Games as a Political Vehicle

In the run up to the 2020 United States elections, politicians used online multiplayer games and game streaming to reach out to voters safely during the pandemic.^[1][2] The Biden campaign operated a custom Fortnite island with its own minigames.^[3] In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which supports user made content, digital yard signs were distributed by the Biden campaign.^[4] Though the official Trump campaign mocked campaigning in games,^[5] independent efforts by his supporters also made Animal Crossing signs,^[6] as well as using the massively popular game Among Us to promote their candidate.^[7] Following the election a video was posted of President Biden playing Mario Kart Arcade GP DX with Naomi Biden at Camp David.^[8][9]

COVID-19

The game industry booms, as people hunker down at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[11] Some game retailers initially resisted closing down during lockdowns by declaring themselves essential businesses, to widespread criticism.^[12] Numerous high profile games are delayed due to COVID-19.^[13][14] Game development companies move to work from home, with some such as Square Enix planning to allow work from home after the pandemic ends.^[15][16] Animal Talking leverages the Animal Crossing: New Horizons as a medium to create a highly successful talk show that rivals and outcompetes traditional media during early pandemic restrictions.^[17]

The pandemic simulation game Plague Inc., which was originally released eight years prior in 2012,^[18] gains massive popularity, with the developers releasing an update to enhance the educational experience of the game in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.^[19] The developer of Plague Inc. also donated $250,000 to CEPI and WHO to help fight the pandemic.^[19] The older 2008 flash game Pandemic 2 also experiences a surge of popularity.^[20]

In 2021 the Truck Simulator series held a virtual trucking event in solidarity with real truckers delivering COVID-19 vaccines.^[21] Players from around the globe organized a virtual graduation ceremony using Minecraft.^[22]

COVID-19 increased the public profile of virtual reality applications,^[23] potentially increasing interest in VR gaming as a result. AR gaming proved to help some seeking reprieve from isolation.^[24] As gyms closed, interest in Exergaming greatly increased by those looking to get fit while isolating.^[25][26]

Though its launch was delayed by COVID-19, the first Super Mario World theme park in Osaka, Japan was shown in a video tour online by Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto.^[27][28]

Apple Vs. Epic

In August 2020, Apple and Epic begin disputing payment systems on the Apple App store, resulting in the game Fortnite being removed from the App Store.^[29] Coupled with increasing scrutiny from lawmakers, Apple reduces their cut from 30% to 15% for developers making under a million dollars annually, a move said to benefit indie game developers.^[30][31]

Ninth generation of video game consoles

The first ninth generation consoles launch in November of 2020.^[32] 3D audio, SSD storage, and raytracing support is a common trend in this generation.^[33][34] Initially supplies of new PS5 and Xbox Series consoles are quickly bought up.^[35][36]

GameStop Stock

Defying expectations, in January 2021 Redditors send the stock of the physical game retailer GameStop soaring over 1600%.^[37][38] This had broader implications for the overall market, as the reactions from some firms caused some members of Congress to begin looking into the event.^[39]