There are so many added benefits to playing video games. The gaming industry has boomed over the past two decades, and the development of the internet has allowed for a growing consumer base.
None were bigger mini-booms than the COVID-19 pandemic. That kept people inside as an older generation relied on an online casino. Younger adults continued to game on consoles, computers, and laptops. Kids continued in a similar way.
But what the internet also allowed was for competitiveness in gaming to grow at a rapid pace. Here is a look back at those changes and how gamers can improve their skills.
Growth of gaming
The early years of gaming required people to gather in one room to play together. The internet changed that and changed gaming.
Producers of gaming consoles began to develop far more units as the consumer base quickly broadened with the ability to connect with friends from the comfort of one’s home. Instead of taking turns handing off controllers and watching as others played, everyone could play continuously.
So the game developers began focusing their content development on the online elements of the game. While the software developers were able to find ways to connect people with audio chats, the game developers connected their gameplay.
As the gameplay, graphics, and speeds of online gaming got better, the consumer base continued to get larger. Young adults who are in their 20s and 30s are still connected to friends in this way. Meanwhile, a younger generation of gamers is still there as kids are continually born.
A competitive age
People began to become more competitive in playing video games. With records and other ways to keep track of skills online, it created a natural competitiveness.
Then there were tournaments that started with the Madden Bowl airing on ESPN in its formative years. Professional esports became a thing with most leagues opting to broadcast on streaming platforms – Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook are among popular websites.
Gamers began following the professional leagues – the Call of Duty League and NBA 2K League are two examples – as they would their favorite sports team. Being able to connect with those players, finding gaming strategies and techniques, and having a new form of entertainment helped the gaming boom.
But then the development of streaming by everyday people has also helped make things more competitive. There are amateur tournaments that these streamers will put on for their communities. Plus, there is just natural competitiveness when it comes to playing against a stranger online.
Ways to improve
Improving is at the forefront of every gamer’s mind. Why else would they play the games if they’re not going to be competitive? Games are supposed to be fun, after all. So how does one improve?
There are a number of methods to help one improve their skills. One of which is simply by practicing more over time. The same thing that is true in everyday life is that repetitions will develop habits – hopefully, good ones as practice can give instant feedback.
There are endless ways to learn new strategies. Content creators make all sorts of videos, such as short TikToks, YouTube shorts, and long-form videos on how to approach certain situations or use them to develop different skills and maneuvers in games.
Those professional esports players previously referenced. Following their movements and gameplay, whether in the competitive space or while streaming themselves, is another way to learn. They are the best in the world for a reason, so picking up new skills, new builds, and how to do them is a great way to learn.
There are also a number of upgrades that will allow for better growth. Upgrading to the best software available is one way to help. Those using older generations of consoles will naturally be behind because of slower processing speeds.
Another big adjustment is the gaming community is shifting from televisions down to smaller gaming monitors that provide better colors and frames. Condensing the vision space also allows gamers to see things they normally wouldn’t.
For those playing shooters, getting noise-canceling headphones will allow them to focus on just the game. There are also different controllers that are better for specific games.
Hopefully, these few ways are helpful as gaming continues to grow.
Feature image by Yan Krukau
