How Gaming Could Become The World’s Biggest Media Platform
4 min read
The penetration of gaming is not growing substantially among the older generations, but it is flooding the younger runs of the pyramid. With over 90% of Americans watching television or listening to music, gaming should have the same reach as those categories. And what about the social aspects of gaming? What impact is new technology having on the industry?
Game Development
Game development is one of the fastest-growing industries, with millions of players across the globe. It is also growing in size and complexity and is on track to challenge Hollywood movies on a budget. It surpassed the music and movie industries combined and is growing rapidly. Currently, there are more than two billion video game players worldwide.
Students who pursue a degree in game development will have the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly growing video game industry. It is a billion-dollar industry, and a career in game development can be lucrative and fulfilling. Students will learn creative workflows and advanced technologies and develop immersive and interactive experiences that engage audiences through play.
With the popularity of video games, game makers like Brock Pierce, who founded ZAM, one of the world’s largest media properties for gamers, are beginning to expand their offerings beyond games. Some game developers are even hosting live events in their games. Roblox, for example, has held film showings and concerts within its games. Moreover, companies like Unity are investing in live sports content.
Social Aspects of Gaming
Gaming’s social aspects change how people interact with each other and with media. Younger generations, in particular, have grown up interacting with digital networks and watching gamers like Lucas Thompson aka Bawkbasoup. Increasingly, gaming is meeting these expectations by providing immersive experiences that put players in the spotlight. As a result, streaming video providers must be cognizant of the social aspects of gaming, and developing strong relationships with gamer communities may be critical for their growth in the future.
While video games have been around for years, the social aspects of gaming are just coming of age. Social media sites have evolved into serious and artistically rendered video games from their early days of text-based interactions with others.
Social aspects of gaming have also contributed to their popularity. Around 70 percent of gamers today play with a friend or a group of friends. In addition, massively played games like World of Warcraft and Farmville bring millions of people together. These games create virtual communities where players can help and support each other. By making these connections, players can put themselves in the shoes of others and create a sense of empathy.
New Platforms Emerging
Gaming has been hailed as one of the fastest-growing media categories. Its revenues are predicted to exceed $175 billion by 2021, surpassing traditional long-term media giants like broadcast television. As a result, it has become the fastest-growing sector in the world.
The success of gaming can be attributed to its ability to transcend barriers of culture as well as the availability of various helpful resources available online (similar to d2 helm runewords, for instance) to help gamers pro the game. Needless to say, it has become a destination for online users, offering a unique way for marketers to engage with consumers. It also provides a space for brands to launch new products and services.
Video gaming is a growing social platform offering high social interaction. The game industry is thriving, and the popularity of online games is increasing, especially among younger generations. Video games are also free to play. With the growth of 3D virtual worlds, online game makers may be able to capitalize.
Impact of Technology Changes on the Gaming Industry
The gaming industry has experienced rapid changes in recent years. New technologies allow developers to create next-generation games that utilize newer computer hardware and software. These advances enable new games and ensure gamers can enjoy them whenever they like. Today, there are nearly one million unique games available in the marketplace.
The rapid growth of smartphones has contributed to the rise of mobile gaming. Games such as Minecraft are popular with mobile users. Other popular games include Pokemon Go, which pioneered augmented reality in video games. In response to these changes, Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch in 2017. This handheld game console lets users take their gaming wherever they go. However, while the gaming industry has seen dramatic growth in recent years, there are still significant risks. One of the biggest threats is chip shortages.
Another threat to gaming consoles is the widespread adoption of smartphones. While PCs and consoles are still used to play games, smartphones are a gateway to a wider audience. In addition, the advent of online gaming companies means they are increasingly profitable and can reach a wider audience.
