The most obvious change is that technology has gotten better and faster, allowing people to play games at higher resolutions, with more intense graphics, and with more responsiveness. But there are other changes too—some that affect how we play games, and some that affect how we market them to players.

4K Resolution

Regarding what players can do today, 4K resolution is the most recent development in gaming hardware. It’s like playing a movie on an HD television: you have more pixels to look at and interact with, but it takes up more room on your screen than standard HD does.

The introduction of 4K resolution and gaming consoles that can play games at this resolution was a significant milestone. The Playstation 4 Pro and Xbox One X can display games in 4K. With that, players can see more detail on their screens.

4K is the epitome of generation of video, which is four times higher than high definition. The resolution of a TV or monitor can be compared to a film projector’s lens. A high-definition movie has a resolution of 1080 lines per minute (lpm), while a standard TV shows images in 1080 lpm. A 4K TV has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, allowing for clearer images and crisper text.

We expect even better development with TV manufacturers already looking for ways to support 8K-capable gaming consoles.

Gaming Consoles

Gaming consoles are another significant development: they’ve been around for decades, but now they’re getting smaller and more portable so that you can take them with you when you go camping, hiking, or even driving around town.

The advancement has also improved gaming consoles in technology. The PlayStation 3 was launched in 2006 with a Blu-ray drive and was later replaced by the PlayStation 4 (2013).

In 2013, Microsoft launched Xbox One, which had an internal hard drive and could stream games from external devices such as laptops or smartphones via Bluetooth connectivity.

Nowadays, gaming consoles are available in various shapes and sizes depending on their function: some are just like PCs, while others have built-in televisions so users can watch movies while playing games simultaneously.

Better Graphics

Another considerable change came just a few years ago with the introduction of GPU hardware, which allowed for real-time graphics rendering on computers.

GPUs and other graphics processing units (GPUs) have opened up the content available to players in a way that would have been impossible only a few years ago. Graphics have improved in the gaming industry; graphics have become much more detailed and realistic. For example, the introduction of DirectX and OpenGL helped developers create complex images and animations.

Virtual Reality

VR has become another significant development in the gaming industry. When a person can physically interact with a game via VR goggles or equipment, it allows for more immersive gameplay.

Many people who have tried VR are surprised at how much fun they had playing games when they weren’t expecting it.

The reason that VR is such a big deal is that it allows players to experience games in different ways than they have before. By moving around and interacting with things, players can experience something truly unique.

For example, if you play a game like Far Cry 5 where you are trying to survive on an island while being hunted down by enemies, then looking around and seeing what’s happening around you makes all the difference.

Another reason VR is so important for gaming is because it gives developers new ways of thinking about their games and how they can create them. Many developers were skeptical about using VR because they didn’t think it would work, but now many companies use it regularly throughout their games’ development.

Artificial Intelligence

One of the most prominent trends in gaming right now is AI. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been utilized in many different ways within the gaming industry, from creating characters and storylines to making gameplay more challenging or more accessible.

AI allows developers to create more lifelike characters who interact with each other in previously impossible ways. The result is an increase in variety across all types of games—not just shooters and racing simulations, but also role-playing games like Mass Effect or Kingdom Hearts.

Digital Distribution

For developers, digital distribution means they can reach a much wider audience than ever before. The ability to sell games directly through their website or app means that users can play the game at any time, on any device—no matter what computer or operating system they have. This means that gamers no longer have to wait for days or weeks for a new release—they can play it right now.

For consumers, this means that you can play games whenever you want without waiting for them to be released in stores or advertised on television channels (which often happens months after the actual release date).

You also get to choose exactly which games you want to buy instead of being forced into buying something based on whether or not your friends own it already. This is especially important if rare items within the game might become extinct if not purchased soon enough before their rarity disappears completely from circulation entirely.

Internet Speeds

When you think back to any point in your life before the advent of smartphones, you probably remember that it was very difficult to get online. We used dial-up modems back then and only had one connection at a time. Even when we did get connected, it was slow—like snail speed.

But now things are different—and not just because everyone has a smartphone with access to unlimited data plans (although that’s certainly part of it). Today’s internet connections allow for faster speeds and less lag time between each action (or “input”).

This means that even if you’re playing a game on your phone or desktop computer, you can see what’s happening almost immediately because there aren’t any delays involved in transmitting information from one place to another.

Faster internet speeds have also made it possible for developers to create more sophisticated video games than ever before. In the past, developers had to make use of expensive hardware to run their games on computers and consoles, but now they can simply use a speedy internet connection. This means that people can play more complex games without having to purchase specialized hardware or software.

