Evolution of the video game industry
The video games industry is one of the sectors that has experienced the greatest growth in the last decade. It has become a highly successful leisure alternative, so much so that it has even managed to create an unparalleled alternative market around it, where, for example, gamers or professional gamers stand out.
Although the first video game prototypes date back to 1960, it was not until the mid-1970s that the Atari 2600 console was launched, and became the first worldwide success. Then, in 1980, the sector stagnated, due to the growth of other entertainment proposals with higher quality and investment. Meanwhile, the first personal computers were gaining ground, gradually replacing home consoles. In the middle of a period of losses, in the mid-1980s, Nintendo launched its first Nintendo Entertainment System, giving relevance to the quality of the game and, above all, to marketing. This arrival gave way to popular games such as Duck Hunt, Excitebike and the legendary Super Mario Bros.
The 1990s were marked by the entry of PlayStation, a console that broke all sales records up to that point. Meanwhile, Microsoft was still working to develop APIs for DirectX, a gaming program that later enabled the arrival of the Xbox.
The boom of the internet and mobile devices have been the gaming industry from the 2000s to the present day. After many years of work, in 2001 Microsoft launched its Xbox Live platform, with a monthly subscription to access all the innovative services developed to date, such as multiplayer space or voice chat. While for years console brands continued to stick to handheld devices, game developers turned to the mass market of smartphones.
Immersive virtual reality: the new trend in video games
With the massive use of mobile devices in the video game industry, there are several elements that are nowadays shaking the sector towards a new horizon. Primarily, the user experience towards an immersive experience and total realism through virtual reality.
The growth in the use of virtual reality in the gaming industry has been made possible by the strong expansion of technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things, which enables device-to-device connectivity, minimal latency and download speeds that far exceed previous generations.
Immersive virtual reality (VR) represents software-generated images, objects and scenes that, despite being a simulated environment, offer the user a feeling of extreme realism. Immersion can be very complete in video games, thanks to the help of external devices such as VR viewers, state-of-the-art headsets or haptic gloves. These elements provide a 3D viewing mode and often include motion sensors and controllers.
However, there are still some drawbacks to these devices. Prolonged use can lead to neck pain, eyestrain, disorientation and dizziness, and they are still very expensive. At the same time, the user needs adequate space, where he or she can move around without hindrance.
Despite these drawbacks, VR is a very sophisticated technology capable of creating previously unimaginable games. With it, the player feels like they are in a completely different world with depth, 360° vision and all the possibilities of interaction.
Which video games use VR?
There are different types of VR games available on the market on different platforms. One of the most popular is Beat Saber, which requires a Play Station VR headset, PS Camera and PS Move controller to operate and enjoy. This game involves slashing blocks with a laser sword to the beat of the music.
Another example is SuperHOT, a video game designed from scratch in order to take full advantage of the possibilities of virtual reality devices. It can also be played on the latest PlayStation models. This popular action thriller immerses the user in a world without barriers where time moves only if the individual does. The Elder Scrools V is the version of the legendary PS4 dragon game adapted to virtual reality. It maintains the same structure and design, but the environment gains credibility.
Based on the popular TV series and adapted to the virtual reality format, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners has been a sales juggernaut, with over $50 million in revenue across all platforms since its launch, according to Skydance Interactive. The game is set in New Orleans, where the user must do everything possible to survive a zombie apocalypse.
