#NationalTechnologyDay: Online Gaming Technologies Transforming Utility & Prospects Of Virtual Gaming

It is the advancements in online gaming technologies which are going to shape the sector and catapult it to the next level

Human civilisation has become completely dependent upon science, innovation, and technology for addressing a host of challenges faced by the world today. Technology is influencing every aspect of human life, making our lives better. However, on the growth pathway, every revolutionary idea or technology faces various perceptions that are rooted in unscientific beliefs and notions. The online gaming industry is at a similar crossroads in India.

The Journey Till Date

The online gaming industry has been showing stupendous growth for a number of years now. It is emerging as a sunrise sector with the industry scripting a 40% growth in 2019-2020. Then in the following year in 2020, amidst an unprecedented global crisis, Indian gaming sector records a whopping 7.3 billion installs of gaming applications, seizing a 17% market share by installed volumes.1

Backed by 3G-4G Internet, affordable mobile gaming technologies, and the need for a social lifeline in lockdown and beyond, online gaming emerged as a go-to entertainment avenue for lakhs of Indians. Simultaneously, its merits of honing key skillsets, offering psychological benefits and medium of expression also became gaining popularity. Today, with over 430 million gamers using handheld devices, mobile gaming segment dominates the USD 1.6 billion gaming industry with a 90% market share. It is expected that the sector will reach USD 5 billion by 2025.2

The Defining Gaming Technologies of Tomorrow

It is vital for the nation to realize that India has taken a lead in a frontier technology segment, unlike our usual state of playing catch-up. This is a great opportunity for us to dominate the space in the world. However, from this point, it is the advancements in online gaming technologies which are going to shape the sector and catapult it to the next level. Online gaming technologies are set to evolve at a rapid pace. The industry is endeavouring to drive R&D backed innovation and leverage a host of new-age digital technologies. Meta-verse, blockchain, Cloud, AI/ML, Natural Language Processing, 3D scanning, facial and voice recognition, Extended Reality (AR/VR) and so on have massive applications in the sector.

Metaverse is perhaps the latest and most exciting development in the gaming arena. It involves offering users 3D virtual worlds, a kind of social space in the virtual realm where they can socialize as well as engage in high-end immersive gaming. The metaverse environment is supported by a host of extended reality and other digital technologies. It is increasingly becoming possible to create individual, life-like digital avatars via 3D scanning, facial and voice recognition in online gaming. Furthermore, using 3D camera and scanning technologies, developers are able to reproduce various expressions and emotions displayed by the user. Voice recognition is ushering in the era of voice-controlled gaming. The technology would be providing more control to gamers in addition to controllers. Also, gesture controls are fast making way into online gaming where gamers can play games with the movement of hands. Online Gaming is becoming smoother and refiner with high-definition screens, strong processors, and highly sensitive and responsive gaming controls.

Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are making online gaming more immersive and more engaging, building in life-like elements in the gaming zone. Cloud technologies are giving rise to on-demand streaming, enabling games to be accessed and played anywhere, remotely. It is also creating an ecosystem where users can play games of their choice, at a place and time of their choice, and with people of their choice. Artificial Intelligence is not only making non-player characters more intelligent and exciting for users, the gameplay more intriguing and dramatic. Furthermore, AI is being used by the industry to mine user generated data to design better gameplay and gaming ecosystems.

The application of blockchain is helping decentralize massive online gaming ecosystems, making users the owners of their digital gaming assets. It is also integrating cryptocurrencies and NFTs for in-game financial exchanges which can be converted later into real-life money. It is revolutionising the way gamers are rewarded and encouraging play-to-earn models. Web 3.0 is also related to the concept of rewarding users with digital gaming assets which has relevance beyond the gaming ecosystem. These technologies add more meaning and purpose to the games. Using Web 3.0, gamers can earn money or buy gaming assets which have real value. As essentially the players own the assets, they can be used outside the game or sold.

The Era of Gamification

The expected rollout of 5G data connectivity will create a foundation for these futuristic gaming technologies to become a reality. However, sceptics often ask an obvious question: What the online gaming industry can offer more than just entertainment? The answer is these technologies will help us graduate to the next level of gaming which essentially brings us to Gamification. Online gaming is falsely perceived as an entertainment only medium. It is now known that they can really transform the utility and prospects of virtual gaming. It will change the way online gaming is perceived and experienced. While gamification technologies have applications across industries, its biggest applications lie in the education and skill training sector.

Gamification involves applying game-like elements to regular activities. In the 21st century when education and skilling sectors are vulnerable to global uncertainties, gamification of education, training and skilling can really ensure continuity of learning, remotely. Importantly, it can also make learning language agnostic to a greater level. Scientific research suggests that gamification or game-based learning improves retention and performance while enhancing cognitive functions and boosting learner motivation. It provides an effective departure from the rote-learning system while making education more interactive and participatory.

Armed with futuristic gaming technologies, online gaming industry will leverage gamification for cross-sectoral training and learning purpose. The factors leading to the transformation of the sector are gaining strength. This growth path will also push for democratisation of technology, and hence, more people will have access to enhanced gaming services at a more affordable cost. Alternatively, it will generate a range of employment opportunities as well. Gaming technologies will evolve in years to come, and it will transform our entertainment, learning, and training scenario for decades.

Tags assigned to this article:

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house. Unless otherwise noted, the author is writing in his/her personal capacity. They are not intended and should not be thought to represent official ideas, attitudes, or policies of any agency or institution.