Not so long ago, online gaming was a niche pursuit. Nowadays, however, it’s a pastime enjoyed by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. But exactly what is it that’s spurred this transition? How, in short, did we get here?

Technological Advancements

Moore’s Law states that computing power doubles at fixed intervals of roughly eighteen months. This is a rule that’s held, more or less, for the entire history of modern computing – from valves to transistors.

What it means is that more computing power can be squeezed into an ever smaller space. Ultra-powerful mobile phones, and hugely sophisticated graphical hardware, are the logical conclusion.

Social Connectivity and Community

Of course, among the more significant technological trends has been the development of an internet that can be accessed from everywhere. Through it, we can speak with fellow players in a game environment, wherever in the world we might be. Indeed, many games actually depend on these interactions. To play Quake in story mode is one thing; to play it in a competitive ‘deathmatch’ environment is quite another!

Economic Impact

Online gaming is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Money is being generated through the actual sale of games, to be sure, but a great deal of it is increasingly being made through in-game purchases.

All of this cash has helped to support an increasingly specialised range of games careers, from writers, to artists, to programmers. It’s also made it possible for solo developers to do everything themselves, and create niche games that wouldn’t be possible at a larger studio.

Diverse Gaming Genres

The gaming industry is able to cater to an astonishingly broad range of tastes. Whether you’re a fan of shooters, platformers, role-playing games, puzzlers, turn-based strategy, or more esoteric, undefinable experiences, there’s something out there for you.

If you have access to a mobile phone, for example, you might play a round of Slots, Tetris, or Snake. If you have a console, then there may be platform-exclusive games worth considering.

Future Trends in Online Gaming

The future of online gaming is difficult to predict with certainty. However, certain areas hold considerable promise. Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence look poised to revolutionise the gaming experience. In the case of AI, machine learning is already helping to write the code itself, even if a developer still holds the reins.