Gaming is one of the most popular pastimes on earth, and a majority of people admit to spending hours upon hours in front of their consoles, playing their preferred games. The amount of money spent on video games has reached $50 billion per year worldwide, making it one of the biggest industries on the planet. Gaming is a multi billion dollar industry, and its scope is only growing. Games are now developed for almost any type of gaming experience imaginable; from basic card games, to high definition, 3D graphics, to the highly acclaimed, “immersive” simulators. In fact, there is virtually no area of gaming that cannot be enjoyed through the use of a video game.
Although some forms of gaming are clearly becoming more expensive due to the technological capabilities of modern hardware, others have remained relatively the same. One of the most popular gaming platforms on the planet today is the Xbox 360. Developed by Microsoft, this state of the art video game system allows users to connect wirelessly through a local wireless network to take advantage of the gaming experience at home by hooking up to the Internet. This has made Xbox 360 available to a wide variety of users, regardless of their geographical location.
Another popular gaming concept that is catching on is “VR gaming.” Known as virtually real-life gaming,VR gaming allows users to virtually experience gaming in a completely new light. The use of the headset creates a realistic environment where the player can feel virtually transported into a completely interactive virtual world. This includes being able to interact with objects, solve puzzles, control movement, and experience a variety of other tasks and feelings. With this experience comes a new set of capabilities not previously seen within video gaming; the ability to share the gaming experience with friends and fellow gamers.
With so many different types of consoles available, the idea of “owning” them has also become a common feature. Commonly referred to as “rentals,” consoles are purchased on a monthly rental plan and then returned at the end of the rental period for a full refund. Rentals are also available on a same day, one time use basis. Numerous gaming websites allow players to sign up for rentals on a monthly, weekly or daily basis. For those that own their own gaming consoles, renting games on a monthly, weekly or daily basis has proven to be very beneficial and convenient.
One of the most popular ways to play games nowadays is by using online multiplayer platforms. Online gaming is becoming very popular with casual gamers and with the increase of broadband internet, the ability to play games long distances has increased. Players are now able to play with others around the world for free. With a high demand for more interesting and exciting gaming experiences, developers are constantly designing new games and adding new features to the ever growing game industry. This has created a need for ever increasing numbers of consoles and has led to the growth of the gaming industry over the past few years.
While previous generation gaming consoles were quite basic in comparison to today’s models, gamers are continually upgrading and finding the new level of satisfaction and fun within them. While some consumers cannot afford the expense of new technology, many can. New technology allows gaming enthusiasts to enjoy an almost “playing on a different level” experience. The next time you are at a friends house, take a look around and ask them who the gamer is.