In 2020, the gaming industry outperformed movies and sports combined as the biggest money maker in entertainment.
Globally, the gaming industry was valued at $162.32 billion and is expected to reach a value of around $300 billion over the next five years.
The United Kingdom video game market in 2021 alone reached a record high value of £7.16 billion, an increase of 2% on 2020.
Consoles are popular, though it is mobile devices which are the reaching a wider population and growing the industry further.
Sports games have long been a popular form of gaming and below are some of the best to try if you have not done so already.
Hockey Hero
It is important not to forget the impact sports have on casino games. Infusing the two gives punters even more to enjoy.
Hockey Hero is an ice hockey inspired slot machine game where instead of numbers and fruits on the wheel, its hockey pucks, sticks, and skates.
For any ice hockey fan, they can enjoy the design while playing slots, one of the world’s most popular casino games.
FIFA 22
The 29th instalment of the popular football video game is here, with Kylian Mbappé as the face of the game this season.
Every season, new updates are added, and the game is ready for every football fan to enjoy. Online with friends or in career mode at home, it is a giant in sports gaming.
The graphics and the gameplay continue to be state of the art. Its new “HyperMotion” technology has ensured gameplay is more fluid on the pitch.
Super Mega Baseball 3
America’s game does not have too many options for PC gamers, but this one gives fans a fun alternative to the usual licensed MLB game.
It’s an easy to pick up game, with quirky cartoon like graphics, but has lots of depth to the game to make it perfect for anyone.
Multiplayer functions are great with friends, but the Franchise mode has been developed more to ensure you have more seasons to build your team and look to dominate the sport.
Tony Hawks Pro Skater
For the more alternative sport fan, Tony Hawks Pro Skater has been a massive hit since its release in 1999.
The first instalment gave skaters the chance to play engaging and challenging courses. The second edition gave us career mode. T
Having the ability to create your own skater and make your own skate park gave fans even more to enjoy.
The game has helped skateboarding continue its popularity and keep drawing in more fans of a sport which was seen as a niche before.
Fight Arena Online
Available on mobile devices, this game gives people the chance to take on anyone in the ultimate fighting game.
Upgrade your fighter’s equipment and develop their special attacks, you can take on the Challenges mode to show your skills against others from around the world.
It is perfect for boxing and UFC fans as a fun and easily accessible game that is free to download and play.
Madden NFL 22
The latest Madden has moved back onto PC gaming, as well as the usual console and limited mobile device option.
Though there is not much competition in the NFL gaming field, Madden 22 has stepped up and keep looking to improve the quality of its games.
Online, multiplayer gaming is fun, while the career modes are where it really stands out.
Managing your favourite sides, trading for the best players as well as carrying out the draft each year makes it an addictive and entertaining game.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds
Wrestling has had a huge following across the US and UK for generations now. Battlegrounds has ensured that it is available on mobile gaming as well as PC and console for all WWE fans.
It’s a more cartoony and arcade style game in comparison to previous titles which gives it its charm.
Being able to do unreal things, like jump 50 feet in the air and toss your opponent into the jaws of a crocodile make it fun and enjoyable.
Golf With Friends
It does exactly what you’d expect, play with up to 11 friends around a mini golf course.
There are power ups, freeze your opponent’s ball, honey to slow down the ball and other wacky quirks to add to the challenge.
You don’t need to be a golfer to enjoy it, so all barriers are down, and everyone is welcome to the course.
Football Manager
This has continued to become even more popular after its almost cult following for years.
Football Manager gives you the chance to manage real life football teams from around the world. You have the chance to really prove you could do the job we all sit and tell our friends we know enough about.
You can go as in depth as you want in this game, which has become so detailed in some aspects that it can be a little intimidating.
Luckily, the game is still perfect when you play with your staff managing a lot of the intricate setting s like setting individual training plans.
There are so many to choose from and different styles of similar games that there is something for everyone.
To be a casual gamer, to a serious competitor there are plenty of options. We can see some of the latest professional gamers play in FIFA tournaments and know that this hobby could now lead to a career.