Perhaps one of the earliest forms of gaming, in Europe at least, was the board game. This dates as far back as the 8th century B.C.
Of course, many other developments happened within this time. However, as far as digital gaming is concerned, 1972 was a significant milestone.
The first games console was released, called the Magnavox Odyssey which sold 300,000 units before being discontinued in 1975.
Atari was another influential name within that era. They launched many different arcade and video games right up until the mid-eighties.
Once LAN networks came into existence, things changed once more.
The SEGA Dreamcast was released. This was the world’s first internet-ready console which inevitably was the foundation of later machines like the XBOX and Wii.
Today, such consoles have vast marketplaces of online multiplayer games to choose from.
Now, mobile gaming is very much the hot topic, which now overtakes revenue from consoles and has done since 2015.
While technologies like VR, cloud gaming and personalisation are here, it’s still early days. But this kind of technology does have a massive scope to change things once more.
How Mobile Gaming has Revolutionised the Industry
Today, mobile gaming is the most prominent online gaming segment, generating $68.5 billion back in 2019, 45% of the total market.
Interestingly, this can be further segmented by age and gender. Specifically, 50% of mobile gamers are women, and gaming apps are most popular with 18 to 20-year-olds.
With the invent of 5G, this is only likely to increase further.
Mobile gaming has allowed the online gaming market to grow with more people now accessing games via their handheld devices.
Clearly, this is excellent news for any industry connected with mobile gaming. Including distributors, streaming services, hardware and software developers, and games publishers.
For some industries like the console market, this has had little effect. On the other hand, segments like the PC market, have suffered a steady decline.
This pattern is unsurprising, considering past success and failure in other industries. For example, when compatibility for games consoles with 3D TVs was quickly phased out.
Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how technology like AR and VR will disrupt other sectors. And how successful it could be.
Why has Mobile Gaming Become So Popular?
Increasingly, people now require a mobile phone or laptop to do their jobs.
This means that many people carry such devices with them, wherever they go. In other words, they can access their favourite games from virtually anywhere.
So, what about laptops and desktops?
Well, the pattern is quite different. In fact, little change has occurred during this time.
Viewing stats such as this, begin to shed insight into why mobile gaming is now so popular.
What Could Gaming Look Like in the Future?
Virtual reality and artificial intelligence will probably be more developed and more utilised.
Cheaper VR headsets are coming to market which could improve their popularity in future. Players are keener to blur the lines between fantasy and reality.
Similarly, AI will also play an important role not only within games but also in their development.
Characters and player interactions will become more realistic, and new forms of gaming may even emerge. Plus, overall development time could reduce as well.
Cloud gaming will also have an essential place in the future of gaming. Making use of quicker and more reliable internet connection and allowing players to stream games rather than use a console.
There may come a time when games can generate content automatically. Based on the unique preferences of players (otherwise known as real-time personalisation).
More multiplayer games may also become available for live games. While big platforms like Facebook, are likely to release even more games.
Virtual Reality headsets are expected to make more appearances in online games.
How can Games Compete Within a Competitive Market?
Across both the Apple App Store and Google Play, there were around 1487568 games for download in 2018. Considering this mammoth selection, plus various other forms of entertainment out there, how can games successfully compete?
One way is to release a free version of a game.
However, there are other ways to attract and retain an audience. Such as exciting design and cutting-edge development, using great content and utilising the best distribution system.
The Gambling Sector
The gambling sector holds a large market share of the gaming industry, with more people now opting to play casino games online. The use of mobile and mobile apps has helped online casinos to grow as people can now play the games at their own convenience.
Bingo is a game that has also increased in populartiy since transitioning online, by going digital the game targeted a younger demographic who typically use technological devices like mobiles which has led to this success. Online bingo providers offer players the chance to play free bingo games so players have chance to try out the site and its games.
To retain their players, most gambling sites including online casinos and bingo sites will often offer their loyal players a wide range of bonuses and promotions to use when they next log in to play a game, something that is not usually offered at a brick and mortar establishment.
Using strategies like free games and large bonuses, the online gambling sector is expected to thrive through this digital era.
In a Fast-Moving Sector, Mobile Games Must Incentivise Customers to Survive
Since the invention of board games in the 8th century B.C., gaming has come a long way. Hardware and technology have developed continuously over the years, revolutionising what we call ‘gaming’.
Indeed, there was a time when games consoles were the most popular devices. While they do still remain popular, you cannot ignore the popularity of mobile gaming as well.
This sector has a massive customer base, which is only set to become more significant. This is thanks to developing new technologies like AI, VR and AR.
Despite this success, many gaming companies out there are performing a tight balancing act. They are probably doing all they can to perform well in a crowded market, like offering free games.
This strategy definitely works. In fact, online casinos have been using them for years.
| Click Here For More News and Blog |
