If you are an avid gamer, you have likely noticed that gaming has become increasingly digital. It seems like most of the big, celebrated gaming launches now involve digital games or games that include a subscription model. On top of that, popular gaming streamers on platforms like Twitch have become incredibly popular and amassed large, dedicated followings.
However, as popular as digital gaming and streaming are, something has to be said for PC and console gaming. If anything, the hype surrounding the launch of the Nintendo Switch and, more recently, the PS5 and Xbox Series X proves that gamers are still dedicated to PC and console gaming. The question then becomes, will games transition to be fully digital or maintain a hybrid existence?
The rise of digital games and streaming
The transition to digital gaming is arguably part of a larger shift in consumer spending habits. Consumers are moving more towards subscription and one-off payments for on-demand media and entertainment. This shift is reflected in the growing popularity of music, television, and film streaming platforms and services. On-demand media, gaming, and gambling are becoming increasingly popular as sites like those listed on online gambling NY allow users to play the games they want when they want.
This shift in consumer spending habits has also affected the gaming industries. Consumers are naturally moving towards streaming and digital games and moving away from PC and console games. To push this trend and maintain profit margins, gaming companies innovate in their pricing and purchasing formats. Instead of buying a PC or console game, gamers can pay subscriptions to games or gaming streaming, or they can make in-game purchases in free-to-play games.
Are PC and console games a thing of the past?
If you are worried about the decline of PC and console gaming, you can rest assured that both forms of gaming are here to stay. Even as digital increases in popularity, analysts believe that PC and console gaming will remain relevant.
One of the main benefits of consoles is that they are designed specifically for gaming. As a result, they are easier to play games on than PCs. Consoles are continuing to improve and innovate, as anyone who has seen the PS5 knows. As they continue to improve, dedicated players will naturally prefer them for specific types of games. Players who use console games can enjoy them without the hassle of using a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, and their impressive graphics can be used with a TV setup.
However, that is not to say that PC gaming is passé. Analysts have predicted that PC games will continue in popularity precisely because some gamers prefer the control and detailed precision that only a mouse and keyboard can provide. It is also important to remember that almost all of the major gaming streamers are playing PC games. As subscribers follow their favorite streamers, they will naturally remain interested in the types of PC gaming they watch every day.
Socializing during Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected the rise of digital games. As a result of the pandemic, sporting events were postponed, and to fill the sporting void, many sports fans who had never watched esports turned to them and gaming. Analysts have considered how this shift could have long-term impacts on the gaming and the sports industry.
The number of people gaming has also increased during the pandemic as they are forced to spend more time at home and less time out of the house socializing. While the gaming industry could also be affected by the recession caused by the pandemic, so far, the numbers have been promising as more people have started gaming and watching esports. Digital gaming and streaming have also provided many people with a social outlet during the phases of the pandemic.
The world of gaming is continually shifting to meet consumer demands and also to discover new trends that exist below the surface of the gaming community. It is likely that digital gaming and esports will continue to rise in popularity as new players and spectators, brought to the industry due to the pandemic, become invested in the industry.
However, it looks unlikely that PC and console games will ever disappear entirely as they each have distinct merits for dedicated gamers and streamers. Regardless of what the future holds, the only thing you can certainly expect is that the industry will continue to innovate to bring gamers more exciting and better-designed games.