The gaming industry has relied on technology for as long as it has existed. However, it’s possible to argue that it has felt its requirement more so in recent years, especially as new technologies have been developed that have helped to advance the experiences players are able to achieve.
What wasn’t once possible a decade or even just a few years ago is the go-to norm for gamers and developers alike, with many of them like cross-platform play or immersive visuals now being implemented as basic features due to the continued growing demands. Players want immersive experiences in whatever type of gaming they are enjoying, which is why we have seen technology be a driver across all niches.
The mobile gaming market is one such example of these changes, as is the iGaming market. Players want to use their smartphones to play games while on the move and still enjoy the best possible sessions that truly engage them. Whether they play at an online casino in Australia for real money or a game that can give them a level of entertainment or serve another purpose, they want technology to give them everything they can obtain in the best way.
Different generations of gamers will have likely been able to see many of the changes and advances that have happened, being able to recall what was the norm when they first started gaming or the specific ways in which tech has helped to revolutionize and transform the entire activity in years gone by.
What are the latest tech innovations helping to shape next-gen gaming?
New technologies are being formed and developed all of the time, and next-gen gaming is an exciting prospect.
As mentioned, technology has become a vital aspect of the gaming industry and one that organizations working within the sector have had no choice but to try and harness. In doing so, they have been able to leverage several advantages, such as providing players with ultra-realistic and authentic gaming sessions. It has also been used as a form of education, helping to change the way people learn. At the same time, they have had to make sure they meet the ever-evolving demands that players are continually requesting.
We’ve seen the emergence of cross-platform gaming in recent years, as well as the ability to save games to the cloud. This has allowed players to be able to pick up where they left off on other devices, giving them complete flexibility to play in whatever way they believe is best suited for them. However, there are still some newer technologies that we are yet to experience that could have a significantly profound impact on gaming soon.
Artificial intelligence is continually learning, meaning it can change in-game experiences and make certain aspects more immersive and engaging. It can allow developers to create multiple different stories within a title, which could depend on the decisions that are made by the player. At the same time, we could see technologies like virtual and augmented realities be implemented more widespread in the coming years, especially as the technology gets better, becomes more accessible, and gets cheaper to use by everyone.
Startups using tech innovations to try and get ahead
Unsurprisingly, there are many startups that have been created that have looked at the technological side of the gaming industry and have spotted opportunities in which they can potentially disrupt the sector and offer a solution to the continued demands that players have.
The global gaming industry was thought to be worth an estimated $347 billion (Statista) in 2022 and is thought to have plenty of room to grow. There has been a decline in recent years following the pandemic, but some have argued that the market had become saturated and not enough new next-gen gaming technologies had been released for a few years.
With developers and startups looking at technology and the advancements that could potentially be made, there are several opportunities that can be had. While companies like Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony are considered the ‘Big Three’ of the industry, it is clear that there is room for others to get involved and take a slice of the huge pie that is available.
All it will take for one company is to find the best way to transform the current gaming experience into something better, which may lead them to become a major player in the industry because of what they offer.
Final Words
The gaming industry is already massive, with more than 3.32 billion people playing video games actively worldwide. Those who enjoy gaming will always continue to want to experience the best sessions, something that technology has the ability to provide them.
As new technologies continue to be developed and made available, the industry should only be able to use them to their advantage and thrive even further, perhaps turning even more people into gamers in the process.
This article was written in cooperation with Angelique Visser