Online gaming is a booming industry that has changed drastically from its early days. What used to be a very niche hobby for tech-savvy teenagers is now something enjoyed the world over by gamers of all ages.
Internet accessibility and mobile technology have introduced more people to gaming than ever before. But just what is it about online gaming that makes it the first choice for people looking for an immersive entertainment experience?
The emergence of online gaming
Online gaming stretches back to the dark ages of dial-up internet and slow connections. We might look back and say: “What were we thinking?” but those primitive setups laid the groundwork for online gaming as we know it today.
As technology improved and broadband followed by Wi-Fi became the norm, the online gaming industry thrived like never before. All of a sudden, multiplayer experiences that had only been dreamt of became a reality, and gamers enjoyed diving into their favorite titles with others from all across the globe.
A social experience
These multiplayer games ensure that online gaming can be an incredibly social experience. Many of the top titles have brought friends together from all walks of life through online gaming, and it’s the social experience that makes it such an immersive option.
It’s not just the games people enjoy – it’s competing against other players, sharing a laugh when things go wrong, and the sense of community that really makes online gaming such an attractive hobby for so many. Socialization is just as important, if not more so, than the games themselves.
Technology has helped with this as well. Chat systems have allowed players to communicate in online spaces for some time. But most players enjoy putting their headsets on and being able to talk to one another in real time, no matter where they are in the world. This only enhances the social aspect of gaming, bringing these friends into your home.
The rise of streaming platforms like Twitch has also enhanced the social nature of gaming. Even when just watching streamers play online, you can interact with them and fellow fans as well, providing yet another way to stay social and be part of a community online.
The rise of online casinos
You can’t talk about the online gaming industry without discussing the never-ending rise of the online casino sector. These might not be traditional video games that people enjoy online but it’s a booming part of the overall industry, as those looking for a different kind of fun bring the thrill of the casino floor into their own home. Whether it’s roulette, an endless array of slots, blackjack or poker, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Through clever use of technology, online casinos offer an immersive experience to players without them needing to leave the house. Live dealer games allow players to play and interact in real time with an actual human dealer and other players, just as they would if they were sitting at the table in Las Vegas.
These platforms also offer more choices for players, with a seemingly endless range of games available. The offers and rewards can also make them a cost-effective choice for players looking to make their budget go further.
Those looking for the cut and thrust of the poker table don’t need to be left out, either. Online poker itself makes up a huge amount of the online gaming world.
The 2020 World Series of Poker Online Main Event was the biggest online poker tournament to date. It offered a prize pool of over $27 million, attracting over 5,000 players who all wanted a piece of that fortune. Online poker tournaments take place every week and allow players to pit their wits against opponents all over the world. Sites like World Sports Network offer players the chance to find different online poker platforms, whether they’re looking to strike it rich or prefer a more social game.
The technology behind online gaming
We know that internet capability and mobile technology have been huge drivers in online gaming but it doesn’t stop there. Cloud gaming is proving to be a game changer in recent years, as players can now stream high-quality games directly online, getting rid of the need for powerful hardware to run them. A seamless experience can now be had on smartphones, whereas a few years ago, you’d need a high-end PC worth thousands to even think of running some games.
Virtual reality and augmented reality could be the next big breakthrough when it comes to the immersiveness of online gaming. VR headsets have the capability to take you to any time and place, meaning the gaming opportunities are almost endless.
Augmented reality brings parts of the digital world into your own environment. Pokémon Go revolutionized that technology as players all over the world attempted to catch them all while walking around their real-world environments.
The future of online gaming
Online gaming’s future is undoubtedly bright. Even more immersive and engaging opportunities are going to arise as technologies such as VR mature and developers really take advantage of what’s on offer.
Artificial intelligence could be the next big breakthrough, as it looks to be in a whole host of industries. Highly personalized gaming could be on its way, thanks to AI’s ability to learn what you want and how you game. This could then be turned into gaming suggestions, from particular titles to different genres that you might enjoy.
This level of personalization could prove pivotal in attracting the widest range of players. Casual gamers can now join seasoned pros in the same game while having vastly different experiences. The repeatability of games will increase significantly as players seek out all the alternatives AI has to offer.
Online gaming has already become a place for players to connect with friends and strangers, but future advancements in virtual reality and AI could take social gaming to new heights. Imagine playing an online poker tournament in a fully realized virtual casino, or participating in a multiplayer role-playing game where you can interact with other players as if you were physically there.
Whether it’s exploring new virtual worlds, challenging friends to a game of poker or engaging in global tournaments, the immersive world of online gaming is only just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible.
