The future for gaming is to reach true Social Impact, to finally get out of its “social-ghetto” that has been solely describing the industry as long as it existed. Games are not relevant for the general public, and mostly viewed as “child's play”. We must show how gaming too can be more, akin to traditional media: Providing more than emotional solace, rather evoke critical thinking, change perceptions, enhance and alter people’s views and actions, to truly affect and nurture the betterment of humanity. Entertainment doesn't end at fun, that's just the beginning, as it can have lasting effects that can change the course of history; much how literature proved to be.
Times have changed, so did the audience, which are now 50% women and the average age is 30. Aiming for Social Impact by providing value and merit is the key path for gaming to be considered a true art form, worthy of the history books. To achieve this, we must reshape the underlying structures of the industry and redefine the system from the ground up. Players want more, but not by chasing trends and technology; we should've moved past that. No more gating, no more exclusions or ill-practices, but the freedom of creation and artisan expression must come first to tackle issues and themes gaming was afraid of. It is time for the industry to finally grow up and enter the world stage as a worthy contestant.