Back in the middle of the 20th century, the burgeoning cinema industry represented the major form of entertainment for most people. But by the time the 1970s and 1980s hit, that was all about to change: the rise in video gaming and games arcades meant that people suddenly had another way to entertain themselves, and this just grew and grew as gaming technology soon became possible in people’s homes as well. Now, gaming is one of the most popular leisure activities in the world, and the sector that powers it is a very lucrative one. This article will look at why the gaming industry has surged ahead – and how it’s even beaten the film industry in the entertainment stakes.
Changing leisure habits
One of the main reasons why the gaming industry is surging ahead of cinema is because it offers the chance for private leisure time without the need to even leave the house. Leisure patterns have certainly shifted in recent decades away from communal activities, and while it’s now possible to watch all manner of films in the comfort of your own home, it’s taken a long time for the sector to catch up with games in this regard. The gaming industry has, after all, been offering sophisticated in-home entertainment for much longer – and the fact that the advent of Netflix lagged behind the popularity of the Xbox and the PlayStation is reflective of how the gaming industry was quicker off the mark to spy an opportunity.
Chance to win
Watching a film might be interesting, but gaming appeals to our instincts in a way that a film will never be able to manage. The opportunity to win is something we all feel the urge to take up, and it makes us feel good to surge ahead of a competitor. Many modern online games like internet poker and blackjack also have a financial incentive. With sign up offers and casino bonuses often available and several chances to win, online gambling can net you some cash as well as the satisfaction of victory.
Excitement and fun
Another reason why the gaming industry has managed to trump the film industry in many ways is the fact that gaming offers an edge of excitement that the film industry just can’t. As a viewer of a film, you’re simply an observer – and even if you’re wearing a cutting-edge virtual reality headset, you’re still not really involved. With a game, however, you can participate as a player and shape the outcome of what you see on the screen.
From changing leisure patterns to the way that gaming appeals to our psychological and even sometimes financial needs, there are plenty of reasons why the gaming industry has managed to take down film – the previous dominant force in the global entertainment world. And with many millions of people around the world enjoying online gaming on a regular basis, the global penchant for games shows no signs of slowing down or stopping any time soon.
2018 ·
Leave a Reply