What makes video games so popular

Competition, puzzles, and the ability to transport yourself to an entirely new world and place in time? Video games are fun for these reasons and a whole lot more. Many of us might at some point outgrow gasp! Ryan manages blog content at iD Tech, starting with the company in Connect on LinkedIn! We've bet our reputation on recruiting the top instructors in the country.

Our small classes ensure customized learning, leading to "a-ha moments" and awesome outcomes. Programs include:. On-Campus Programs. Previous Post Next Post. Video games are fun. Here's why, and how they hook us. You know it. I know it. The question is, why? The question got me thinking of video games. There is increasing evidence that babies use mirror neurons to copy and learn facial expressions, and to mimic sounds.

The idea is that when we see, for instance, a facial expression for the first time, mirror neurons fire in our brains giving us a map of how to copy that same expression through the neural connections to our faces. These mirror neurons appear to contribute to a brain system that helps us relate what we observe in others to our own experiences. This could be key to understanding why so many are driven to watch others play games.

When we are watching the action being streamed to our screens, it would be these circuits that fire up and make us feel the highs and the lows, as if it were us playing. This kind of passive psychological involvement is also seen with spectators of traditional sports, such as football. Many Twitch viewers watch so they can increase their knowledge and improve their own playing experience.

This was found in a study looking at the behaviours of Twitch users specifically. Video games have already surpassed many other forms of entertainment as far as immersion goes, and virtual reality will add yet another layer. There will also be further experimentation with controls, such as adding voice, touch screens, and gestures to game mechanics when the consoles add peripherals to take in those inputs.

Apple is also targeting the release of a virtual reality headset in or Like Hollywood, the video game industry needs to spin more revenue off of its intellectual property because the product costs a lot to make. Merchandising is already around, with t-shirts, figures, hats, mugs, and more. This may become the approach for all successful video game series to follow.

In fact, the popular video game, Assassin's Creed , a game developed by Ubisoft, was made into a movie in with prominent actors. Sega's popular Sonic the Hedgehog game was made into a successful movie in , starring well-known actors, and set the record for the biggest opening weekend for a video game—based movie.

Another trend in the video game industry is the expansion of the market as far as demographics go. People are playing games both earlier and later in life, and the gender mix is nearing par. The top-level gamers competing in the eSports leagues have gained enough recognition that they can apply for the professional athlete visa when entering the U. Gaming has a wide appeal, and it is still growing. Video games have become so popular on a mass scale that certain players stream videos of themselves playing video games at home and make hundreds and thousands of dollars by doing so.

This has become another revenue generation sector of the video game market. As the world becomes nostalgic and we see reboots and remakes of loved films and shows from decades ago, the same is happening for video games. Vintage video games from the early days of the industry are in high demand and have become extremely popular, not only with older players who experienced the games first hand but also with a new generation of players.

Many companies have taken advantage of this nostalgia and released updated versions of their consoles. Nintendo NTDOF , more than any other company, has successfully taken advantage of this interest in retro video games, by releasing Nintendo Classic Mini and Nintendo Switch, two consoles that allow for playing classic Nintendo video games.

This has become a solid revenue stream for companies that were around at the early stages of the industry. The video game industry has always been about innovation. New technology, new controls, and new experiences are to be expected. As the world moves more and more to time spent on their mobile phones, streaming services, and mobile phone game playing will become an important arena for revenues, and large tech companies will look to leverage their current framework to get involved.

Perhaps the most interesting change in the video game industry is the expanding demographics of gamers. With more people playing games, creating demand for more immersive entertainment, and looking for easier ways to access games, the future of the video game industry looks bright. Many games now can be played over the internet , connecting friends and family. Wearing a headset, you're able to talk with the person on the other side of the screen — and the conversations often branch far beyond the game as friendships develop or strengthen.

Sometimes you play with a stranger. Other times you can choose to play with a friend or family member across town or in another city.

Check the security settings if your grandkids are playing, though, and monitor their activity. Interacting with strangers online poses risks for kids.

Could gaming be one of the few good things that have come out of the pandemic? People who can't connect in real life meet in the game world and play or build together. People in the same house share a fun diversion that lets them forget for an hour or two the dangers that loom beyond their door.

And grandparents and grandchildren have new worlds to explore together, where the youngsters often get to do the teaching. Together, they engage in healthy competition or work together on common goals. It's really crazy. Gamers also connect on streaming platforms, like YouTube and Twitch, fostering a community in which they can show off their skills and others can comment and converse.

On Twitch, Winchester is better known as gray-bearded Sir Tony Ray, with a red crown atop his head, and as a master of fantasy game RuneScape, in which he engages in adventures among knights and dragons. Others come in and stay for four to five hours. I try to talk to everybody I can. I have a pretty good memory, and I really think of them as friends, not viewers. Join today and get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life.

Other older gamers find each other through player groups — online environments in which members post messages about their gaming activities.

The Old Timers Guild is one such group. But when she plays an online fantasy game, she is free from all that. I totally love flying! And so we come to this: Video games today are everywhere, and multiple generations are playing them. For perspective, I talked to Walter Day, a year-old whose interest in gaming legitimacy led to his founding Twin Galaxies, an organization that certifies and maintains a log of record scores. You are leaving AARP. Please return to AARP. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age.

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