Gaming is evolving and has transformed from an obscure hobby into a multi-billion-dollar industry. According to PwC’s Global Entertainment and Media Outlook, the global gaming market will be activating $321 billion in 2026.
The phenomenal growth can mainly be attributed to the emergence of smart devices, the rise of mobile gaming, and the creation of online platforms. So, how is gaming revolutionizing the entertainment sector? Read on to learn more.
How Gaming Has Evolved
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There has been video gaming for almost a century. It still maintains its original concept: to entertain you. Learn about the origins of the video game industry by looking back in time.
AI-informed Chess Game
Alan Turing was a brilliant mathematician and computer scientist who invented an AI-informed chess game in the 1940s. He worked with David Champernowne to devise the algorithms. Turing passed away before it could be played, but his contribution prevailed.
Spacewar!
Spacewar! was created in 1962 by MIT Professor Steve Russell, one of the pioneers of computer science. It ended up being a development for the earliest days of video games. Additionally, its domain code is replicated across various computer systems and spread through programming communities.
Atari’s Arcade
In 1971, Ted Dabney and Nolan Bushnell created Computer Space as a coin-operated gadget. Atari’s Arcade was the first video arcade ever produced for an arcade at Stanford University. The two were inspired by the Spacewar! that existed at MIT.
In 1972 they created Pong, the world’s first commercial table tennis match. They founded Atari and continued developing their ideas into other more successful games than Computer Space. Atari produced other arcades during the 1970s and 1980s.
First Console
The first home video game console and the first to be connected to a TV set was the Magnavox Odyssey. This game was invented by Ralph H. Baer using removable cartridges. Atari adopted the idea to succeed in the mass market and produced additional video consoles.
Handheld Consoles’ Arrival
The Nintendo Game Boy was the first significant portable gaming system. It is a handheld system with interchangeable cartridges. After the 1980s crash, the industry was back. Zelda and Super Mario became more popular during this period.
PC Games
PC games started to take off in a big way in 1994. The share of PC game sales was highest this year, accounting for over half of all computer software sales in the United States. Generally, the most popular games were Doom and Myst.
Doom was a first-person shooting match, while Myst depicted adventure. Both were best sellers and helped drive the popularity of computer gaming. Many people prefer playing on their computers because it’s easier to multitask while playing.
Today, distribution platforms like Steam can provide you with many choices. It is referred to as a central location where users can buy products produced by Valve. Before the advent of services like Steam, games had to be purchased and owned physically.
Flagship Consoles
In Japan and North America, the Sega Saturn of Sony was released in 1994 and a year after. It was the successor to and direct competitor of the Sony PlayStation. The console was discontinued worldwide in 1998 and is considered a commercial failure.
Additionally, the PlayStation One was the first iteration of the PlayStation console and sold more than 100 million units throughout the 90s. It was years after the launch of the Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64. The console was successful, outselling its competitors by a considerable margin.
Microsoft came with the Xbox as a console system in 2001. It becomes a competitor of Nintendo's GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. In 2002, more than two million players subscribed to Xbox Live but faced pressure from its rivals.
Mobile Games
Mobile gaming is a huge industry, and it’s only getting bigger. The revenue from video gaming worldwide in 2022 was 45% from mobile games. Also, the growth of mobile gaming can be attributed to the ever-increasing number of Android and Apple iOs users.
The Future of Gaming
With technological advancements in video gaming, it’s easy to see the future as exciting. There may be more advancements in game consoles, software, and peripherals. With virtual reality (VR), there are more opportunities for a new level of immersion in gaming.
Entertainment and Gaming Industry
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The gaming and entertainment industries are enjoying an upward trend as the demand for their products grows. In fact, the estimated global revenue of video games reached more than $190 billion in 2021, with other entertainment industries behind.
The market is expected to grow to $211.2 billion by 2025, with a +3.4% CAGR. Strong mobile gaming performance, emerging markets, and new segments drive growth. With esports, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), it may continue to do so.
It started with simple arcades like Pong and Pac-Man and has evolved into handheld consoles. Nowadays, gamers can play with their friends in real-time through the internet. They can play against bots on their own time using Playstation or Nintendo switch.
People have been enjoying video games since Atari released consoles. The industry started when Nintendo entered the market with its NES console. From there, it became what we know today as an entertainment juggernaut, making billions of dollars yearly.
