3 Ways Technology Is Changing the Gaming Industry

More than 45 years have passed since Pong's white pixel bounced across screens. Today, technology has moved far ahead of the original Atari and flickering televisions. New platforms, powerful systems, and an ever-advancing internet continue to push the boundaries that originally defined the gaming industry. Discover three ways that technology is transforming the gaming industry forever.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality technology has introduced a completely immersive way to experience video games. No longer does your TV screen limit your interaction with video game worlds. Now you can walk in Skyrim and wield a blaster against Darth Vader without any distractions.

Whether you use Oculus, Playstation VR, HTC Vive, or one of the other VR systems entering the market, this technology changes the gaming experience with a headset that brings gamers into a three-dimensional world that is far more interactive than standard gaming. Virtual reality is currently still an expensive way to game, but as the technology progresses, this innovative gaming experience will likely become more affordable.

Mobile Gaming

Gamers today don't need to leave behind their entertainment when they're finished. Mobile gaming allows gamers to bring a platform with them wherever they go. The advanced graphics, memory, and sound technology in smartphones allows mobile gamers to download a massive variety of games, from kingdom-building strategy games to candy-crushing puzzle games, with many of them being free. The popularity of mobile gaming has also motivated smartphone manufacturers to further develop their technology to better accommodate demand for high-quality gaming experiences on the go.

Google is taking the innovation of mobile gaming to the next level with its recently announced Stadia system. This platform allows players to stream games directly from the cloud onto their TV, PC, mobile device, or tablet. The Stadia doesn't stream free-to-play mobile games; these games are triple-A console titles that gamers will be able to play anywhere.

Video and Voice Chat

Before the internet and online communication technologies advanced, gamers would meet in a crammed room and pass the night conquering worlds with friends. While internet gaming brought the convenience of playing with friends to the comfort of your own home, many gamers miss playing together in the same room at LAN parties. Fortunately, recently improved video chat technology enables gamers to feel as though they are in the same room while raiding dungeons and fighting from the shelter of a well-designed fortress.

Perhaps the most recent innovation of voice and video chat communication is its introduction to mobile gaming. While console gamers have enjoyed some level of voice chat for a while, mobile gamers have had a harder time communicating while playing games with friends. Today, mobile gamers can enjoy the same direct collaboration as console gamers. For both mobile and console gamers, improved video and voice chat technology enables gamers to easily join the booming streamer population and share their group gaming experience with the world.

Advances in technology have transformed how gamers experience their favorite hobby. Continuing innovation will likely make gaming experiences more immersive, accessible, and conducive to building and strengthening communities.

Rahul is a renowned author and social media enthusiast.