Over the years, gamers have seen multiple new technologies that completely changed the gaming industry. Various technologies had improved gaming quality, and some even allow players to earn from the game. These creations put forward innovations that give gamers more ways to enjoy playing.
Some of these creations stood out as the most influential to the industry. Here are some of the most groundbreaking tech creations that changed the entire gaming industry.
Blockchain and NFT
When discussing influential creations in the gaming industry, it’s impossible not to mention NFT and blockchain implementation. Games started as something that people could enjoy in their free time. However, with the appearance of streaming platforms and esports tournaments, gamers can go pro and earn from playing their favorite games.
Most people may be more familiar with cryptocurrency used in online gambling. Nowadays, it’s easy to find a good online Bitcoin casino. Crypto users can bet their cryptocurrency and win cryptocurrency back.
It’s slightly different in video games. Instead, blockchain and NFT take earnings from games to the next level. With NFT and blockchain, players can truly own their in-game assets. They can trade or sell skins, characters, and rare weapons on decentralized marketplaces.
With these two technologies, in-game assets now have real-world value. As blockchain uses smart contracts, they can ensure fairness and transparency in transactions, which is also why a crypto casino is attractive to many.
Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming would be the top answer when considering which innovation is the biggest. Mobile phones used to be simple devices people could only use to converse with someone regardless of location. Early phone models came with simple games, but smartphones now work similarly to computers.
Complex games that used to run only on desktops and PCs are now playable on mobile phones. Gamers can enjoy high-quality graphics even when on mobile and perform as well as they would on desktops.
After the release of 5G connectivity, gamers can enjoy multiplayer games easily from anywhere. Chipsets like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series or Apple’s A-series processors are powerful enough to ensure graphics remain high without ruining the game’s performance.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality is another influential technology that allows gamers to blur the lines between the virtual and real worlds. It uses technology that enables the game to superimpose digital images onto the physical world. This can be done through smartphones or AR glasses.
Among the first AR games ever released, Pokemon Go might be the biggest one. Not long after its release, players all over the globe were found walking around while playing Pokemon Go. The game has generated over $8 billion in profit since its release, clearly showing how much people are waiting for AR games.
What makes AR charming is how it blends virtual and real places. Players can feel like they’re interacting with digital characters in the real world, so AR can be more popular than VR.
So far, AR mobile games are the most popular among players. However, Meta and Magic Leap expanded their creations to AR glasses. Instead of gaming, these AR glasses were made to facilitate enterprise uses, including manufacturing, design, and healthcare. Yet, Meta had planned to create innovations that could cater to gamers in the coming years.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality games have been the biggest dream of most gamers. Many expectations surround them, so they significantly impacted when they were first released.
Virtual Reality allows players to engage with a game via headset. The developers create three-dimensional simulations that offer a more immersive experience.
Still, despite the excitement and hype surrounding this innovation, Virtual Reality games have had slow development. The VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) market is predicted to reach $370 billion by 2023. However, it had only reached $11.5 billion by 2024.
2015 and 2016 were the most significant years for VR. Yet, many gamers were disappointed by the game quality due to their high expectations. Tech and gaming companies didn’t give up after this setback.
Big companies like Samsung, PlayStation, Valve, and Meta have tried venturing into the VR industry for years. Apple also joined the trend with the release of the Vision Pro Headset. More companies will likely join the trend, and the project is expected to grow by 30.5% by 2028.
One of VR’s significant setbacks is the price of its gadgets. They’re inaccessible to many, but companies are dropping the hardware prices to ensure they appeal to a broader audience. Even so, there might be another obstacle when judging how socially isolating the technology is.
It may not be the game someone can play with friends. Still, the creation of VRChat and Rec Room turned VR games into something social. They allow players to build connections with other players, which can be highly influential in the future.
