Anyone that remembers the excitement of a trolley being wheeled into their classroom to allow them a precious few minutes on their BBC Micro will be amazed at how far computing has come in just a few short decades. From the room-sized behemoths that were barely able to calculate as fast as a human to the super-fast machines that are used to run everything in the world, the growth of computing, and particularly home computing, has been incredible.
For those that struggled with the infamous wheel-and-button controllers that were popular with early consoles, the change has been huge. The idea that we are now able to use voice commands to search an online database that comprises pretty much all human knowledge would have seemed absurd just a few years ago.
However, the fast pace with which technology is moving does mean that innovations can go from cutting-edge to obsolete at an astonishing rate. Most of the major games companies have had at least one product that has failed to live up to expectations, and the online community of gamers can be pretty tough to please.
Games and the systems they are played on tend to fall into one (or more) of four categories;
PC Gaming
Those that are serious about their gaming will often create a ‘rig’ that includes everything from top-of-the-line monitors to purpose-designed seats that can deliver incredible special effects. As games designers have upped their game, incorporating studio-quality sound and high-end graphics alongside varied gameplay, dedicated players have committed to the equipment needed to make the most of all the features.
While this is still a popular form of gaming, there are limits to the idea of a fixed gaming rig in a world where mobile phones are such a prevalent market. Players that want to squeeze in as much gaming time as possible may love their home set-up, but many are gaming on their mobile devices as well when they are out and about.
Mobile gaming
Since the earliest days of Snake on the Nokia 6110, mobile gaming has been a growing industry with phone manufacturers quickly realising the potential for a mobile to include entertainment options beyond making phone calls. As internet connectivity became more and more widespread, the idea of creating gaming apps that could be added to phones was a massive watershed.
Now, with around half a million mobile gaming apps available, some gamers prefer to be able to play as they go and a new market for gaming mobile phones is emerging. The small screens and minimalist controls are the antitheses of a traditional PC gaming rig, and this may be part of the appeal.
Players can now access majority of their favourite games on their mobile device. Take the online casino industry for example, nearly all casino providers well-established and new to the market casino providers now have a mobile compatible app on offer to their players. By having a mobile compatible app, casino providers make themselves more appealing as players can instantly access their favourite casino games by visiting the app.
As more and more games are designed with mobile players in mind, the mobile gaming market now makes up around half of the total video gaming industry with the top-grossing apps generating billions of dollars each in revenue.
Laptop gaming
Combining the on-the-go element of mobile gaming with the immersive experience of PC gaming, laptop gaming has a lot to recommend it. This is borne out when considering the popularity of gaming laptops and the market for high-spec machines that can do justice to the cutting-edge technology used in game design.
With extremely powerful CPUs, top-of-the-line graphics cards, and super-fast storage, laptops combine the flexibility of mobile gaming with the immersive experience of PC gaming. Some are fitted with cooling systems to help them stand up to the rigours of intense gaming, not to mention the capacity for live streaming games in real time.
Esports fanatics tend to prefer laptop gaming as it offers the user experience of a larger machine with the portability of a mobile device. Laptops are lighter and more portable than ever before, providing gamers with the ability to play their favourite games from wherever they happen to be.
Console Gaming
While many people have fond memories of their early Atari or Coleco Telstar, the consoles available today bear little resemblance to their predecessors. They are sleek and designed with gaming habits in mind, with many bridging the gap between mobile and fixed gaming by devising portable consoles that can be taken anywhere.
Attempts to keep console gaming relevant in the 21st century have led to some innovative options that are set to keep console gaming relevant.
While the gaming market continues to evolve at an astonishing rate, the market for laptops is still strong. More and more companies are designing their products to be customisable to allow anyone to prioritise the elements that they require.
Anyone considering a gaming laptop can choose from some of the most impressive machines around, with plenty of accessories and optional extras that make laptop gaming so enjoyable.
Kenny Trinh is a seasoned expert in the field of laptops and technology, boasting an extensive background enriched by years of hands-on experience and in-depth research. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for staying ahead of the technological curve, Kenny has established himself as a trusted voice in the tech community. Holding a prestigious degree in Computer Science, he combines his academic insights with practical expertise to deliver valuable insights and recommendations to his readers and followers. Through his work, Kenny aims to demystify complex tech concepts, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and optimize their digital experiences.