Gaming

I am reading an interesting novel by the name Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, upon the recommendation of my book club, and it is all about gaming. The protagonists Sam and Sadie are gamers in a most comprehensive way imaginable. They play games and they make games so much so that their entire life revolves around gaming. This set me on the road to writing this. Some of us, from the Gen-X, including admittedly myself, may find it hard to comprehend the vice-like grip games have extended over the minds of Gen-Z as well as Gen-Y. It may not be possible to completely decode the attraction but let us understand its mechanics and technique.

Evolving choices
Games for me have been of the genre of Snakes & Ladders and Ludo, something for the lazy afternoons of summer vacations. The internet community began to explore, learn, and share online games through various social media platforms. Games like Farmville, Mafia Wars, Café World, etc., gained lot of popularity and got the players to recruit others to progress. I also had joined the Farmville bandwagon on Facebook, and reached a decently high level of success. Then the kids introduced me to the craze of PS4 and its games; I stood witness to the increasing complexity of graphics and story line. Come Covid, as the global pandemic, the lines between work and home got blurred, and we witnessed a massive boost in numbers and time spent on gaming. Games like LudoKing, Rummy, AmongUs, Psych found popularity amongst Gen-Y and Gen-Z also, making their digital versions a transgenerational fun activity. The latest addition to my personal gaming directory is Wordle, a words-based game, which was launched last year and has quickly become a morning ritual.

Social structure
The rise of the internet and technology has transformed gaming into a social activity. Multiplayer and online gaming have become integral components of the gaming industry, connecting players from around the globe. Online multiplayer games allow players to collaborate or compete in real time, creating a sense of community and fostering friendships within the gaming ecosystem. From massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) to battle royale titles, online gaming experiences provide endless entertainment and opportunities for players to showcase their skills.

Platforms such as Discord, Reddit, and Facebook Groups enable gaming fandoms to multiply and gather at such a pace that it has become a dominant form of online culture. Games like Fortnite bring fandoms together to not just play the game, but also to socialize and acquire skins and collectibles tied to their favorite movies or sports teams to represent their chosen fandoms and sub-cultures. Fortnite’s success illustrates the rise of a new form of social experience dedicated to fandom. Social platforms play a pivotal role in the gaming world – they have a significant role in community building, by democratizing fans’ access to talent and connecting the creator community that eventually customizes gaming experiences through its modding (modifying gaming worlds with new content). As a result, the gaming industry is on a significant growth trajectory across both user and monetization metrics. With the growing digital penetration and sophistication across India, the gaming segment will be a key beneficiary and will likely rival other key traditional forms of media and entertainment in both size and scale. 5G and 6G with their large bandwidths provide that instant connect, instant gratification, which pulls more players in for mutual play-offs.

Technological advancements
Gaming has come a long way since the early days of simple pixelated graphics and beeping sound effects. The advancements in technology have completely transformed the gaming industry, offering immersive and realistic experiences that captivate millions of players worldwide. From cutting-edge graphics to complex artificial intelligence (IA) systems, technology has brought about a new cultural revolution by way of the world of gaming.

The progressive adoption of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality, as well as the growing popularity of blockchain-based technologies like crypto currencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), is forming the evolution of the internet as we know it today (Web2) into its successor (Web3), as well as the emergence of the metaverse, the layer of immersive experiences built upon it. The metaverse is expected to be the next paradigm for engagement between brands and consumers and the new playground where consumers will experience content and interact with one another giving huge fillip to the gaming universe

In India, metaverse is still at a nascent and exciting stage. It gives immense space for experimentation. In November, Singer Daler Mehndi reportedly became the first Indian to buy land in metaverse. He has bought the land through the metaverse platform PartyNite and has named it Balle Balle Land. The statue of Kempegowda, being called the Statue of Prosperity, was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15th November 2022. This statue is situated in a park, which will offer a metaverse experience for tourists, in line with the government’s efforts to boost tourism.

