According to Newzoo, the value of the global gaming market will amount to $159 billion by the end of 2020, demonstrating an annual increase of 9.3%.
As the popularity of gaming continues to soar, and technology and gaming software continues to advance, games proceed to evolve.
Some of the gaming worlds evolutionary milestones are as follows;
- Games transitioned from board games to arcades, to consoles, PC, tablet, and mobile.
- 2D games have progressed to HD, 3D graphics.
- Free to play games online have made video games more accessible.
- The invention of virtual and augmented reality gaming.
- Digital storefronts mean users can buy and download games to their PC, console, or phone.
- eSports recognise gaming as a competitive sport. Professional gamers play in tournaments to win prizes.
With improved accessibility, affordability, and convenience, coupled with a wide variety of games to suit all tastes and ages. The gaming sphere continues to progress.
Bingo – 16th Century
Bingo stems back to the late 1500’s where the game evolved from a lottery in Italy.
Historians believe that this worldwide known game originated in Italy back in the 16th century, where the game evolved from the Italian lottery. The game travelled across Europe making its way through France and to the UK, a location where most believe bingo originated due to the love Brits have for a game of bingo!
The classic game of bingo was traditionally played in bingo halls in the UK where the peak of the game was the 1960’s where many would go and play bingo as a form of entertainment in the thousands of bingo halls across the UK.
The role of technology came into play in the late 1990’s and we began to see many industries including bingo transition online. Technology and the internet helped revive the popular game by targeting a younger audience and offering a range of discounts and bonuses to attract new players. Nowadays, bingo is known to be played online on sites like Wink Bingo who offer a variety of bingo games for players to choose from.
The popularity in online bingo has seen a decline in footfall in traditional bingo halls with many closing across the nation. Despite changing physical location, a classic game of bingo still remains the same, just with a little added twist from online providers.
Monopoly – 1903
Most people believe that Charles Darrow invented Monopoly in 1934. However, the concept was patented by a left-wing feminist called Elizabeth Magie in 1903. The board game intended to demonstrate her progressive views on politics and inequality.
The premise of Monopoly has mostly remained unchanged. However, Hasbro has capitalised on the board games’ success by producing adapted versions to appeal to a broader audience. Such as;
- Junior Monopoly
- Harry Potter-themed Monopoly
- Friends Monopoly
- Frozen two Monopoly
- Monopoly Deal Card Games
Beyond the board, Monopoly has leapt onto PC, consoles, tablet, and mobile, allowing players to play against the computer or other online users.
Still, the quest for Monopoly remains. Players need to accumulate the most wealth to win. And avoid the many trappings of society, such as tax fees, speeding tickets, and jail.
Super Mario Bros – 1985
The Super Mario Brothers was created in 1985 in Japan.
Shigeru and Takashi designed Super Mario Bros in 1985. In-game, Mario, the plumber, emerged from pipes and squashed enemies. Gaining coins and finding perks along the way, such as mushrooms to achieve growth spurts.
Over the years, the famous icon Mario has mostly remained unchanged. He still wears red dungarees and sports a black moustache.
The game has progressed in terms of graphics to stay in-keeping with the times. But Mario’s search for coins has remained the same.
Today, Mario can be found in a multitude of games. Including collaborations with rival Sonic at the Olympics and the much-loved Mario kart game. Now Mario presents a timeless classic in video games, adored by old and new generations alike.
Grand Theft Auto – 1997
Grand Theft Auto launched in 1997 on PlayStation 1. The original GTA was a top-down version and later developed into a third-person game.
Players on each GTA edition have the opportunity to live life on the edge, enduring criminal quests in the pursuit of a bad reputation and wads of cash. From stealing cars to robbing pedestrians, the one significant benefit of GTA is, there are no consequences for the player.
GTA 5, which launched in 2013, has been the most popular release so far, selling 135 million copies worldwide and securing the second position as the best selling game of all time.
Alterations such as enhanced graphics, new maps, and more opportunities to customise characters’ faces and personalise cars, have enhanced the GTA games. Moreover, the games have also been adapted for multiple devices, such as PSP, NDS, and iOS users.
Nevertheless, the mission of Grand Theft Auto, which is to become a reputable criminal, has stayed the same.
Sims – 2000
Sims tackled a niche market many were unaware existed. Since 2000, the PC game has given players the ability to plan and control sims’ lives on screen, from building a sims house to choosing their career.
The PC games popularity soared, and consequently, the game became available on every device, including Xbox, PlayStation, and smartphones.
The Sims developers Maxis introduced numerous expansions such as hot date, vacation and pets to keep the game fresh and exciting. But the essence of the Sims, which is to create a sims story remains the same.
Classic Games Have Maintained Their Identity Over the Years
It appears the future of entertainment will proceed to maintain the core identity of successful classic franchised games. However, the quality and the way games are consumed has and will continue to evolve.
For instance, in the 1960s, players would happily visit a bingo hall to play a game of bingo. But as technology progressed, today, younger generations prefer to play bingo online.
Other games such as Monopoly, GTA and so forth have adapted to the times yet maintained their identity. Revealing that while newer generations, such as Gen X, mostly prefer to play games online. Each generation still appreciates the purpose and essence of well-known games. And if they were to change, people would likely stop playing them.
