Online gaming has transformed in the past decades, and it continues to do so. Today, gaming cultures are massive and over 30% of gamers are aspiring professionals. You’ll find online gaming easy with a plan offering high-speed internet like the one by Cox cable bundles. Although online gaming has always been popular, the pandemic further boosted the industry with its wave of lockdowns. With ever-evolving technological trends, gaming arenas must keep up to remain relevant. But keeping up doesn’t always mean extensive research. Here you’ll find a compilation of the top tech trends you should know about this year.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual reality gaming is a new generation of online gaming that is already influencing the industry in 2021. Although this type of gaming is still not available for most regions yet, its demand is growing. Its high cost of installation could delay its global release for several years but even now, games with VR segments have millions of players. Virtual reality, like its name suggests, offers a simulated reality that allows players an immersive experience with a first-person perspective.
Professional Gamers
The past few years have seen a rise in professional gamers. Although gaming is a leisure activity, some gamers today prefer big bucks over simple recreation. In 2021, gaming is becoming a popular career choice for young people worldwide. Even if it doesn’t seem like the traditional career path, it offers several choices. Individuals often choose professions in:
Today, gamers can even enter global or national gaming competitions, winning grand prizes. Players like Jaedong, Jonathan Wendel, and Moon are now recognized globally for their expertise in games such as Starcraft, Counterstrike, and Warcraft.
Responsible Gaming
The idea of responsible gaming became popular with the rise of online gaming spheres. It aims to create a safe, secure, and fair gaming environment to ensure equality and integrity. With such easy access to gaming, exploitation is more common today than ever. Thus, the industry is setting rules to protect users’ rights and interests. Now, it is common for games to display disclaimers of ‘financial risk’ or ‘age restriction’. Because of this, gaming today prioritizes users’ rights and the industry claims responsibility for gamers’ safety. This points towards a future where responsible gaming will make up an important aspect of online gaming.
Increased Usage of Mobile Phones
Online gaming has been directly affected by the wide use of mobile phones. As a result, gaming industries are always looking to develop mobile-based games. They’re easy to play, accessible, and don’t need elaborate equipment to set up. Even Limelight’s State of Online Gaming 2020 states that most gamers prefer mobile phones over all other gaming platforms. Also, several popular PC games like Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, and Dragon’s Lair now have versions played on mobile phones. Experts also predict a gaming future with more games and content that fit gaming on phones.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence is slowly creeping into every aspect of life. While its influence in online gaming isn’t always obvious, it’s used in several ways. In the absence of human opponents, most players choose to play against AI in online games. Similarly, a lot of multiplayer also use AI to balance team competition when playing matches. For a few years, hacking data is also run by experts through AI algorithms to make better system defenses and get rid of weak points.
The Growing Popularity of eSports
ESports or electronic sports have transformed online gaming into a ‘spectator sport’. While the industry has leaped to success in the last few years, so have its players. Faker, Rookie, and UZI were termed the most popular eSports athletes in 2021. In addition, the industry has gained a solid viewership base and attracts a lot of revenue. According to reports, more than 380 million people all over the world watch eSports as viewership continues to increase.