Graphics and visual realism
One of the most notable advancements in gaming technology is the incredible improvement in graphics and visual realism. With the introduction of powerful GPUs (graphics processing units) and advanced rendering techniques, games now boast stunningly detailed environments, lifelike characters, and breathtaking special effects. Real-time ray tracing, a technique that simulates the behavior of light in real-world environments, adds a new level of visual fidelity by creating realistic lighting and shadows. The level of immersion achieved by these advancements transports players into virtual worlds like never before. VR and AR have taken gaming to new heights. VR headsets provide an immersive experience by placing players directly into virtual environments, allowing them to interact with the game world in a 360-degree perspective. This technology opens up a realm of possibilities for gaming, enabling players to physically move, explore, and interact with objects within the virtual space. AR, on the other hand, merges virtual elements with the real world. Through mobile devices or specialized AR glasses, players can experience gaming content overlaid onto their physical surroundings. AR games like Pokémon Go have garnered tremendous popularity, showcasing the potential of this technology in bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds.

Cloud gaming
By leveraging the power of cloud computing, gamers can stream games directly to their devices without the need for high-end hardware. This technology offloads the processing and rendering tasks to remote servers, allowing players to enjoy high-quality gaming experiences on a wide range of devices, from smartphones to low-spec computers. Services like Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud) have made cloud gaming accessible to a broader audience, reducing the entry barriers to enjoy the latest game titles.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has significantly impacted the gaming industry, enhancing both gameplay and game development processes. AI-powered algorithms drive realistic non-player characters (NPCs), making them exhibit human-like behavior, adapt to player actions, and create more challenging and dynamic gameplay experiences. AI algorithms also assist in generating procedurally generated content, such as maps, quests, and items, which contributes to the replayability, captivating allure and longevity of the games. Furthermore, AI is employed in player analytics, allowing developers to understand player behavior, preferences, and engagement patterns. This data-driven approach helps game developers create more personalized experiences and refine game mechanics to cater to the player’s interests.

Physically based rendering (PBR)
PBR is a rendering technique that simulates the behavior of light in a physically accurate manner. PBR allows developers to create highly realistic materials, textures, and lighting in games. By accurately modeling how light interacts with different surfaces, PBR enhances the visual fidelity and immersion of game environments. This technology enables games to replicate real-world materials like metal, glass, and fabric, resulting in more believable and visually appealing virtual worlds.

Haptic feedback
Haptic feedback technology adds a tactile dimension to gaming experiences. By using vibrating motors or advanced haptic actuators, game controllers can provide subtle vibrations, pulses, or even simulate texture and resistance to mimic real-world sensations. This technology allows players to feel the impact of actions within the game, enhancing immersion and adding a new layer of realism to gameplay. From the gentle rumble of a car engine to the intense vibration of a weapon firing, haptic feedback enriches the sensory experience and heightens player engagement.

Motion capture (MoCap)
MoCap technology enables the realistic animation of characters and objects in games. By using sensors or cameras to track the movements of actors, their motions are recorded and translated into lifelike animations. This technique allows game developers to create realistic and fluid character movements, enhancing the overall visual quality and immersion of the game. Whether it is capturing the intricate details of a football player’s movements or the subtle facial expressions of a character, MoCap technology plays a crucial role in bringing virtual worlds to life.

Procedural generation
Procedural generation is a technique used to generate game content algorithmically. It involves using mathematical algorithms and rules to create vast and diverse game environments, levels, quests, and other game elements. Procedural generation enhances replayability by offering unique experiences each time a player engages with the game. This technology has been widely used in games like Minecraft, where vast and randomly generated worlds are created on the fly, providing players with endless exploration and discovery.

Machine learning (ML)
ML algorithms have found applications in gaming, particularly in areas, such as game design, player behavior prediction, and adaptive gameplay. ML algorithms can analyze large datasets and learn patterns, enabling game developers to create more intelligent NPCs, personalized game experiences, and dynamic difficulty adjustments. By adapting to the player’s skills and preferences, machine learning algorithms enhance player engagement and deliver tailored experiences that cater to individual playing styles.

Blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
Blockchain technology and NFTs have gained traction in the gaming industry, enabling new opportunities for ownership and in-game economies. NFTs provide a secure and transparent way to verify the ownership and authenticity of in-game assets, such as rare items, skins, or virtual real estate. Blockchain-based marketplaces allow players to buy, sell, and trade these digital assets, creating a decentralized economy within the games. This technology has the potential to empower players with true ownership of their virtual possessions, and enable new revenue streams for developers.

