The entire concept of video gaming platforms is evolving as more and more people are coming to terms with the evolution of the video gaming industry. In fact, in 2022, revenue for gaming reached $184 billion, and this surge in income generation is bound to plunge further as the number of gamers is expected to grow to about 3.6 billion by 2025. As technology keeps pushing the envelope, we will witness games evolving into an all-encompassing adventure, hence the need for our expert’s take on the future of the video gaming industry and what to expect from this paradigm shift.
Components of Video Gaming Evolution
Our expert can confidently say that video games have significantly progressed since the Pong and Space Invaders era. With technological advances, the industry has grown to be a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon. Tim Harrison, a betting expert of the BetZillion project, has delved into that discourse to predict what the future holds for video gaming. Our expert has lined out five key trends that are shaping the future of video gaming:
- Advancement of the Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR and AR);
- Cloud Gaming (CG);
- Metaverse development
- Uprising Artificial Intelligence (AI);
- The use High Fidelity Graphics (HFG).
Tim has given a direct explanation of how these components can shape the future of video gaming.
The Progression of VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality)
Virtual reality lets players completely immerse themselves in a virtual world, whereas Augmented Reality superimposes game elements onto the real world. For instance, you can transform your living space into a racecourse or explore other players’ abodes without stepping out of your own. Additionally, you can devise an augmented reality game with your companions and participate in it simultaneously using your mobile devices. These technologies have already been used in games like Pokemon Go and Beat Saber. Tim observed that as the technology becomes more affordable and accessible, users can expect to see more games incorporating these immersive experiences. He points out that Pokemon Go, one of AR technology’s biggest success stories, has generated approximately $1 billion in sales yearly since its release. As such, most gaming companies will seek to improve their product as they improve technologically.
Cloud Gaming
According to our specialist, Cloud gaming lets players stream games over the internet, eliminating the need for expensive hardware. Companies like Google and Microsoft are investing heavily in this technology, which could revolutionize how we play games. With cloud gaming, players can access the latest games on any device with an internet connection, just as a movie can be streamed from Netflix on a distant smart TV without needing to pop in a DVD first. Though there are concerns about the potential impact on internet infrastructure and issues around latency and lag, this feature could make gaming more accessible to a wider audience and reduce the cost of gaming hardware.
Artificial Intelligence
Tim acknowledges that Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in gaming. For instance, the opposing aliens in “Halo 2” exhibit the capability to collaborate and organize their strikes due to AI programs. But our expert observed that the role of AI could become even more significant in the future. AI can be used to create smarter NPCs (non-player characters), build more realistic worlds, and even generate entire game levels. With the progression of AI technology, we can envisage increasingly astute games that are attuned to players’ desires. It could lead to more immersive and engaging experiences and even change our thoughts about game design.
High-Fidelity Graphics
High-fidelity graphics refer to using 3D imagery in games that incorporate multiple intricate vertices, which are the points in space where the line segments of a shape converge. These days, Nvidia and AMD, among other PC gaming companies, have made significant advancements in developing graphics cards that enable games to have high-quality visuals, including advanced features such as ray tracing technology. Before these periods, lens flares, shadows, and object reflections were essentially painted onto objects within the game. These create the impression that the light emanates from the sun or moon and behaves as it does when it strikes a surface. But in March 2018, NVIDIA first announced their real-time ray tracing technology, called “NVIDIA RTX,” at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). It is anticipated that the technology that simulates the behavior of light on objects by an algorithm will significantly impact and potentially revolutionize the video gaming industry.
The Metaverse
Tim Harrison’s forecast cannot be complete without acknowledging the effect of the metaverse on the future of video gaming. The metaverse combines virtual worlds that provide a distinct gaming encounter, emphasizing social experiences that are not restricted to any particular platform and a more inclusive environment. Our expert research reveals that approximately 500 organizations focus on developing sectors related to the digital world, indicating a growing number of companies working towards building the metaverse. To feel what metaverse holds for the future of video gaming, gaming platforms such as Roblox now feature luxury fashion brands. Gucci hosts events, and games like Fortnite allow users to don the attire of their beloved Star Wars or Marvel characters and even witness virtual concerts by Ariana Grande. Tim claims that the metaverse can be thought of as a virtual online environment where users can sign in and live their second lives, potentially improving not only the gaming experience but also regular office work.
Challenges That Might Hinder the Evolution of Video Gaming
As video gaming continues to evolve and grow, our experts can predict that video gaming is likely to face several hindrances. Here are a few key challenges Tim Harrison has recognized the following:
- Technical Limitations;
- Cybersecurity and Privacy;
- Social Issues;
- Diversity and Inclusion;
- Ethical Issues.
Addressing these challenges will require a collaborative effort between industry players, government regulators, and consumers. By working together, the video gaming industry can continue growing and thriving while promoting positive values and behaviors. Tim held nothing back when stating that the future of video gaming is a fascinating and ever-changing landscape. From VR and AR to cloud gaming and AI, the industry is constantly evolving. As players, developers, and industry experts, it’s our job to stay ahead of the curve and embrace these exciting new trends.