Console Cheesecake Kits
Console Cheesecake Kits
Philadelphia Launched the 'Philly Series 5' for the Holidays
<
36
Console-Integrated Six Packs
Console-Integrated Six Packs
Bud Light's 'BL6' is a Self-Cooling Six Pack That Plays Video Games
<
35
Video Game-Inspired Dart Blasters
Video Game-Inspired Dart Blasters
The Nerf Halo Blasters will Launch in October 2020
<
34
Home Entertainment Arcade Games
Home Entertainment Arcade Games
The MVSX Home Arcade Offers 50 Built-in Games
<
33
Ergonomic Mobile Gaming PCs
Ergonomic Mobile Gaming PCs
Alienware Revealed Its Concept UFO Featuring Removable Controllers
<
32
Esports-Inspired Sneakers
Esports-Inspired Sneakers
Nike Unveiled a Lineup of Footwear and Apparel with Gamers in Mind
<
31
Next-Gen Console Controllers
Next-Gen Console Controllers
The Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Game Controller is Responsive
<
30
Wearable VR Gaming PCs
Wearable VR Gaming PCs
The ZOTAC VR GO 3.0 Gaming Backpack PC Can be Brought Anywhere
<
29
Virtual Feminist Protests
Virtual Feminist Protests
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is Now a Platform Used for Protests
<
28
Game-Inspired Hard Drives
Game-Inspired Hard Drives
The Cyberpunk 2077 Special Edition Game Drive is Limited-Edition
<
27
Gamified Virtual Fitness Studios
Gamified Virtual Fitness Studios
FitXR Offers Group Boxing and Dance Classes Through VR Headsets
<
26
Expandable Smartphone Gaming Controllers
Expandable Smartphone Gaming Controllers
The Oppo C1 Gamepad Unicorn Gundam Edition is Ergonomic
<
25
Handheld Gamer Laptops
Handheld Gamer Laptops
The GPD WIN Max Allows for Intense Gaming from Anywhere
<
24
Retro Handheld Gaming Releases
Retro Handheld Gaming Releases
The Nintendo Game & Watch is Being Rereleased by the Company
<
23
Nostalgic Smartphone Gamer Controllers
Nostalgic Smartphone Gamer Controllers
The 'Clippad' Controller Creates a Handheld Console
<
22
Gamified Streetwear Pop-Ups
Gamified Streetwear Pop-Ups
Klarna Created a Virtual Shop Within Animal Crossing: New Horizons
<
21
In-Game Makeup Collaborations
In-Game Makeup Collaborations
The Sims 4's Base Game Now Includes M.A.C Cosmetics Makeup for Sims
<
20
Fashionable Virtual Islands
Fashionable Virtual Islands
NET-A-PORTER Created Its Own Island on Animal Crossing: New Horizons
<
19
Vibrating Gaming Chairs
Vibrating Gaming Chairs
The 'Arcadeo Gaming Chair' Was Shown at CES 2020 with 10 Feedback Zones
<
18
Rustic Gaming Controllers
Rustic Gaming Controllers
The Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Game Controller is Authentically Finished
<
17
Lumbar Support Gamer Furniture
Lumbar Support Gamer Furniture
The Razer Iskur Gaming Chair Offers Comfort for Long Sessions
<
16
Inclusivity-Promoting eSports Partnerships
Inclusivity-Promoting eSports Partnerships
MAC Cosmetics Exhibited at Gaming Conference TwitchCon
<
15
Nostalgic Customizable Gaming Controllers
Nostalgic Customizable Gaming Controllers
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick Has a Large, Retro Design
<
14
DIY Video Game Character Masks
DIY Video Game Character Masks
These Fortnite Halloween Costumes Can Be Made at Home
<
13
Handheld Gamer Console Laptops
Handheld Gamer Console Laptops
The One Netbook One GX Handheld Gaming Laptop is Feature-Rich
<
12
Compact Form-Factor Gamer PCs
Compact Form-Factor Gamer PCs
The New CORSAIR ONE a100 Gaming PC Fits on Any Desktop
<
11
Inclusive Gaming Razor Campaigns
Inclusive Gaming Razor Campaigns
Gillette Venus Debuts Skinclusive Summer Line on Animal Crossing
<
10
Next-Gen Cloud-Connected Consoles
Next-Gen Cloud-Connected Consoles
The Conceptual SEGA Sakura Gaming Console is Futuristic
<
9
Angular Automotive Gaming Consoles
Angular Automotive Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual Tesla 'CyberBox' is Cyber Truck-Inspired
<
8
Affordable Gaming Furniture Accessories
Affordable Gaming Furniture Accessories
IKEA and ASUS Republic of Gamers Launch New Collection
<
7
Projector-Equipped Video Game Consoles
Projector-Equipped Video Game Consoles
The Conceptual 'PSR' Game Console by Andy Suh is Immersive
<
6
Projector-Equipped Gaming Console Concepts
Projector-Equipped Gaming Console Concepts
The Xbox Project Oris Console Plays Games and Much More
<
5
Game-Integrated Shoe Insoles
Game-Integrated Shoe Insoles
Google and Adidas Created a Smart Insole to Work with 'FIFA Mobile'
<
4
Portable eSports Keyboards
Portable eSports Keyboards
The Razer Huntsman Mini Portable Gaming Keyboard Has Optical Switches
<
3
Reimagined Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
Reimagined Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
This PS5 Concept Console by Alexandre Touguet is Stylish
<
2
Game-Inspired Beauty Collaborations
Game-Inspired Beauty Collaborations
MAC x Tencent Collection Sold Out Within the First 24 Hours
<
1
Desk-Equipped Gamer Beds
Desk-Equipped Gamer Beds
The Bauhutte Gaming Accessories Offer Ample Support for eSports Gamers
<