Video games might have been thought of as a technological oddity once they came into the scene. But, now, the industry blossomed into one of the most profitable sectors in the world. It continues to evolve through time.
It seems like the growth of the popularity of video games won’t stop soon. So, continue reading to take a look back at the rise in fame of the video game industry.
The Early Years
Over 2.6 billion people play video games around the world. The rise in popularity of online play allowed several players to meet their peers without traveling to distant lands. But, video games didn’t begin with 100-player battle royale maps. Instead, everything began with the birth of a two-player title.
It’s safe to say that many believe that Atari’s Pong owns the crown for the first video game ever made. But, that title belongs to American physicist William Higinbotham and his creation called Tennis for Two.
Higinbotham created the game as a fun distraction and to show the power of technology at that time. But, he didn’t grasp the significance of his creation nor its effects on the history of video gaming.
Many people lauded the introduction of Pong to video game enthusiasts. But, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the world got to see this game and its glory. Conversely, Higinbotham created Tennis for Two in the 1950s, albeit the audience to appreciate the physicist’s work wasn’t significant in number back then.
Still, these two games started bringing people together, as many folks felt excited, knowing they could play games using their TVs. Video games only grew in number from that point and continue to enamor several individuals to this day.
Fun For Everyone
Many people think that video games are primarily for kids. But, many game developers target adults as their primary audience for their titles. As per a blog post from Play&Ground, over 65% of American adults still play video games. The numbers include adults playing on their smartphones, personal computers, and dedicated game consoles.
These numbers don’t seem to lie as it wouldn’t matter if you’re a boomer or millennial—there’s no age restriction to love playing video games. You can be as young as eight-years-old to start playing Roblox on a PC. Consequently, you may already be over 65 and still destroy other players in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
People can and will find video games that they like to play. Moreover, game developers continue to come up with ideas that push the boundaries of entertainment to appease the many gamers around the globe.
The Rise Of Online Streaming
Before, the only way for other people to spectate on games was to be in the same space. Living rooms were cramped with guests and entertainment halls full of gaming enthusiasts to watch live matches.
Now, gamers can stream their playthroughs to fans staying inside their homes. Streaming is now a way for gamers to communicate and play together without the need to travel long distances.
You might think that the technology has already existed for years, thanks to online games. However, it’s almost impossible to see the player’s face or hear their voice during conventional online play. On the other hand, streaming opened doors to both gamers and spectators to communicate in a more personal manner than before.
This technology has allowed video games to thrive further as various creators develop features for streaming and interpersonal gameplays. Other tech companies rode this wave of tech evolution by producing peripherals and software to augment streaming for gaming communities to enjoy.
Online playing and streaming can even drive engagement within different gaming communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As many people can’t leave their homes to play with friends, playing, and streaming online become channels to interact with other like-minded individuals.
Not Just For Big Brands
If you think about video game developers, perhaps, the first ones to come to mind are the likes of Square Enix, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, and Capcom. However, today’s video game industry is massive to the point that relatively anyone with the know-how to create titles can enter the sector.
Indie game developers are on the rise, and some of them can create games that can rival AAA titles. The likes of Limbo, Super Meat Boy, Spelunky, and the famed (or infamous) Untitled Goose Game might not have set the bar for indie game popularity if the developers released these titles a decade ago.
However, today’s video game industry and its millions of enthusiasts can create the positive voice needed to push the boundaries of gaming to a new age. Hence, it might not matter if one developer made an indie game or a big brand created a remake of a masterpiece. If the video game piqued the interests of various gamers, the chances of that title going to be a hit are high.
Conclusion
Video games started as a relatively small industry. Today, the industry has created millions of enthusiasts around the globe. Hence, it would seem that the video game sector and its products won’t be dying any time soon as gamers continue to grow in number.