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1. Budget
   One of the main criteria for choosing a gaming platform is the amount of money you are willing to spend on the hobby.
   If your budget is limited, you’re better off with a PC. What’s more, digital PC game stores like Steam or GOG often have sales with huge discounts – up to 90%. On consoles, such generosity is rare.

On the other hand, if you are ready to splurge or do not plan to buy more than 6-8 games a year, it is better to take some console: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One or PlayStation 4. They are easier to control, more stable and intuitive than PCs. You can plug them into your TV, turn them on, and never touch them again until the next generation comes along. With PCs, there are usually more problems: from incompatibility or defective components to software bugs or trivial Windows updates at inopportune moments.

The most expensive options for gaming platforms are the more powerful versions of consoles (Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro) and the higher end gaming PCs. The most powerful console on the market, the Xbox One X, will cost about 40 thousand rubles. PlayStation 4 Pro costs about 30 thousand, and top gaming PCs – from 70 thousand rubles.

Xbox or Playstation: choose a gaming platform
xbox.com
The advantages of these options are that they support the 4K format, and also pull games on high and ultra settings. Which means that the graphics on them are just fine. And expensive PCs also allow you to enjoy very smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second or higher. Consoles rarely play games at more than 30 frames per second.

2. Available Games
   Another important parameter when choosing a platform is games. Most projects are available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. Also there are games that are released only on specific platforms: for example, the action game about the gods of Norse mythology God of War can be played only on PlayStation 4, and the fantasy shooter Halo 5 – only on Xbox One. In addition, some games are released only for consoles (as a gangster western Red Dead Redemption 2), and others are released on certain consoles and PC (mainly the projects released by Microsoft, like Forza Horizon 4 race).

Xbox or Playstation: compare game availability
playstation.com
PC exclusives are mostly strategies and games of different genres from independent developers. For example, fantastic strategies Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak and Wahrammer 40000: Dawn of War 3 came out only on PC. As well as the multiplayer shooter World War 3 or the tactical action Insurgency.

Games available only on PlayStation 4 are usually third-person action games with an emphasis on story and gameplay. Over the five years of the console’s existence, Sony has accumulated many such projects. These include, for example, Marvel’s Spider-Man, the post-apocalyptic action game The Last of Us and the Indiana Jones-inspired adventure game Uncharted 4. All of these projects are different thought-out gameplay, a fascinating story and well-described characters.

Xbox or Playstation: game exclusivity
playstation.com
Xbox One exclusives include the shooter series Gears of War and Halo, the racing franchise Forza, third-person action games Quantum Break and Sunset Overdrive. However, almost all of the new games for Xbox are also available on PC, such as Forza Horizon 4 and Quantum Break.

Exclusively on Switch are mostly Nintendo games: Super Mario Odyssey, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These games differ from each other in genres, characters and plots, but they have one thing in common: the amazing attention to detail in gameplay by Nintendo. The company tries to make each game as fun and entertaining as possible by following the philosophy “a game should bring fun and surprise”. And almost all the projects from this studio are rated 3+ or 6+ – perfect if you want to play together with your child.

Game platforms: age category games
xbox.com

3. Additional features
   Each major platform has additional features that may prove crucial in your choice.

Xbox or Playstation: more gaming platform features
playstation.com.
Of the platforms we reviewed, 4K is supported by the PC, Xbox One S (an improved revision of the base Xbox One), Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro. However, a comfortable game in this high resolution can provide only expensive PC, as well as the Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro, because this format is very demanding to hardware. It should be noted that you should buy a platform for this technology only if your TV or monitor supports it. On Full HD screens, there will be no difference.

HDR is available on PC, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro. Playing with HDR turned on is an amazing experience that will make regular screens seem dull and dull. The key is to remember that your TV or monitor needs to support it in order for it to work.

Xbox or Playstation: 4K and HDR support
xbox.com.

Portability
The ability to play anywhere, anytime is usually reserved for a special subspecies of consoles like the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS. But thanks to the Nintendo Switch, it’s also found its way among stationary consoles. The Switch can be used either connected to a TV or on the go, thanks to the built-in screen. True, in this mode the console is a little less powerful, but most of the projects on it is still comfortable to play.

PlayStation 4 and Xbox One can not be called portable. But this feature can have a PC. Some companies produce mini-computers, designed specifically for gaming, for example, GPD Win 2. This is a small laptop with a built-in keyboard, gamepad and six-inch screen. It is not that productive, but is good at pulling undemanding games like Fortnite.

Xbox or Playstation: the ability to watch movies
playstation.com.
Watching movies and TV shows
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One play Blu-ray discs, and they have Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video apps. On the PC, all of that is available (though you need a special drive to read Blu-ray) and more, like iTunes.

