How Is Technology Shaping The Future Of Gaming?

The year 1989 proved to be a big one as gaming across the internet became possible. Trying out online games for the first time gave us a whole new platform for entertainment.

Forty-odd years later, we can now predict that virtual reality and AI will play more of a role in the future of online gaming. By the time this piece has been published, even more innovations will have hit the market, with computer electronics, software design, accessibility, and data download speed evolving exponentially. Technologies such as live streaming, mobile software, computer graphics, and crypto-currencies have all completely changed the way people interact online. The appetite for all these technologies has grown and continues to grow every day.

Mobile gaming

Telecommunications companies are rolling out 5G for mobile devices and soon, smartphones will be much faster. This will mean no lag in gaming experiences and more ubiquitous data accessibility, creating even more opportunities for gamers to play on the go. Mobile games currently chew through a phone’s computational power. 5G capabilities and lightning-speed downloading will considerably improve that. Augmented Reality (AR) games, specifically, stand to benefit from enhanced real-time data input.

High-quality mobile gaming experiences will certainly create what is known as a network effect – where increased numbers of participants improve the value of the product and service. This breakthrough and knock-on effect is likely to snowball the adoption of this technology as it evolves and morphs along with its user’s requirements and expectations.

Once 5G has reached a certain critical number of users, we will likely see an explosion in mobile gaming development.

Security

Many advances, such as SSL certificates, 128-bit encryption and cryptocurrency payments now ensure that players experience better site security. Blockchain technology could make transactions safer and faster while retaining the privacy of gamers.

Aliases and avatars are common practices and enhance security even further.

SSL-encryption software is an AI-powered security system that takes the data from players and turns it into vines of unbreakable codes. It is near-impossible for unwanted third parties to gain access to this type of information.

In the future, as fingerprint or facial recognition software is adopted, we may see this used in conjunction with existing security solutions.

VR and AR technology

VR is still in its early days, with many promising developments on the horizon. Until the headsets become lighter and slimmer, and the experience more socially interactive, we are seeing increased adoption of AR in comparison.

Augmented Reality, or AR, is a technology that provides a composite view by superimposing a computer-generated image onto the user’s real view. The gaming industry is trending radically towards AR. Not only does the ease of development have direct cost implications, but users have an appetite for interactive immersive experiences.

One has to wonder if face recognition capabilities might not also be incorporated into this in the future.

Stylised graphics

In the gaming world, AAA is an informal classification used for games produced by mid to major companies. These use large teams of visual artists and technicians to produce high-quality, detailed graphics. However, the market seems to be trending towards stylised graphics – moving away from the “realistic” genre. This saves on tremendous design costs, and the publishers can focus their resources on creating additional features, marketing, or producing multiple games simultaneously.

How have games evolved?

Games evolve as you play, meaning that certain games collect data and feed it into an algorithm. Developers (and AI) can tweak the game based on predictions of what the gamer’s preferences are and how they interact with the game.

Random Number Generators create random outcomes of the game being played. These generate a variety of numbers or symbols that enable the game to have many consequences for the player. This creates a new dynamic for the gamer, making it exciting and more engaging.  

What does the future hold in gaming technology?

Considering where we started and how far we have come, the possibilities are endless for what gaming will look like in the future. As the technology evolves, interacts, changes, and adapts, players of all game genres will be virtually overwhelmed with choice. Technology in the gaming space is not slowing down anytime soon, so buckle up for an exciting ride.