Cloud Computing In Video Games; A Shift From Home Console

There has been a skyrocketed shift from the home console era of gaming to an era of more enhanced infused technology purposely to bring the joy in gaming closer to players.

The gaming industry has progressed quickly over time and in phases.

History depicts how the gaming industry has transformed in phases and sharply through technology just like any other industry or field.

The history of gaming can be traced from the early beginnings in the 1940s to the 1960s, the Arcade era in the 1970s to 1980s, the Home console era in the 1970s to 1990s, the Handheld 16-Bit era in the 1980s to 1990s, the 3D Graphics and CD-ROM in the 1990s to 2000s, and the Modern era from the 2000s to present. Some popular games in these periods include Tennis for two in 1958, Space war in 1962, Space invaders in 1978, Magnavogx odyssey in 1972, Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985, Play Station in 1994, Xbox (2001), Xbox 360 in 2005, Play Station 3 in 2006 and Play Station 4 in 2013 Sony’s HD Consoles, and many others.

The modern era has witnessed a more tinctured technology like cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning purposely to expand gaming experience everywhere and anytime with more enhanced features, functionalities, and high definition graphics. The current trends and future directions in the video game industry include, Cloud Gaming which comes with game streaming services like Google Stadia, Microsoft xCloud, and NVIDIA GeForce Now.

Cross-Platform Play which run along with seamless gameplay between PC, consoles, and mobile devices. Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) with immersive experiences with Oculus, Vive, and PlayStation VR. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with enhanced NPC behavior, dynamic environments, and personalized gaming. Esports and Competitive Gaming with growing professional leagues, tournaments, and prize pools. Indie Game Development with the infusion of increased accessibility and innovation through engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. Mobile Gaming with continuing growth of smartphone and tablet gaming.

Online Communities and Social Gaming with social media integration, multiplayer, and community engagement.

Some experts in the gaming industry have foreseen and predicted some emerging technologies in gaming going into the near future.

They have emphatically stated some technologies to look out for in the quest of improving gaming experience.

According to these experts, the world should look out for improved gaming technologies such as Quantum Computing (Potential for vastly improved AI and simulation); Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) (Neural control and feedback); Light Field Displays (Enhanced visuals and depth perception); Advanced Biometrics (Emotion-sensing and player monitoring).

Notwithstanding of the numerous positive sides that keep players happy and enjoying the beauty of modern games, there are some downsides that raise questions.

Player Safety and Well-being has been a major concern where critics are calling for the immediate address of toxicity, addiction, and mental health in any way possible, as well as strict regulatory environment, that is, navigating laws, regulations, and censorship.

The rise of cloud gaming has possed a huge threat to the console producing companies, resulting in reduced hardware sales to subscription-based models, changing business models, and high competition.

Some gaming console producing companies have been swift and smart enough to adapt to the change by infusing cloud gaming in their products.

Sony PlayStation Now gorgeous, for instance has Cloud gaming service with PS4 and PS3 games. Microsoft xCloud now has Cloud gaming technology for Xbox and PC. Nintendo Switch Cloud also has Cloud-based game streaming for Switch.

There is a higher future outlook for an increased adoption of AI-driven games, further integration of AI, Machine Learning, and other sophisticated technological tools in future games.

Technology has been a force where its impacts cannot be escaped by being a luddite in every area of life, as man seeks to make the world a better place.

It is therefore highly recommended that we learn to embrace change and adjust our lives as such to become more prolific in our fields of endeavours in order to fit in today’s era of technology dominance.

Source: Effah Mensah Williams