The Nintendo Switch is poorly suited for video content consumption – only YouTube and Hulu are available on it so far. For some reason, the Japanese company is in no hurry to add support for other services.

Xbox or Playstation: versatility
playstation.com

Multifunctionality
Consoles are designed primarily for games, and apart from that they can not do too much: play music, watch movies and TV shows.

If you want real multi-functionality, it’s better to take a PC – they are universal machines on which you can do everything. Write music, develop applications, create documents, access the Internet, edit images. It’s not without reason that computers are used in almost every sphere of human activity.

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By the degree of influence on consumers and their involvement in the interactive environment offered by video games, this segment has long stood out among other forms of entertainment.

Gamemaking or game development cannot be considered in isolation from the computer games industry as a whole. The creation of games is only part of a complex “ecosystem” that ensures the full life cycle of production, distribution and consumption of such complex products as computer games.

The following levels can be distinguished in the structure of the modern game industry: platforms, game engines, video game development, publishing and operation, popularization and consumption.

Very few educational institutions in the world train specialists directly for the game industry.

GAME PLATFORMS
Hardware and software systems that allow to run interactive game applications. The main types include:

• Personal computers based on Windows, Mac/OS X or Linux
• Gaming consoles (specialized devices for gaming, now in its 8th generation – Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Wii U)
• Mobile devices (iOS, Android, Windows)
• Universal web platforms, social networks (FB, VK, MM)
• Arcade machines
• Innovative virtual reality platforms

GAMPLAYS
The software layer between the platform and the actual code of the game. Game engines simplify the development of new games, reduce their production cost and significantly decrease their launch time. Also, modern game engines provide cross-platform portability of created products. Among the most advanced engines are: Unity 3D, Unreal Development Kit, CryENGINE 3 Free SDK.

GAME DEVELOPMENT
A large number of companies and independent teams are involved in the creation of computer games. Different specialists from different professions are involved in development: programmers, game designers, artists, QA specialists, etc.

The development of large commercial game products involves large professional teams of 100+ specialists. And such projects in development can cost tens of millions of dollars.

However, quite successful game projects can also be implemented by small teams of enthusiasts. This is facilitated by the presence on the market of a large number of open and distributed platforms, quality and almost free engines, platforms for attracting “crowdfunding” investments and available distribution channels.

PUBLISHING AND OPERATING GAMES
As a rule, publishers, rather than developers themselves, are involved in game distribution or operation (in the case of MMOs). At the same time publishers (or operators) localize games, interact with platform owners, conduct marketing campaigns, deploy infrastructure, provide technical and informational support for released games.

For medium-sized and small game products, this level is practically unavailable. Such products, as a rule, are brought to market by developers themselves, interacting directly with platforms.

POPULARIZATION (MARKETING OF GAMES).
Specialized media have always been a powerful channel for getting information to users.

Nowadays the most effective and widely represented area of media is information sites devoted to game topics.
Gaming magazines, which for a long time were the main source of information about games, have now given way to Internet resources.

Specialized exhibitions are still important information platforms for the gaming industry (E3, GDC, Gamescom, Igromir, KRI, DevGamm). Direct communication of press and players with developers, experience exchange between market participants, new contacts – this is what conferences and exhibitions offer in a concentrated form.

CONTRIBUTION
Players are a major source of revenue for gaming products. But in today’s world, the most active players have become a significant driving force in the popularization of games and, in part, in the expansion of content.

GAMING COMMUNITIES.
Within the most popular gaming trends, gaming communities form around specific games or series, new websites, forums and social media groups emerge. Often such groups generate even a greater flow of information than developers and publishers can afford through their own resources and advertising. It is quite typical when an independent game site offers visitors more complete information on the game world compared to the official site.

CYBERSPORT
With the widespread proliferation of cybersports, the most experienced players have the opportunity to translate their hobbies of gaming into professional rails. There are quite a few championships around the world and the stakes are so high that productive players can make a good career as a cybersportsman. Nowadays cyber sports is a whole industry with its own infrastructure, funding and celebrities.

PLAYER CREATIVITY
The most dedicated game fans not only spend many years of their lives playing games, but often create a variety of content around their favorite game. This can include entire websites, drawings, cosplays, magazines, video shows, game add-ons, or even full-fledged games.

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But until technology made it possible to produce compact and reliable computer systems, the creation of games was the lot of individual enthusiastic academics.

Gaming industry 1970s-1970s
Beginning of the video game industry is considered to have launched in 1971, the game Computer Space on an arcade machine. The next step on the way to becoming a video game industry was the commercially successful release by Atari video game Pong in 1972. Total was sold 19 thousand arcade machines with this game.