Rising Gamers Worldwide
With more than 2 billion players worldwide, the figure is anticipated to increase to more than 3 billion by the end of 2023. Cloud gaming and subscription services have impacted the sales of titles and gadgets. As technology upgraded, so did the gaming industry.
Handheld console games are no longer the only thing that matters. PC games are gaining popularity thanks to free-to-play titles such as League of Legends and Dota 2. Mobile games have become one of the most profitable sectors, thanks to Candy Crush Saga and Pokemon Go.
Undoubtedly, these changes can influence how developers create their titles in the future. They may need to power up and achieve new deals for players to interact with their products. Expect them to take advantage of VR technology as much as possible.
Nowadays, there are thousands of games available online, both free and paid. People can play that cater to different age groups and interests. This makes it easier for you to enjoy games daily using only your Android or Apple iOs phone.
The Impact of Gaming on the Entertainment Sector
Video games have impacted many different things, including music. This is because they have created new types of music and even played a role in some artists’ careers. Developers have also noted the positive effect music can have on gameplay.
A famous example of this is Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto series which features licensed songs from artists such as Rage Against the Machine and 2Pac, to name a few. Including these songs adds depth to the experience by enhancing the immersion factor.
Another way that video games have impacted music is by inspiring musicians who incorporate elements from these titles into their work. Some musicians even make entire albums inspired by their favorite franchises.
They have evolved from simple arcades to highly sophisticated virtual reality experiences. This evolution led to an increasing amount of emphasis on making stories and character development.
Video Game Adaptations
Sometimes, movies are adapted from video games, while the story is added to the game at other times. Some live-action films include Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Assassin’s Creed. In fact, animated films like Final Fantasy and Angry Birds are based on video games.
It’s not just the music and film industries that video games have revolutionized. The impact on television was seen in the creation of the Cartoon Network and Pac-Man. This also occurred when The Legend of Zelda became the basis for an animated series.
Games influence how people form, produce, and act in television shows. This fusion provides a unique chance for viewers to be immersed and get stuck in another world. Many shows feature references to popular arcades or use them as stories.
As they become popular, many people watch them on streaming services like Netflix or Hulu instead of traditional TV networks. This means traditional TV networks must commission their programming to include gaming to keep up with their audience demands.
A Way to Earn Serious Money
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Video gaming has evolved from a hobby to a full-time job for many people. Many people are making real money out of their skills. It’s not just kids who play anymore; adults play them too.
The first way you can make money from video games is by doing them professionally. In many tournaments worldwide, competitors compete against each other in Counter-Strike or Call Of Duty.
You could start streaming on Twitch or YouTube if you’re good. This is probably the most common way you hear about people making money from it. You may need a microphone, webcam, and decent internet connection for quality streams.
Some people do it for fun, but others do it as a full-time job. Other gamers make millions of dollars monthly from their online streams and sponsorships. With such rapid growth, it is no surprise that many people want to capitalize on and protect this industry.
The rise of eSports is being taken seriously as a money-making industry. It is reported that the Global eSports Market may increase its value by more than 2 billion in 2028 with a CAGR of 14.5%.
The rise of esports has been nothing short of meteoric news. Generally, the industry has grown from virtually nothing a decade ago to a multi-billion dollar business today. Millions of people are tuning in to watch professional gamers battle it out, and it’s no wonder why.
Top 3 Gaming Rigs For You
1. Skytech Archangel
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Skytech Archangel is a powerful PC that can handle any high-end game you throw at it. It comes with a 6-Core AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 500GB SSD. Of course, it can handle not only the latest games but also other demanding applications.
The Skytech comes with a GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GDDR6 Graphics Card, which may allow you to enjoy top-notch visuals on your favorite titles. This system comes preinstalled with Windows 10 Home 64-bit operating system, so it's ready to use immediately.
If you are buying a rig that can deliver the best-to-price-performance value, don't miss Skytech Archangel as one of the best deals in the market.
Pros
- Has no bloatware
- The storage is upgradeable
- Has a sleek design
Cons
- It is expensive
- Possible low-quality WiFi adapter
2. CyberpowerPC
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CyberpowerPC is a beast for hardcore gamers. Featuring an Intel Core i7-9700K processor and Nvidia NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card, it delivers the performance you need. It has an unmatched combination of temperature control and acoustics for quiet operation.
