It is no secret to everyone, especially gamers like me, that gaming has come a long way. It has transformed into a visual reality world, giving gamers mind-blowing experiences.
It’s gone from playing pixelated games like Mario with bad graphics and clunky controllers to using touch-sensitive gamepads and beautiful life-like graphic designs in games like DOTA (one of my favourites), CABAL, Injustice, and more, all thanks to technology.
We went from playing face-to-face with our opponent in the living room to competing with players worldwide. Technology has significantly made gaming lite, and I am here for it since it is still rapidly impacting and changing the gaming world.
This article will examine the technological upsurge in gaming and how it has changed the gaming industry.
From 8-bit Graphics to Ray Tracing, 3D, 4K
Oh, my dear gamers, there was a time we struggled with 8-bit graphics while playing our favourite games, and even then, 8-bit graphics were the pinnacle of gaming technology; we were so excited about it and thought that was the height of gaming technology; little did we know that it was just the beginning of what is to come.
Gaming technology went from offering 8-bit graphics pictures to ray tracing and 4k resolution, with current stipulations of an 8k gaming resolution on its way (yeah, that’s wild).
Today’s gaming graphics pictures are so good that they feel so real. In particular, Ray tracing has been a game-changer (pun intended). It allows more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in graphics, creating a hyper-visual graphic that has never been done before.
Games like “Control” and “Doom Eternal” showcase this technology brilliantly.
From Pixelated Games to VR/AR Games
Gaming used to be pixels moving with gaming control on our screen, which was very basic and straightforward, with games like Pong played in arcade machines and home consoles.
Then, it progressed to pixelated games like Super Mario Bro and The Legend of Zelda, aimed at making gaming look less basic, boring, and simple to a more realistic presentation. This vision to create a more realistic game continued to develop over the years, eventually leading to what we have today in gaming graphic design.
Today’s gaming experience offers real-life graphic experiences through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The Oculus Quest 2 and PlayStation VR headsets have made VR games, allowing players to physically engage with objects in the virtual space created for a more realistic and lifelike experience.
Imagine being fully engulfed in the world of “Half-Life: Alyx” or swinging lightsabers in “Beat Saber.” Conversely, AR blends the virtual with the real world, as seen in games like “Pokémon GO.”
Cloud Gaming: Gaming on Demand/Game Streaming
Remember when you used to play video games with your friends sitting in your sitting room?
We either use an older or latest console or be in front of the computer, striving to finish a game level before heading out, which usually has us having to pause the game till we return to it so as not to lose the gaming data.
Sometimes, we have to start again if we turn it off. It was not a pleasant experience, and it took too much to keep up with the game.
However, technology today has made the gaming experience less stressful with the introduction of cloud gaming.
It is now possible for a player to access, stream, or play a game on any device anywhere, anytime, as long as they are connected to the internet and have a subscription with a cloud gaming service providing company such as NVIDIA GeForce Now, Google Stadia, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Just imagine that you can play “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” on your smartphone while chilling on the couch or waiting for your food.
Gaming With Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The influential modern tool of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken over almost every section of the world, and its momentum in the mainstream does not seem to be stopping anytime soon.
Yes, there is an AI section in every sector of the world, and the gaming sector is not exempted. AI in gaming deals with adapting one’s play style by personalising one’s gaming experience.
You can see such game personalisation by AI in games like “Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor,” where the villain created by AI knows your gaming data and style of play, which it uses to fight you.
The Game of Independent Game Developers Called Indie Games
Just as we have independent musicians, actors, writers, etc, the same goes for the gaming world, Independent Game Developers Games (Indie Games).
Technology nowadays is so advanced that you do not need significant backing to create that game idea. All you need to do is bring your gaming designs to life, then use distribution platforms like Steam to help publish your game. One of the most popular Indie Games is “Hades.”
Esports and Streaming
Esports and streaming have become a billion-dollar industry. As of December 2023, the industry was worth USD 1.72 billion, as many competitions have been hosted between several teams from different countries fighting for cash price and superiority.
It has also created a form of superstars, influencers, and social media streamers who use platforms like YouTube or Twitch to stream themselves live, playing a game to entertain thousands of their fans.
Moving Forward
Technological advancements are not going to stop. More things are being invented, and more ways to enjoy gaming experiences are being developed.
In the future, it’s evident that we will see more technological upsurge in gaming, and honestly, I can’t wait.
Conclusion
Gaming and technology go hand in hand. You can not talk about technology without talking about gaming. The impact technology has had on gaming is unreal.
It is a revolution and an upsurge; as a gaming fan, try to keep up with the trends as new gaming technology comes out every other month; that way, you get to experience the gaming world you deserve.
Read also: Types Of Payment Options In Online Gaming
