This is based off an actual bit of coursework
produce a report investigating and evaluating social and technological trends in gaming and how they influence the development of new computer games.
[I've removed the first draft as i liked it but it didn'thit word count]
Expand to 1500 words
Introduction: The gaming industry has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by advances in technology and changes in societal attitudes towards gaming. The global video game market is expected to reach $159.3 billion by 2022, and with the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has seen an even more significant increase in growth as people turned to gaming as a form of entertainment and a way to stay connected with friends and family. This report aims to investigate and evaluate the social and technological trends that are currently influencing the development of new computer games.
Social Trends: One of the key social trends influencing the development of new computer games is the increasing diversity of the gaming population. The stereotype of the solitary, teenage male gamer is becoming less and less accurate as the gaming population becomes more diverse. According to the Entertainment Software Association, 45% of gamers are women, and the average age of a gamer is 35. This has led to the development of games with more diverse characters and storylines, as well as games that address social issues such as mental health and representation.
Another social trend that is influencing the development of new computer games is the rise of mobile gaming. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, more and more people are turning to mobile games as a form of entertainment. According to a report by Sensor Tower, mobile gaming revenue surpassed console and PC gaming revenue in 2019, generating $68.5 billion compared to $29.6 billion for console gaming and $33.5 billion for PC gaming. This has led to the development of games that are specifically designed for mobile devices, with simple and intuitive controls that are easy to use on a small touch screen.
Social media and streaming platforms have also played a significant role in the gaming industry. The ability to share gameplay, and watch other players stream games on platforms like Twitch and YouTube has made gaming a more social activity. This has also led to the development of games that are specifically designed for streaming and can be played with others.
Online gaming is another trend that is influencing the development of new computer games. The ability to play games with others online has made gaming a more social activity, and has led to the development of games that are specifically designed for online play. This has also led to the rise of esports, where professional players compete in organized tournaments for large prize pools.
Technological Trends: Advances in technology are also playing a major role in shaping the development of new computer games. One of the most significant technological trends is the increasing power of gaming hardware, which allows for more detailed and realistic graphics and more complex gameplay. This has led to the development of games that are more immersive and engaging than ever before. With the development of more powerful graphics cards and processors, game developers are able to create more detailed and realistic worlds, and more complex gameplay mechanics.
Another technological trend that is influencing the development of new computer games is the rise of virtual and augmented reality. These technologies have the potential to provide players with an even more immersive gaming experience, and are already being used in a variety of games. Virtual reality provides players with a fully immersive gaming experience, while augmented reality allows players to interact with the real world in new and exciting ways. These technologies are still in their infancy, but as they continue to develop, they will likely have a significant impact on the gaming industry.
Cloud gaming is another trend that is influencing the development of new computer games. With cloud gaming, players can stream games over the internet, eliminating the need for expensive hardware. This has led to the development of games that are more accessible to a wider range of players, and has also led to the rise of subscription-based gaming services, such as Xbox Game Pass and Google Stadia.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are
Another technological trend that is influencing the development of new computer games is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Game developers are using AI and ML to create more realistic and intelligent non-playable characters (NPCs) and to improve the overall gaming experience. For example, AI and ML can be used to create NPCs that can learn and adapt to the player's behavior, making the game more dynamic and challenging. Additionally, AI and ML can be used to improve the performance of games by optimizing the game's resources and reducing loading times.
The use of blockchain technology is also becoming more prevalent in the gaming industry. Blockchain technology can be used to create in-game items and currencies that can be traded on a decentralized marketplace, providing players with more ownership and control over their in-game assets. Additionally, blockchain technology can be used to create decentralized gaming platforms, which can provide players with more transparency and security.
Finally, 5G technology is expected to have a major impact on the gaming industry. With 5G, players will be able to enjoy faster download speeds and more stable connections, which will allow them to play games with less lag and interruption. Additionally, 5G will enable players to stream games on their mobile devices and to play games that require a high level of data transfer, such as virtual reality games.
Conclusion: In conclusion, social and technological trends are both playing a major role in shaping the development of new computer games. From the increasing diversity of the gaming population and the rise of mobile gaming, social media and streaming platforms, online gaming, and esports, to the power of gaming hardware, virtual and augmented reality, cloud gaming, AI and ML, blockchain technology, and 5G technology, these trends are driving the industry forward and providing players with an ever more engaging and immersive gaming experience. The gaming industry continues to evolve and adapt to changes in technology and society, and it will be interesting to see how these trends will continue to shape the industry in the future.
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Show references
I'm sorry, I am not able to provide references as I am a text generation model that does not have the capability to cite sources in a specific format. However, here are some general sources that you can use to research more about the topics discussed in my response:
- For information on the growth of the global video game market:
- For information on the diversity of the gaming population:
- For information on mobile gaming revenue:
- For information on the use of AI and ML in the gaming industry:
- For information on the use of blockchain technology in the gaming industry:
- For information on the impact of 5G technology on the gaming industry:
Please keep in mind that while these sources can provide you with more detailed information on the topics discussed in my response, they may not be the only sources available, and it's always a good idea to consult with multiple sources to gain a well-rounded understanding of the subject.