The evolution of video games is a fascinating story of technology and culture. Since the first video games were released in the 50s, the industry has undergone a spectacular transformation. Technological advances have enabled more sophisticated graphics, complex narratives and immersive gaming experiences. And this sophistication has benefited the entire industry. From gaming to iGaming, a look back at concepts that have inspired each other while evolving in parallel.
An update on digital entertainment
Online casinos emerged in the 1990s with the advent of the Internet, offering simple, entertaining games. Over time, they expanded to include a variety of graphics and themes. The growth of the online casino industry has been exponential, attracting a worldwide audience thanks to their accessibility.
Game mechanics, progress-based rewards, narrative experiences – all these elements have been integrated into online casinos to create more engaging experiences. What’s more, the adoption of blockchain technology and virtual reality promises to further revolutionize the experience by offering security, transparency and immersion.
Video games have had a profound impact on online casinos. They have influenced the way they are designed, the way they operate. This synergy between the two industries continues to shape the future of digital entertainment.
Shared technologies
The technologies used in video games and online casinos like betFIRST are at the cutting edge of innovation and share many common features. Here are just a few of them:
Augmented reality
AR enriches the real world with virtual elements for an exceptional immersive experience. In video games, it enables virtual characters or objects to be integrated into the player’s real environment. Online casinos are also using AR to simulate the experience of a physical casino, allowing players to interact with virtual table games as if they were in a real casino.
Graphics engines
Graphics engines are essential for creating detailed, realistic visual environments. Engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine are used in video game development for their ability to produce high-quality graphics and stunning visuals. Online casinos employ advanced graphical interfaces to make games more attractive, with varied themes and sophisticated animations.
Artificial intelligence
AI is used to simulate realistic behaviour in non-player characters (NPCs) in video games, making the game more dynamic and unpredictable. In online casinos, AI can be used to analyse gaming data in real time, identify abnormal behaviour and help prevent fraud.
The future of gaming and casinos
It looks promising with innovations and integrations that could redefine digital entertainment. For example, Cloud Gaming is a major innovation that enables casino games to be streamed from remote servers, offering fluidity and accessibility on all devices.
The improved graphic quality of games thanks to 3D animation elevates visual aesthetics. Blockchain promises to revolutionize online casinos with greater security and transparency, while cryptocurrencies could become a standard means of payment.
Trends and the future of digital entertainment
Several avenues are being explored, such as phygital convergence. This is a fusion of the real and the virtual that can create unprecedented digital leisure experiences where the boundaries between the two worlds become blurred.
The term phygital is a combination of the words physical and digital. It refers to experiences that harmoniously combine digital and physical elements to enrich the consumer’s interaction with a brand or service. In the digital age, digital leisure players are increasingly recognizing that online and offline experiences are not mutually exclusive but can be complementary.
The rise of digital fitness could integrate health and wellness elements into games, offering a more holistic experience. Games like Just Dance or platforms like Nintendo Switch with Ring Fit Adventure combine gaming and exercise, encouraging gamers to move more, while playing.
These current innovations and trends could not only transform the way we play and bet online, but also influence digital entertainment, creating richer, more accessible experiences. The industry seems to be heading towards an era where technology and entertainment merge to deliver unprecedented user experiences.
