Over the past decade, gaming technology has developed significantly, in which was once a hobby for typically male teenage boys, has now become a global form of entertainment that’s enjoyed by the masses. Part of this rise in popularity of online gaming can be attributed to advanced ways of marketing and advertising, however it can also be attributed to recent significant developments in technology. There are now 4.33 billion active internet users across the world, meaning the gaming industry has access to a much bigger target market than ever before.
So how has the gaming industry developed in order to appeal to this wider audience? And how has gaming itself advanced over the last few years?
Recent gaming developments – The facts
Whilst traditionally, console games such as Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo devices have been some of the most popular ways to play video games, a recent study has shown that new console-less games are rapidly gaining traction. It seems that whilst console games offer a traditional experience with a fantastic variety of games on offer, convenience is valued above all in today’s generation of gamers. The most popular device for gaming is currently the mobile phone, with computers, gaming consoles and tablets falling behind.
The study also revealed that surprisingly, casual single player games are currently the most popular type of game, with the likes of Angry Birds, Candy Crush and Spider Solitaire being up in the ranks. In addition, the most popular age group to play video games is those between the ages of 46 and 60. However, the study also revealed that online video games are now more popular with 18-25 years olds than watching sports.
This rise in popularity for online games suggests that console games could be a dying trend. So, what is it about online games that have become so appealing?
Mobile Play
There’s no denying that modern life is busy, in which most of us are left wishing for more hours in the day to get everything done. So, with the daily rush of life, it’s become much harder to find time to do things we enjoy such as indulging in online games. Mobile gaming enables players to play their favourite games quickly and, on the go, whether that’s whilst eating a bowl of cereal in the morning, on the morning commute to work, or even lay in the bathtub after a long day in the evening.
With the development of apps, mobile gaming has become easier than ever to access and it certainly much less time consuming than having to sit down and load up the X-box.
In particular, the gambling industry has grown popular with the thanks to mobile gaming. Apps designed for security, accessibility and convenience have encouraged players to partake in more casino games on handheld devices. The target market of casino games today tends to be the younger generation who want convenience and easy access. Many people may not necessarily have spare time to go and visit a casino and play their favourite casino games however with mobile casino they can access the games like roulette, blackjack and slots anywhere at any time.
The gambling industry has taken full advantage of technology innovations and the use of mobile gambling, with many providers now offering a variety of games all with incredible graphics and sounds, just like you are playing at a land casino. Providers have also designed games such as live roulette which players argue to be more trustworthy than an automated wheel. The variety of payment options on online casinos also entices players to take their chance on a casino game.
Greater Innovation
In recent years, the online gaming world has become incredibly saturated; particularly in the online casino world where there’s such a variety of sites to choose from. This competition has meant that gaming providers have really had to step up their game by providing a range of benefits to the player, from free spins and joining bonuses, to exclusive online community chartrooms, huge jackpot prizes and a huge variety of games – some of which feature famous blockbusters and shows.
In addition, as technology has developed, so to have games. The graphics on modern games are now second to none and even encompass 3D and 4D properties to make the gaming experience truly unique and life like. What’s more, modern day streaming services and subscription-based platforms mean that players can readily access all of the latest games, without have to shell out a small fortune to get hold of them, as well as without having to spend hours waiting for the game to download.
Portability
In today’s globally connected world, more people than ever before are moving from place to place on a regular basis, in which being able to take your games with you on the go is incredibly important. Whilst traditional console games such as PlayStation forced players to create a rather permanent setup at their TV, modern games such as the Nintendo Switch offers the same capabilities such as being able to connect the device to the TV and having remote controls, whilst still being able to easily pick it up, put in in your bag and take it with you.
What’s more, online play means that there’s no need for players to even have to invest in a console or worry about accessing a static computer. The ease of access to online games today means that players can opt for their favourite game, whether that be a casino game, sports betting or even online bingo – from the most inconvenient of locations such as on the London underground, on a plane, or even next to the swimming pool on vacation.
The advancement of technology itself
The gaming and entertainment industry are constantly pushing boundaries, in which users can now opt for a 4k TV, the latest gaming console, and even a VR headset for a fully immersive experience. Compared to the gaming experience of the 90’s and early 2000’s, today’s players are able to feel like they’re in the game itself.
Overall, whilst you still can’t beat the sense of nostalgia when playing on a traditional PlayStation or GameCube style console, today’s mobile technology has opened up so many options for the gaming industry, in which the possibilities of online gaming are growing every day.
Featured image by Fredrick Tendong on Unsplash
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