The gaming industry has come a long way since its creation. It’s witnessed major shifts that have bolstered its profitability and has seen the number of gamers around the world hit more than 3 billion.
From the pixelated graphics of arcade games to the hyper-realistic visuals and immersive worlds of at-home consoles, this article traces the gaming industry’s journey from humble beginning to modern powerhouse.
From Arcades to Consoles
The early games of gaming were dominated by arcades. It was here that some of the best video games of all time were born and captivated a generation, including classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong. The flashing lights and clunky joy sticks built the foundation of gaming and walked so the console could run.
The arrival of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Magnavox Odyssey was the first step to enjoying our favourite games in our living rooms. These devices have continued to evolve to give us the consoles we know and love today from big names from Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox.
The Rise of Online and Mobile Gaming
The rise of the internet ushered in another major shift in the industry – online gaming. Players now had the opportunity to enjoy online multiplayer experiences and connect with other gamers across the globe.
Mobile gaming has also exploded in popularity since apps and iPhones are now sophisticated enough to run high-graphic games. It caters to every type of gamer, whether you like casual puzzle games, strategy titles and mobile versions of classic games like bingo.
Immersive Experiences
The boundaries of the gaming industry are constantly being pushed, as seen by the development of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. These fully immersive experiences allow players to step into the game itself and engage with storylines like never before.
VR headsets like the PlayStation VR are transporting gamers into fantastical worlds and facilitating gameplay so smoothly that you’ll forget it’s just a game. AR games like Pokémon Go seamlessly blend the virtual with the real world.
The Growth of eSports and Indie Games
With the development of streaming platforms like Twitch, professional gamers can now make a career out of playing high-end games without the need for powerful hardware. They can enter into large-scale tournaments and feature on eSport broadcasts that attract millions of viewers worldwide.
Professional gamers can compete for thousands of pounds and are pushing the boundaries of gaming. For instance, female gamers are competing for impressive cash prizes at the first event of its kind in the UK.