Playing games online, via a console or direct online platform, is great fun. I know that is a subjective statement, but it is one that I am happy to stand by on a personal level. Thankfully, there are many, many millions around the world who would throw their support behind my position, and that number is growing exponentially, so at least I know that I can count on a growing band of fellow gaming enthusiasts to back me. As the younger generations continue to be enthralled by gaming online, the constant quest to be the best-in-class continues apace, as every game from COD to Fortnite becomes more about winning.
For many like me, the fun is in the playing and relaxing, but also in the competition I enjoy with friends in real life and the virtual global community of online players. There is, of course, a more serious side to gaming online, and it is one where winning is paramount and playing is all about being the best, the victor, and taking games to new levels of competency and ability. It doesn’t matter if it is playing Roblox with friends, entering a video poker online tournament at the newest casino on the digital block, or driving around in Grand Theft Auto’s latest car: the competition is there for players – but also for the creators of these games.
Within this global industry and the related sub-sectors, the word “competition” comes up repeatedly. As I alluded to earlier, there are different levels of competition, some between players themselves, which has created worldwide communities and spawned international conventions and events, and then there is the competition between game and indeed console creators.
For a multi-billion dollar industry with a potential global reach, this contest is not in any way insignificant: it is huge, and even the smallest shift in market share, player numbers, or game sales can matter massively. Let’s take a look at how some of this stands.
Global Gamers Creating Competition-Based Industry Growth
Wanting to be the best at something is not a new concept. Indeed, it is an idea that has fuelled everything from sporting superstars to captains of industry, children at the school sports day to managing directors of companies looking to reach the top of the tree. In the now globally important world of online gaming and iGaming, this quest for supremacy has created something of an industry of its own, so to speak. By this, I mean that the early years of playing online games with friends soon enjoyed a technological evolution that facilitated playing with people from all around the world in real-time.
In turn, this game-playing community developed in-person get-togethers that were small at first, and have now become international conventions. Some are based on one game, others are about esports, some about gaming in general, but whichever of these we’re looking at, this has taken the industry to a whole new place. One of the many things this has achieved is the creation of a new business revenue stream, essentially taking an online pursuit into the real-world commercial sector in a way that creates its own economic boom and ecosystem. It is, in many ways, quite a staggering evolution, from online gaming to global conventions, all driven by players as much as game creators and developers.
For any industry, growth is critical. For online gaming, however, this explosion of international events, online competitions, and the constant and febrile drive to be the best game creator, console maker, and then best player has enabled this industry not just to grow, but to enjoy expansion in many ways. Put simply, this is great for the sector and great for the gamer, be they a casual player or a competitive giant. Another success story within this is how game players themselves have created a player-driven sector which, as one would expect, gives gaming companies and creators even more to aim for, as these players continue to expect and demand more.
Next Big Thing: Gaming Industry Is Always Chasing Innovation, Innovation, Innovation
One of the most common discussions I read on game-based forums, and among my many game-playing friends, is what the next iteration of a game may be, how good the new console will be, or what will game creators do to make their next version as exciting to play. This chasing of innovation has created a global phenomenon both from the creative side and the expectant and demanding consumer base. No longer is it feasible for game creators, or indeed console makers to just deliver the same standards; now, every new version, be it software or hardware, has to entice new consumers, players, and customers, and also ensure that existing devotees are kept on side.
When you take a look at the gaming industry, it is hard to miss this ongoing fight for sector supremacy. As each new technological advancement emerges, game console makers and game creators immediately attempt to harness it to their advantage. Whether that is new hardware or the imminent introduction of Web3 for gaming, companies are always attempting to be at the cutting edge. It is this precise thirst for innovation that has created a goldmine for both players and industry professionals alike, as game playing, in terms of hardware, software, and player experiences, has simply gone from strength to strength, and it is a sector showing no signs of slowing.