Video games and magic
Since its inception, video games have brought joy to millions worldwide. Be it ‘Tennis for Two’ or the classic Super Mario Bros, or contemporary hits like DOTA 2 and PUBG Mobile, gaming has always united people and created connections that few other activities can match, and almost all of it, from the comfort of our homes.
As we celebrate National Video Game Day in 2024, it seems like the perfect moment to reflect on the profound impact of video games on our culture, society, and personal lives. For people of all ages and backgrounds, this day serves as a reminder of the limitless potential of gaming to inspire, entertain, and innovate.
It has been decades since the first video game was built and played and we’ve come a long way since then in our quest to push the boundaries of how video games look, feel, play, and act as. Video games provide us with a medium to express our creativity, sometimes to build social connections, and establish lifelong friendships across continents. The positive effects of gaming, such as enhanced brain activity and improved decision-making skills, are well documented.
However, gaming has expanded beyond just modes of entertainment. While they are still excellent mediums of interactive storytelling and entertainment, multiple branches have blossomed providing creative ways to utilise video games. For example, online games have become a social platform for a lot of people, where they catch up with friends and hang out while playing games. Serious Games, or gamification of multiple aspects have had significant impact in many fields like medical training, defence, and more.
Competitive gaming, or esports, takes these benefits up a notch by teaching players team bonding, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform well under pressure. These efforts and attributes are now being widely recognised globally. Being competitive in nature, esports titles are now being inducted into prestigious sports events across the world like the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games.
Evolution of the industry
National Video Game Day highlights how much the gaming industry has evolved, transforming from mere entertainment to an integral part of modern culture. What began on computers and consoles now spans mobiles, consoles, laptops, and advanced technological experiences that consistently push the boundaries of possibility.
Gaming now allows individuals to represent their nations and compete for medals at major multi-sport tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in the form of esports. Not only has it cemented its status as a traditional sport, but it has also achieved the once unthinkable feat of being broadcast on mainstream television.
Tournament prize pools have grown significantly, and more people now consider gaming a viable career option, not just as players but as developers, team managers, coaches, journalists, casters, analysts, and more.
The influence of gaming has extended to movies and TV show adaptations. Pokemon, The Last of Us, Sonic The Hedgehog, Resident Evil, and The Angry Birds exemplify not only the rich storytelling, character building and narrative depth that video games can provide, but also the allure it has over its existing and potentially new audiences.
Numerous platforms such as Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, Google Pay, and even LinkedIn have ventured into gaming, recognizing its vast potential. Despite being leading names in their respective sectors, these companies have turned to the phenomenon of gaming to tap into its endless possibilities of interactions and engagement.
National Video Game Day also encourages us to recognize the industry’s innovation and economic influence. From indie developers redefining artistic capabilities to AAA studios delivering blockbuster experiences, gaming drives technological advancement and economic growth.
What the future holds
With the introduction of new technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud gaming, video games are poised to reach new heights. The advancements in graphics and storytelling continue to create immersive experiences that blur the line between fiction and reality, making the future of gaming incredibly bright.
Whether you’re reliving nostalgic moments with classic titles or exploring groundbreaking innovations in gaming technology, National Video Game Day invites us all to embrace the magic of gaming and envision a future where interactive entertainment continues to enrich lives and inspire generations to come.
Siddharth Nayyar is the co-founder and CRO of Max Level.