The rig comes with 16GB DDR4 memory, 1TB SSD storage, and Windows 10 Home operating system pre-installed for your ease of use. This system is ready to handle any game you throw, including VR games like Fallout 4 VR and Dirt Rally VR.
If you are searching for a rig loaded with the latest high-performance hardware, CyberpowerPC may suit you great.
Pros
- The liquid cooling is commendable
- VR-ready with HTC VIVE
- Graphics processor is a plus
Cons
- Lacks USB-C ports
- Airflow cover needs improvement
3. Alarco
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Alarco has a powerful system with a built-in design that looks great on any desk. It's powered by the Intel Core i5-2400 processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory. The 1TB hard drive provides plenty of storage space for your files.
Additionally, the rig has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card, ensuring you can make smooth moves in all your favorites. It also comes with Windows 10, which is one of the best operating systems for gaming purposes.
If you intend to buy a machine with great features that make it stand out from other computers, try Alarco.
Pros
- Has low input lag
- Easy to set up
- Size is compact
Cons
- It is noisy when operating
- Not suitable for high-end games
Other Recommendations
KINGSTON APPLE MACBOOK USB-C HUB
Experience seamless connectivity and unleash your creativity with the KINGSTON APPLE MACBOOK USB-C HUB. Connect your favorite mouse, monitor, and accessories to your new notebook. This compact hub lets you connect up to 7 devices simultaneously, ensuring your creative flow remains uninterrupted.
Whether you need to connect to a larger monitor or transfer footage from a photo shoot, the Nucleum covers you. It offers the versatility to connect your Apple MacBook while charging an iPhone and accessing files from a USB flash drive. With its built-in cable and compact size, the Nucleum is the ideal travel companion for content creators on the go.
Pros
- Connect up to 7 devices at once
- 4K HDMI Output power pass
- SD and microSD slots
Cons
- Overheating
- Cable Length Limitation
- Compatibility Concerns
PLUGABLE TECHNOLOGIES PLUGABLE TBT3 DUAL DISPLAY DOCK 96W PD
Enjoy maximum power, expandability, and the freedom to choose your display type with the PLUGABLE TBT3 DUAL DISPLAY DOCK. This versatile and powerful docking station boasts a unique, exclusive design that allows you to connect up to two 4K displays using HDMI or DisplayPort, eliminating the need for external adapters. It's the first Thunderbolt 3 docking station to offer such display flexibility.
Powered by the Intel Titan Ridge chipset and Plugable's custom design, this dual display dock provides a wide range of port options, lightning-fast charging up to 100W, and unmatched compatibility with both PC and Mac systems.
Pros
- 100W Max Power
- 14-IN-1 Expansion
- Versatile Dual 4K Displays
- Compatible with MAC and Windows
Cons
- Limited cable length
- Overheating
- Expensive
LOGITECH G560 PC GAMING SPEAKER SYSTEM
Take your gaming to the next level with the Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers. These 2.1 speakers feature customizable lights that react to in-game action and music, with nearly 16.8 million colors across four lighting zones. With 240 Watts Peak power, including a down-firing subwoofer and two RGB satellite speakers with wide-angle drivers, you'll experience immersive, high-quality sound.
The DTS:X Ultra engine also provides 3D surround sound for realistic game audio. Connect via USB, 3.5mm, or Bluetooth (4.1) and easily switch between up to four devices using Logitech Easy-Switch.
Pros
- Versatile Connectivity
- DTS:X Ultra Engine
- 240 Watts Peak power
- Lighting Effects
Cons
- Software Dependency
- Cable Length Limitations
The Benefits of Gaming
The rise of video games is no surprise since they provide many benefits. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
1. They can help improve your reflexes and hand-eye coordination. It can also improve your ability to multitask and solve problems creatively.
2. They are a fun way to socialize with friends. You can play with them in real life during holidays or online through an Internet connection.
3. They can help relieve stress after a long day at work or school. You can choose any title that is fun for you and satisfy you while getting rid of stress at the same time.
Gaming Continues to Entertain Many People
The entertainment sector is going through a revolution as the gaming industry proves that it's not just about fun. If you enjoy video games, you can turn that hobby into a career and earn money. Who wouldn’t want to make money while doing something they love?
Do you wish to build a gaming setup to run the latest games on an ultra setting? Visit our website today, and we’ll gladly help you out! Also, do you think gaming will continue to evolve and enhance people’s entertainment? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and let’s discuss it.
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