When video games first hit the market in the 1970s, they were restricted to computers and, as a result, less accessible. However, as decades went on, the home and arcade gaming industry attracted more fans, leading to the popularization of Nintendo’s Jumpman game (popularly known as Mario). Mario’s success led to the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System and the eventual release of the Game Boy in 1989. Being a mobile gaming hub, the Game Boy received much attention and revolutionaries gaming as we know it today.
Since then, several video game makers have developed new, exciting and improved games that leave players glued to their screens and betting sites in south africa searching for reliable odds. As we approach the last quarter of 2021, MightyTips’ Kate Richardson takes us through some of the technological trends that make gaming what it is today.
1. 3D Graphics
Historically, the gaming world started with a two-dimensional graphic design. While the games were enjoyable, the visual quality was quite limited, and it wasn’t until the 21st century, when videogame manufacturers introduced 3D graphic designs, that gaming took a new shape. The release of the SEGA, X-box and PlayStation consoles (dedicated to gaming) took the industry to new heights as gamers could now access multiple games on one device.
Asides from the increased accessibility, gaming consoles offered dedicated graphic cards that significantly reduced loading timelines and enhanced the look and feel of the games. Gaming consoles popularized role-playing games (where gamers took control of a particular character), which simulated natural human movement and enhanced the photorealistic nature of games we currently enjoy.
2. Smartphones
Arguably all industries from technology to fashion and business have benefited from the introduction of smartphones. Rather than in previous years when gamers needed a laptop computer or console to enjoy their favorite games, they can now do so from their mobile devices. In 2019, the gaming industry reportedly earned $120 billion, a large percentage of which came from mobile gaming.
Of the 7 billion global gamers identified in 2020, about 2 billion of them played on their smartphones. Most videogame manufacturers now release optimized yet equally thrilling mobile versions of their products to access the broad smartphone market. The number of mobile gamers in Canada has been on a steady climb since the pandemic-induced lockdowns, reaching 12%. This has also translated into more gaming and betting activity on the best betting sites Canada.
3. Internet and Electronic Gaming
The rise of the internet has also helped the gaming industry grow as online hubs and gamer communities are now widespread. Playing against the computer can get repetitive and frustrating. However, online gaming allows players to connect with and challenge strangers regardless of what country or location they reside. It has also led to the growth of E-sports as several annual gaming competitions like Dota 2 and the League of Legends now hold with substantial cash prizes for the winners.
In addition to online multiplayer modes, internet compatible gaming platforms like the Xbox consoles and laptops allow users to connect to the internet, buy and play games online. In times past, consoles were unable to connect to the internet, and gamers had to buy CDs of their favorite games. Now, gaming consoles come with as much as one terabyte of storage space, allowing gamers to store and play their preferred games without the need for changing CDs or buying external hard drives.
4. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning and artificial intelligence have also contributed immensely to gaming trends in 2021. Gaming software now features algorithms that help the computer learn your gameplay and develop new ways to combat it. These attempts to recreate the unpredictability usually associated with playing a human opponent.
Improved machine learning and AI combinations allow the computer to make real-time decisions and adjustments to the gameplay to make it more challenging and exciting. This is particularly true of strategy and role-playing games where the opponent or enemy has different difficulty rankings. Machine learning ultimately improves your gaming experience and helps you to improve your skill as the game progresses.
5. Video and Mixed Reality
The primary goal of video game manufacturers is to ensure that you have a memorable and entertaining experience. To facilitate this, video reality technologies that infuse you into the digital world of gaming are now available. This hardware equipment transports the gamer from behind their screens right into the middle of the action, allowing you to take complete control of the situation—video reality equipment range from headsets to hand controllers and gloves.
Similar effective gaming technology includes augmented and mixed reality equipment that brings photorealistic yet virtual game elements into your world through cameras and headsets. These technologies are often used in first-person games, letting gamers participate in arcade games without any risk of physical injury.
The gaming industry is already a multi-billion dollar sector and is projected to grow even bigger as digital technology advances. While Nintendo and other video game tech pioneers may not have anticipated the considerable growth we are witnessing, there is no doubt that gaming is here to stay. The lockdown restrictions placed last year also contributed to the world’s population spending more time gaming and online, resulting in huge revenue for video game developers.
Conclusion
In addition to the thrill of video games, electronic competitions like Dota 2 and League of Legends already attract millions of spectators annually. They have also launched a crowd funding platform for fans to sponsor the tournaments and support their favorite teams.
Punters are also drawn to the high odds associated with e-sports on the best betting sites Canada. As digital technology advances, more devices and visual rendering of gaming characters are sure to follow, enhancing the overall feel and experience.
