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In a world devoid of physicality, people increasingly turned to virtual means to establish a social connection, joy, and purpose—increased time at home and a desire for connection and escapism through entertainment re-energized cross-platform media consumption. So, we all managed to get our fix, whether from dusting off an old console and playing some retro games or perhaps mobile slots on your smartphone. Not only did people’s entertainment preferences evolve, but so did the function of entertainment in their daily lives. Gaming is a technique for many people to meet their emotional requirements.
The gaming industry has evolved from selling a product to offering a service during the previous three decades. Gaming has evolved into a platform where players may socialize, organize business meetings, view concerts, purchase fashion items, communicate with other gamers, etc. While many of us have switched from binge-watching to binge-playing, the world will be turned upside down by the burgeoning future of entertainment — gaming.
There’s no denying that gaming is sweeping the globe; 2.8 billion individuals across all geographies, decades, genders and social levels currently play games. Decreasing hardware and data costs, improving bandwidth speed, progress in device technical performance, a lower price to play thanks to free-to-play, and the emergence of a stronger middle class with more disposable income have all contributed to gaming becoming the mainstream entertainment category. But what does the future hold for the gaming industry?
I believe that the gaming business will continue to thrive even in 2030, driven by people’s experiences on mobile, PC, and consoles as they converge. This will be fueled mainly by a few changes in the industry. Streaming will be the unifying technology that allows everyone to access all of their favorite material on any device. I believe it is unmistakably a direction of travel for the gaming business, fueled by the widespread availability of network connectivity. Many supporting technologies will swiftly make this a reality, whether 5G, ultra-wideband fiber, or satellite.
In the end, computing on-demand from a data center rather than the individual computers within the box under your TV will fundamentally alter how games are created and played. I believe that neighboring technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and natural language will greatly aid game creation. I think it will enable games to achieve a new level of inventiveness, richness, and depth, creating a new medium that extends beyond gameplay. Imagine going into a universe and having a genuinely believable discussion with a character, where you feel like you’re speaking with a real person who remembers you and your past.
Virtual reality runs against people’s natural social desires. The gear is pricey and specialized, but it also requires strapping something to your face that filters out the outside world, which many people find unpleasant. However, I believe that augmented reality (AR) has potential, mainly because it’s more accessible and mixes the real and virtual worlds, allowing it to reach a wider audience and provide new social interactions.
If virtual reality is to be a true success, developers may attempt to improve on current technology by increasing specific sensations. For example, consider the feelings of picking up ammo in a first-person shooter, driving a rally car, and even sensing a forceful strike from an opponent.
The goal of each generation of next-gen gaming is to improve. One of the most striking distinctions that gamers will encounter in the future is speed. Players will enjoy even more seamless experiences thanks to 5G speeds, enhanced internet connections, and speedier services. Internet speeds also influence the quality of cloud gaming and cross-platform play. Even with these gleaming new devices boasting powerful specs, future gamers will require a fast internet connection to enjoy next-generation gaming.
Gaming is undoubtedly the most profitable form of entertainment; it appeals to all demographics and is more sociable than any other medium. Aside from the sheer amount of time people spend playing games, the way they’ve evolved into immersive and multi-faceted virtual worlds has made them one of the most participatory and intriguing narrative mediums. As a result, gaming is uniquely positioned to become the entertainment industry’s epicenter.