The gaming industry continues to push the boundaries of technology, leveraging advancements in graphics, VR, cloud computing, AI, and other innovative tools. From visually stunning worlds to immersive gameplay mechanics, these technologies have transformed gaming into a multi-dimensional and socially connected experience. As technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more exciting advancements that will shape the future of gaming and unlock new possibilities for both developers and players alike.

Regulations and control
Regulations related to gaming vary from country to country, and can cover a wide range of aspects, including age restrictions, content ratings, gambling regulations, consumer protection, and online privacy.

• Age restrictions. Many countries have regulations that restrict the sale of certain types of games to individuals below a certain age. For example, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in the United States provides content ratings for video games, indicating the appropriate age group for each game. Similarly, the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system is widely used in Europe to provide age ratings and content descriptors for games. Games that involve gambling mechanics, such as loot boxes or virtual currency gambling, are subject to specific regulations. Some jurisdictions may require developers to obtain licenses or meet certain criteria to include gambling elements in their games.
• Consumer protection. Laws concerning consumer protection are applicable to gaming, ensuring fair practices, disclosure of information, and protection against deceptive or unfair business practices. These regulations may cover issues, such as refund policies, advertising standards, and protection against fraud or misleading claims.
• Online privacy and data protection. Regulations relating to online privacy and data protection are crucial to impose obligations on game developers and platform operators to handle user data responsibly, provide clear privacy policies, and obtain user consent for data collection and processing.
• Intellectual property and copyright. Gaming involves the creation and distribution of copyrighted content, including characters, music, and artwork. Intellectual property laws protect the rights of game developers, publishers, and creators, preventing unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of copyrighted material.
• Online safety and harassment. Regulations aimed at ensuring online safety and combatting harassment in gaming are becoming increasingly important. Laws and regulations address issues, such as cyberbullying, hate speech, and inappropriate conduct within the online gaming communities. Some countries have specific legislations in place to protect users from online harassment, or require platforms to have reporting and moderation systems in place to handle abusive behavior.

Market size and growth
The Indian gaming market has witnessed remarkable growth. According to a report by KPMG, the gaming industry in India was estimated to be worth around USD 1.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 3.75 billion by 2024. The increasing availability of affordable smartphones and affordable data plans has contributed to the growth of mobile gaming in particular.

Mobile gaming dominance
Mobile gaming is the dominant segment in the Indian gaming market. The easy accessibility and affordability of smartphones has made mobile games widely popular across all age groups. Popular genres include casual games, puzzle games, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, and battle royale games.

Esports and competitive gaming
Esports has gained significant momentum in India, with a growing number of players, teams, and tournaments. The rise of competitive gaming has led to the emergence of professional esports players and teams, attracting sponsorships and investment from various sectors. Popular esports titles in India include PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).

Game development and Indie studios
The Indian gaming industry has seen a surge in game development and the establishment of Indie studios. With a focus on creating unique and culturally relevant games, Indian developers have been gaining recognition in the global gaming market. These developers often target both domestic and international audiences, catering to various genres and platforms. Support for startups is also extending to game developers and entrepreneurs for this industry.

Regulatory landscape
India has its own regulations related to gaming, including age restrictions, content rating guidelines, and restrictions on certain forms of online gambling. The Indian government has been actively considering regulations around online gaming, including discussions on the classification of games, potential licensing requirements, and measures to address concerns related to addictive gameplay and player safety. There seems to be a slackening of controls, going by the advertisements on the television regarding games like Rummy, etc.

In conclusion, the gaming landscape in India is experiencing rapid growth and presents numerous opportunities for game developers, esports enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders. With a large and enthusiastic gaming community, increasing investment, and evolving regulations, India is poised to become a key player in the global gaming industry. It is important to note that the gaming industry is constantly evolving, and new games are regularly released and so.

This article is authored by Alka Selot Asthana, Executive Director – Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd. Views expressed are personal.