It’s 2020, and it is an understatement to say that online gaming has invaded our world. Since the first “online” game went commercial in the 1950s, gaming has blossomed into one of the top lucrative industries in the world.
The Early Years of 1900s Gaming
The very first machine that could be considered a gaming machine was created in 1940 by Dr. Edward Uhler. The game was based on the mathematical game of Nim and was played by 50,000 people during the New York World’s Fair. However, the first game that was truly commercial did not emerge until 1967.
This prototype to online gaming was called the “Brown Box” and it could be connected to a TV set. The game displayed two control cubes that chased each other in the monitor. It was later also programmed to play other types of games like checkers, ping pong, and four sports game.
Sega and Taito were the first two companies that inspired interest in gaming arcades when they released Periscope and Crowns Special Soccer in 1966 and 1967. In 1972, however, Atari was the first gaming console that set precedence for the large-scale gaming community. It also revolutionized the arcade game industry and in 1973 began to sell its first real video game “Pong.” Following its lead, over 15 other tech companies started developing video games between the time frame of 1972 to 1985.
In addition to arcade gaming and gaming consoles in commercial centers and American chain restaurants, the early 1970s was also the time when gaming consoles became mass produced for home. Intel invented the first microprocessor during this decade which resulted in games like Gunfight in 1975, the very first multiplayer combat shooting game.
In 1993, internet became a part of the public domain, leading to real advances in online gaming after the 4th generation 16-bit-era consoles were launched. In 1995, Nintendo unveiled Satellaview, a satellite modem peripheral, a technology that allowed players to download games and cheats directly into their console via satellite. The technology was used until 2000, however, sadly it could not make its way to the global market.
During the mid-1990s, ATART, Sega, and Nintendo, all made various attempts to break into online gaming using cable providers, but were largely unsuccessful due to slow internet during the time. It wasn’t until 2000 when Sega released the revolutionary Dreamcast, the first internet-compatible console that real advancements in online gaming were made. Unfortunately, it was still a massive failure due to high internet bills.
Regardless, Dreamscape was able to set precedence for the next generation of consoles, like the Xbox. The Microsoft-owned video game console was made by improving the net-ready technology of the Dreamcast and became a central part of the gaming industry.
In 2001, the MMORPG Runescape became a literal game changer as it allowed millions of players worldwide to compete and interact each other on a single platform. Although these games may seem very archaic today, they were the result of the biggest technological changes of that time.
Gaming In the New Millennium
Since the early 21st century, internet capabilities have advanced and internet is now accessible at lightning speed and the cost has dropped exponentially, meaning 3.5 billion people in the world now have internet to play online games.
Technology has advanced so rapidly that every new batch of games, consoles, and graphics seems to leave the previous version in the dust. Some technological advancement that are believed to be game changers include:
- Facial control features can produce a playing character in the game that actually looks like you.
- Voice control features allow you to give short verbal orders directly to the game.
- Gesture sensors allow players to make simple gestures to easily control the game.
- Advancements in graphics mean creation of more realistic characters and worlds in the game.
- Virtual reality games can provide an immersive experience to players.
- Multiplayer options allow players to compete and interact with a huge number of players on a single platform.
- 3D visuals can help create finesse and gives a VR-type of experience.
- Mobile gaming has now brought online gaming to the mainstream in ways never seen before.
Some of the best games of the new millennium include:
- Mass Effect
- SoulsBorne Series
- Super Mario Galaxy & Mario Kart
- Halo
- Portal
- Journey
- Fortnite
- Hotline Miami
- Far Cry
- The Last Of Us
- Grand Theft Auto
- Tomb Raider
- Final Fantasy
- Assassin’s Creed
- The Witcher
- Metal Gear Solid
- Overwatch
- Uncharted
- DOOM
- The Legend Of Zelda
- Resident Evil
- Devil May Cry
- Call Of Duty
- Player Unkown’s Battlegrounds
- Minecraft
- Pokémon GO
Online Gambling
With the rise in online gaming, online gambling has now become one of the most preferred gaming platforms for adults in the 21st century.. In 1994, Antigua and Barbuda became the leading platforms that provided casino licenses for commercial business to go online. They were followed by InterCasino in the same year.
The need for online casinos gave birth to Microgaming, which has produced over 850 different casino games and is considered to be among the best online bingo sites.
Future of Gaming
Since the inception of the internet, thousands of online games have been created, both for children and adults. With the ever-improving technology, it is certain that online gaming will continue to grow at inconceivable rates. Just 20 years ago, online gaming as we know it was just a pipedream. With improvements in graphics, 3D, technology, and virtual reality coming into play in the near future, the future of online gaming is secure.