Over the years, technology has revolutionized every industry and the gaming industry isn’t left out. Many games have become so advanced that there are now very blurred lines between what is real and what is pure fantasy.

From the rise in online gaming to the development of multiple arcade games, the gaming industry has experienced lots of improvements, going beyond just entertainment to educational purposes. Many things can now be tested through online gaming like patience, social skills, cognitive abilities, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Various free online gaming platforms are now widely popular, offering a variety of games in different categories and providing significant growth to the gaming industry. According to report, the global gaming market is expected to be worth approximately $295.63 billion by 2026, in comparison to a 2020 valuation of $162.32 billion—showing a growth rate of 10.5% over the specified forecast period.

There are many ways in which technology has played a huge role in advancing online gaming and below are a few of them.

1. Online and mobile gaming apps

The era of smartphones has contributed immensely to the growth of the online gaming industry. Due to its widespread use and accessibility, people can now easily play games on their smartphones wherever they are and whenever is convenient.

Game developers are now even building games tailored to fit the lifestyle of casual gamers and those who have very few minutes to spare. These games are made to cater to those who either have to deal with regular chores, work or the stress of commuting from one location to the other.

It is a lot more convenient and cheaper to play games on your smartphone or tablet, especially with thousands of free games available on Google Play or the Apple App Store. It is expected that the number of mobile gamers would exceed 3 billion by the end of 2021.

2. Advanced 3D graphics

In the past, most online games were built with two-dimensional graphics on mainly text-based technology. Gradually, with the introduction of 3D technology, games are now becoming very realistic with advanced simulations and special effects.

Building realistic textures, allowing in-game interactions between objects, creating advanced physical characteristics and control character motions have been made possible with 3D graphics. Immersing yourself into the online gaming world is a lot easier with very detailed special effects.

3. Cloud gaming

Technological giants such as Microsoft, Google and Verizon have built cloud-based platforms and pricing models that allow players to take advantage of instant access to new game releases on their devices. All you need to do is sign up on a specific platform and gain access to play the same game on multiple devices, whether mobile, tablet or PC.

One major advantage of cloud-based gaming is its ability to remain compatible cross-platform, no matter the device being used. This option is more cost-effective for gamers who can play the latest, high-end games without investing in new hardware.

4. Virtual Reality

One of the major game-changers in the gaming industry is Virtual Reality (VR). Gamers can literally immerse themselves inside the game with the help of a VR headset.
For avid gamers, VR is a huge upgrade from conventional gaming as it provides a very realistic gaming experience. However, it is less attractive for casual gamers due to the high number of investments that are required to play VR games such as advanced hardware and VR headsets.

The future of VR gaming would give room for more casual gamers as the technology improves further. But for now, there are over 500 high-end VR games to choose from including popular titles like FairPoint and Budget Cuts. Game developers are already working on improving the shortcomings with the current VR gaming technology and it points to an exciting future for the gaming industry.

“Developers exploring VR may look to build on current tech by enhancing specific sensations,” said Dr Jethro Shell, Senior Lecturer in Games and Information Systems at De Montfort University in a report.

“Imagine the sensation of touching ammo as you pick it up in a first-person shooter; holding the wheel of a rally car; perhaps even sensing a powerful strike from an opponent,” he added.

5. Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies have made a huge impact on many industries including the gaming industry, with major gaming platforms now accepting them for in-game payments—and other site purchases. There are also many popular crypto-based games like Bitcoin Billionaire, CryptoKitties and many more which are available for download.

Thanks to blockchain technology, online transactions and payments have become very swift, secure and transparent.

In conclusion, thanks to the various technological advancements, innovations and unmatched entertainment it provides, the gaming industry is bound to remain one of the most lucrative sectors in the world.