The Future of Action and Adventure Video Games in North America
This is my/ChatGPT’s story of how sales of Action/Adventure video games impact the video game market and development of sequel or unique future titles.
In 2023, the landscape of action and adventure game sales in North America underwent a dramatic transformation, setting the stage for an exhilarating future. Technological advancements and a surge in immersive gaming experiences redefined the industry, captivating players in ways never seen before, such as virtual reality and cloud gaming. According to the above tables from Statista, the action and adventure game sales after 2023 are predicted sales for upcoming games that have been announced with a trailer in the next few years. This does include downloadable content from a gaming company’s online store, such as Microsoft Store, Nintendo E-Shop, Steam, and the PlayStation Store, that are all accessed from inside the console or desktop browser.
On the other hand, the main question is what will happen to the future development of action and adventure games? Will people expect more unique titles or the same Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and Halo sequels/remasters? The primary question will be answered by game developer companies, such as Ubisoft, Rockstar Games, Epic Games, and Electronic Arts, to make a priority decision on what games that the gaming and e-sports communities want.
The following Python code displays each of the action and adventure game sales in North America, updated January 2024, the top 20 action/adventure video games sold in North America, and the sales from the top action/adventure game developing companies. Collected from a database at Kaggle, this data is relevant to solving the question of preserving the growth of developing action and adventure games after 2023 because it conveys how devoted the gaming community is of the genres and supportive of the game developers to creating extra downloadable content, sequels, or remasters of old titles.
Based on the cleaned charts from the code, the gaming and e-sports communities should have motivation for future action and adventure titles, starting in 2024, there were potential bugs with displaying all the game developing companies in relation to their sales in North America, and I rectified this bug by displaying the top action/adventure game developing companies that were listed repeatedly. Another bug that others could encounter from this code is that the database does contain video game titles that have “action-adventure” listed as their genre, and I fixed this bug by implementing an “or” clause to filter the database for only action or only adventure games.
A key element that is missing from this code is a longer chart to view more game developer company sales, however it may be biased due to a single company, such as Rockstar Games, that produce multiple popular titles such as the Grand Theft Auto series. Also, due to the filter of only action and only adventure games, the games with “action-adventure” are wiped out from the charts. As a result, the reduced charts do not assess the action-adventure games in the charts’ sorting methods. This creates a bias towards the action games from the results of the first table, regarding the sales of action games in comparison to adventure games which would then point towards a decision for game developers to prioritize in creating action games, instead of adventure games, to produce more revenue.
To begin, one of the driving forces behind this gaming transformation was the widespread adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology. Gamers were no longer confined to traditional screens; instead, they found themselves thrust into the heart of the action, wielding weapons, solving puzzles, and navigating treacherous landscapes in a fully immersive 3D environment. This shift sparked a renewed interest in action and adventure games, attracting both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.
Major gaming studios, recognizing the potential of VR, invested heavily in developing cutting-edge titles that took full advantage of the technology. Epic landscapes, realistic character interactions, and dynamic storytelling became the norm, blurring the lines between the virtual and real worlds. As a result, sales of VR-compatible action and adventure games soared, with players eager to experience the next level of gaming escapades.
In addition to VR, the rise of cloud gaming played a pivotal role in reshaping the industry. Gamers could now access their favorite titles from any device with an internet connection, eliminating the need for expensive gaming consoles or high-end PCs. This accessibility opened the floodgates to a broader audience, including casual gamers who previously may have been deterred by the barriers to entry.
The concept of cross-platform gaming also gained prominence, allowing players on different devices to join forces in epic multiplayer adventures. Whether on a console, PC, or even a mobile device, gamers could seamlessly connect and embark on quests together. This interconnected gaming ecosystem further fueled the popularity of action and adventure games, creating a vibrant and dynamic community.
As the years progressed, the storytelling aspect of these games evolved to rival that of blockbuster movies. A-list actors lent their voices and likenesses to in-game characters, and narrative-driven experiences became a cornerstone of the genre. Players found themselves emotionally invested in the fates of their virtual counterparts, creating an unprecedented level of engagement.
The sales figures for action and adventure games skyrocketed, surpassing even the most optimistic projections. The success of the gaming industry extended beyond traditional sales models, with subscription services offering a diverse library of games for a fixed monthly fee. This approach provided gamers with a cost-effective way to explore a multitude of titles, fostering a culture of continuous discovery.
In this future landscape, North America emerged as a hub for gaming innovation and culture. Major gaming events and conventions drew millions of enthusiasts, eager to witness the latest advancements and get a sneak peek at upcoming releases. The synergy between technology, storytelling, and community had transformed the gaming industry, solidifying its place as a dominant force in entertainment.
To conclude, as the sun set on 2023 and the gaming industry looked towards the horizon, one thing was clear — the future of action and adventure game sales in North America was destined for continued growth, fueled by innovation, accessibility, and an insatiable appetite for thrilling virtual experiences.
