Gaming has never been as popular as it is now. More and more players are able to access their favourite games online.
Some of this is due to growth in player demand. From online bingo to VR streaming – we love games more than ever. But much of it is down to the influence of rapidly advancing tech.
Here’s how it all started
Of course gaming existed before the widespread availability of the internet. In the pre-web seventies, multiplayer gaming was limited to local networks or split-screens on a single machine.
The power of university mainframes was necessary to develop early multiplayer games. This dates back to Spacewar! (1962), a pioneering two-player game created at MIT.
Consoles like the Atari 2600 (released in 1977) and early PCs allowed for local multiplayer experiences.
In the early 1980s, computer bulletin boards allowed users to connect via modems to host computers. They could play text-based games like MUDs.
The advent of consumer-grade modems in the 1980s allowed for direct dial-up connections between players. Platforms like CompuServe, Prodigy and AOL began offering online gaming services in early 1990s. These hosted simple games like chess and checkers.
The emergence of online gaming
With the rise of the World Wide Web and increased internet accessibility in the mid-1990s, games could now be played over the internet.
The late 1990s saw the rise of multiplayer role playing, These online worlds allowed thousands of players to interact simultaneously.
Services like Blizzard’s Battle.net, launched in 1996, were among the first dedicated online gaming networks.
Key technologies
The development of Ethernet, modems, and later, broadband internet, drastically increased the speed and reliability of online connections.
At the same time advances in computer graphics and processing power allowed for more complex and visually appealing games. The development of networking protocols and game engines capable of handling online multiplayer algorithms played a crucial role too.
The big revolution
After the initial stages of online gaming development, technology led to its rapid transformation.
For example, the transition from dial-up modems to broadband internet was a turning point for online gaming. Broadband provided faster, more stable and always-on connections.
With the higher bandwidth of broadband, online gaming became smoother and more responsive.
Faster internet speeds allowed for the creation of larger, more complex game worlds.
Services like Valve’s Steam (launched in 2003) revolutionized the way games were purchased and played. Players could now download games directly. This helped indie developers reach a global audience.
The development of powerful graphics cards and advanced rendering techniques enabled the creation of visually stunning and highly detailed game worlds. Engines like Unreal Engine, Unity and CryEngine made it easier for developers to create immersive environments.
Game engines evolved to handle more complex simulations and larger player counts. This enabled the development of large-scale multiplayer games..
These engines also supported cross-platform play. Players on different devices could now compete in the same game.
The rise of cloud computing and streaming technologies dramatically reshaped the online gaming landscape. Platforms like Google Stadia, Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming can allow players to stream games directly to their devices.
This democratizes access to gaming by enabling players to experience graphically intensive games on less powerful devices.
Cloud gaming also facilitates instant play. Games no longer need to be downloaded or installed locally.
Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming have turned online gaming into a spectator sport.
Advances in internet infrastructure and streaming technology have enabled gamers to broadcast their gameplay live. This led to the rise of professional streamers and esports.
Modern online games increasingly support cross-platform play, allowing players on different devices (like PCs, consoles and mobiles) to play together.
This has been made possible by steps forward in networking, matchmaking and server technology. Social features like in-game chat, voice communication and integration with social media platforms have also boosted the social aspect of online gaming.
As these technologies continue to develop, they will shape the future of gaming in profound ways. Expect gaming to become more immersive, accessible and integrated into everyday life.
The convergence of these trends and technologies could lead to entirely new forms of entertainment, where gaming is not just a pastime but a core part of the new digital world we live in.
