How Technology is Changing Gaming

From wearables that tell us how many steps we’ve taken during the day to smartphones that allow us to carry mini-computers in our pockets, technology has changed every aspect of our lives. Technological advancements have also had a significant impact on the gaming industry, redefining how we play video games. Gaming is no longer a solitary activity. Instead, most gamers play games online with people from all over the world. With so many changes, it’s hard to believe that video games have only been around for a few decades. As gaming continues to gain popularity, we can expect even more changes to the rapidly growing industry. Keep reading to learn about how technology is changing gaming. 

Mobile Gaming

The Nintendo Switch revolutionized mobile gaming when it was released on March 3, 2017. For the first time in gaming history, players could play the same games on their home gaming consoles and a portable device. Five years later, gamers are waiting for follow-up titles to the Switch’s greatest hits, including Mario + Rabbids 2 and the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2. 

While the Switch marked a great leap forward in mobile gaming, smartphones and tablets have also changed how we play games. Billions of people play mobile games on their phones and tablets, with the numbers expected to increase, surpassing console and PC gaming in the near future. Mobile gaming makes it possible to play your favorite titles wherever you happen to be in the world. A lot of these games have excellent graphics and immersive gameplay. 

Virtual Reality (VR)

With the metaverse on the tip of the world’s tongue, it seems like everyone is talking about VR technology. The gaming industry has been at the forefront of the VR revolution, and companies like Sony have produced VR headsets for their gaming consoles for several years. VR headsets blur the lines between the real world and gaming universes, allowing players to completely immerse themselves in the experience. 

Augmented Reality (AR)

People often talk about VR and AR as if they were the same technology. While they are similar, there are some significant differences. When you wear an AR headset or use AR technology on your mobile device, you can overlay digital elements in the world around you. Pokemon Go is the biggest and most successful example of an AR game. Although there are only a few AR games available, the number is expected to grow significantly in the next several years. 

Hyperreality

As if VR and AR weren’t enough, hyperreal experience or location-based entertainment create a life-like gaming experience by bringing together elements of VR and AR with the physical world. Imagine going to a designated location with friends, strapping on a helmet, and participating in an activity together. That’s the future of hyperreality gaming. 

Hyperreality melds VR and AR technologies, creating a unique gaming experience. While VR headsets transport you to another realm by dropping you into the world of the game you’re playing, when you wear hyperreality headsets, you see what is in the room or physical space surrounding you. As you play, you can jump to grab virtual items and feel them too.