Video Gaming Industry Around the World
Gaming has become the entertainment of choice for people across the world. Playing games has evolved into an intricate art form. Video games are now used by people of all ages, from kids to adults, to pass the time and keep busy. A video game, also called computer game, is an electronic device that entails interaction with a human user interface or display device to generate visual output through a succession of displayed images, sounds, or physical stimuli. The term “video game” came into use in the 1980s, and refers to any computer-related activity that uses game hardware, software, and interactive communication to produce results that can be perceived by the human operator.
There are two basic categories of games: console and online. Console games, which include popular brands like Sony, Nintendo, Sega, Microsoft, etc., are typically played on dedicated consoles (e.g., GameCube, Xbox, Play station) and require the player to sit in front of the TV. Online gaming devices include PCs, laptops, and handheld gaming consoles. Both Console and Online gaming devices support some basic Internet protocols, but they often differ greatly when it comes to security settings, Internet connectivity options, and other features. This is the reason why Internet security for online gaming is so important.
There is a lot of speculation about what gaming platform will prevail in the future. One of the most popular gaming platforms is Windows. According to research by IDC, a research firm that specializes in consumer survey, the Xbox platform is the top gaming brand for the third consecutive year in a row, while Nintendo’s Wii platform continues to remain steady. According to a recent survey by Eilers Research, a global research firm that focuses on the media and advertising industries, smartphone and tablet computing is predicted to become the world’s new gaming device in the next three years.
Another trend developing for video games is the development of “open source” or massively multiplayer online role-playing games or massively multi-player online games, which are played by large numbers of players at the same time. This is the first example of a multiplayer online game that is developed for a game console, specifically for a specific manufacturer’s product. Other recent examples include DayZ and Second Life, which are being developed as standalone products.
Wireless controllers and other peripherals are becoming more important for hardcore gamers. According to a study by IDC, gaming industry revenues are expected to reach $60 billion dollars in the next five years. Due to the popularity of multiplayer games and wireless controllers, there are now more electronic accessories than ever before, such as wireless headsets, earbuds, and even camera phones that can be used to interact with other players in games. Even computer speakers, such as those used in TVs and computers, have become part of the video gaming experience. A popular multiplayer game, Call of Duty, requires players to use microphones and voice commands to communicate with each other.
While the majority of consoles and computers are based on Microsoft Windows, there are several different types of open-source operating systems that allow players to play massively multiplayer online games. consoles and PCs are generally sold with certain software that must be purchased, while gaming devices can be downloaded from the Internet. These devices are usually sold at affordable prices because they are homemade or obtained through third-party websites. Gaming devices such as phones and handheld consoles are more expensive than PCs and gaming consoles because of their components. Newer generation gaming devices, such as X-Box 360, are more sophisticated than their predecessors, and allow the use of accessories such as wireless speakers and cameras.