In the same year, the first home video game console Magnavox Odyssey appeared on the market.

As technology advances and the emergence of new (at first specialized, and later universal) devices, the video game industry has also evolved and adapted to the new realities.

Arcade machines
The late 1970s and early 1980s were the “golden era of arcade machines.

Among the most important games of this period were Space Invaders (1978) and PacMan (1980). New games were already significantly different from the industry’s ancestors visually and in terms of gameplay.

The total worldwide revenue of the game industry in 1982 came close to $12 billion (or nearly $30 billion). (or almost $30 billion in 2012 prices).

1980s with the advent of personal computers began to form the direction of game development for them. Initially the games were created by enthusiastic developers, but with the growth of productivity and distribution of personal systems, they began to produce a commercial game products. Games for personal systems are very different from the classic arcade. At this time came the first strategy and complex RPG worlds. But still the basis of the game industry remained arcade machines and specialized game consoles.

At this time came the first print publications devoted to computer games.

1990-е
In the 1990s, further development of digital technologies (introduction of CD-ROMs, development of 3D visualization hardware technologies, appearance of the Internet) and spread of GUI oriented operating systems (Microsoft and Mac OS) led to considerable growth of the share of computer games.

It was during this period that all the major genres appeared and a great variety of game mechanics emerged.

Cooperative play in clubs
Collaborative gaming becomes available in clubs or via the Internet. Cyber sport is born.

In the mid-1990s the first educational institution, training specialists in video game development, appeared. DigiPen Institute of Technology opens in Vancouver in 1994.

2000-е
During the 2000s, the definitive driving forces behind the games industry were the widespread proliferation of the Internet and the emergence of mobile devices fast enough to make video games.
WarcraftIn 2007, iOs is released. In 2008 Google launches the first version of Android with a full-featured SDK 1.0.

The most significant event of this period is the release of the game World of Warcraft in 2004. It is the most popular and longest-lived MMO game in the world. In fact, it determined the direction of this segment of the game industry for decades to come. As of December 2014, the game had 10 million subscribers.

Warcraft in stadiums.
During this period, the development of cybersports reached unprecedented heights. An interesting fact. A few years after its release, Star Craft became a national sport in South Korea, drawing entire stadiums to the final matches. During the period of its greatest popularity ABM gamers earned from $20,000 to $600,000 a year.

In 2003 a unique educational institution arose (The Guildhall at SMU, Texas), which teaches gamemaking specialties, particularly game design.

The Guildhall at SMU
The program was unique in that it was developed with the active participation of the world game legends Tom Hall, John Romero, Paul Jakewijs, Tim Willits and Richard Bailey Gray aka Levelord! And the training buildings resembled buildings from a computer game.

Later on, gamedev education was already beginning to develop in many countries.

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It is worth noting that the U.S. and China are the largest contributors to the gaming industry, but the market structure of these favorites is very different. In the U.S., the largest segment is console games, while China has MMOs.

The reason why the Chinese game market is so specific is interesting. Until 2013, there was a moratorium on the sale of game consoles in China. This ban became a catalyst for the rapid development of MMO games. As a result, China has become the main producer of a huge number of often very similar to each other, but at the same time quite high quality MMO gaming projects. China’s gaming market in 2014 was estimated at almost $18 billion, and the number of gamers at 173 million.

Microsoft’s purchase of the game Minecraft for $2.5 billion.It was originally an independent project by a lone programmer. But as it developed, it gained an army of fans. Being built on open source technology, it has seen explosive growth in content and has surpassed all other entertainment for children of the digital generation. As of fall 2014, the number of registered players exceeded 10 million, with absolutely no advertising involved.

The purchase of Oculus VR technology for $2 billion. It is clear that the technology can be used in many areas and for different tasks, but for the gaming industry – this technology was a fundamental breakthrough to form a new VR direction.

JOBS IN GAMEMODE
Currently, getting a job in gamedev offers great opportunities and prospects for growth for the following reasons:

Jobs in gamedevHigh salaries because of the specific requirements.
Quite a large shortage of good professionals in the industry.
The rapid growth of the industry, the growth of regional markets, the emergence of new technological areas offer good prospects for new companies to enter the market and stimulate the expansion of business in large game companies.

With the right persistence and talent can grow to international projects. There are already many precedents in the gaming industry when the best specialists get jobs in the world’s leading companies.
But it is very important to get qualitative knowledge and skills to sell yourself to the employer and grow fast, or successfully implement your game project.

У There are many educational institutions which give high-quality education in the field of game design in the USA, England, Australia and France. The most famous of them: Guildhall at SMU, DigiPen.

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