Gaming can be performed on a laptop, mobile device, console, or desktop computer. Gaming is most often played by one person, but it can also be played in groups. It is played with an input device like a joystick, keyboard or motion sensing device. While many games can be downloaded for free, microtransactions may need to be made in order to purchase items within the game.
The gaming industry is one of the largest in the world. According to estimates there are over three billion people who play video gaming worldwide. The global gaming market is expected to reach $220billion by 2022. This is almost twice the amount of global film production.
Multiplayer games have become very popular thanks to the internet. Multiplayer games are typically played by between 2-10 players. They can also be played online or locally. Some games offer cooperative modes, which encourage teamwork as well as communication skills.
Video games were originally played separately, with a clear start, middle, and finish. Most games had a simple campaign, which involved either a narrative or a set of challenges. Games eventually became platforms that encouraged new communities.
A variety of game subscriptions offer players access today to an extensive library of engaging content. These services can be bought on a monthly, or an annual basis. The game service is usually priced similarly to an OTT movie and will often have core content that is exclusive only to the service. A game subscription is not like a TV subscription or movie subscription which relies on advertising. Instead, it emphasizes unlimited engagement with just one destination.
Videogames were originally only available in linear format until the early 2000s. One-player games had a tendency to tell a story and were purchased upfront. Many recent games can be downloaded for free. As more games are available for free, publishers are focusing on the long-term sustainability of their businesses. Publishers are not putting their money at risk by placing multimillion-dollar wagers. They want to expand their audiences.
While the traditional game publishing model requires frequent releases and frequent competitions, UGC (user generated content) gaming platforms have emerged to offer millions of engaged players a variety of experiences for free. These platforms could become small to medium-sized studios for development and be the creative foundation of future megahits.
Streamers are gamers that create videos of themselves playing videogames. Streamers make money by ad revenues and viewer donations. Streamers can be professional gamers or members of an esports team. Streamers can also make money from sponsorships, tournament prizes, and corporate sponsorships.
Joystiq, an online gaming website, includes blogs. Joystiq is an online gaming site that includes blogs. It focuses on gaming news including reviews and inside information on popular consoles. Joystiq boasts an award-winning team that analyses the stories behind the newest games. Joystiq's Destructoid has more than 100 blogs that are dedicated to announcements of new gaming studios. It also offers a discussion forum for users to interact with other egamers.