Even if you were born decades ago, when the first form of gaming arrived on the arcade scene, it may be difficult to believe just how far the technology has come. Today, gaming is a $100 billion-dollar industry that continues to grow with each passing day. The startling rate at which games, consoles, and other devices are released is enough to make anyone contemplate the gaming technology advances we have made and seen since the 1970s.
In this article, we explore some of the most pivotal moments and advances in video game development. Keep reading to learn more!Top Gaming Technology AdvancesAugmented Reality: With the ability to superimpose images, sounds, and text like never before, augmented reality provides a welcome reprieve for gaming enthusiasts that can’t get into virtual reality. AR games go beyond the TV and PC monitor, providing completely unique perspectives for gamers. Pokémon Go began paving the way for AR in 2016.Facial Recognition: We can now unlock our smartphones with our faces, but video games take facial recognition to a whole new level. With the advent of 3D scanning technology, you can even create your likeness in the gaming world. Developers are able to scan more than 75 points on a person’s face so that the system can dial back the difficulty of the game based on the expressions he or she makes. Some games use facial recognition to detect underage players!Gesture Control: Although we might look funny punching at the air or tilting our devices back and forth, motion control may very well be the future of gaming. Developers continue to revolutionize camera technology that can track multiple points in a person’s hand, making gesture-controlled video games an interactive experience with immediate reward.Graphics Processing: It’s not an understatement to say that video game graphics have come a long way since the days of basic 8-bit color graphics. Graphics processing units accelerate the creation of images, allowing developers to push the envelope on anything from hyper-realistic characters to real-time rendering of photorealistic scenes.Live Streaming: Although it’s still relatively new, live-stream gaming is a sensation that’s sweeping the nation. Some people call streaming a sport, while others treat it as a viable profession, with the potential to make thousands or even millions of dollars. Twitch, HitBox, Beam, Azubu, and Youtube are some of the most notable names to keep an eye on.Mobile Gaming: Everywhere you turn, people are on their smartphones. Mobile gaming allows enthusiasts to go beyond the confines the arcade or the living room, putting all the action and thrill in the palm of your hand. Now, you can play your favorite game during your morning commute, on the toilet, at the gym, or wherever your heart desires.Virtual Reality: Unless you were literally born yesterday, it’s difficult to deny that virtual reality is taking over the world. 2016 was a pivotal year for VR, with industry giants such as Google, Oculus, HTC, and Samsung at the helm of bringing headsets and other devices to the mainstream market. Rumor has it that Facebook may soon be joining the frontlines.
