Gaming: One of The Most Overhauled Industries in the Internet Age?

It is impossible to overstate just how influential the internet has been on the day-to-day lives of much of the world. It has revolutionised the way we receive and consume information and media, with industries such as print news now having to adapt their models to stay relevant in an ever-more digital world.

Broadcast media, and news especially, are not performing significantly better either. Viewership for traditional television is far less than it once was. Gone are the days when cable news had a hold on the public and how they learned about current events. Instead, more are turning to microblogging sites and the streaming ecosystem for their information.

However, one industry that is often overlooked - perhaps by virtue of being a digital one itself - is gaming. The way people access gaming has been entirely overhauled by the internet, for better and for worse.

An Entire World Wide Web of Games and Apps

On the positive note, the internet has democratised gaming to some extent. Where games were once the purview of hardcore collectors and enthusiasts, the web has allowed more casual gamers to connect with the pastime. There became little need for dedicated consoles and expensive software to be bought separately.

This is more evident in the iGaming sector, where websites hosting a wider range of games are now common. Players can access sites or apps from desktop and mobile devices and have catalogues of thousands of games at their fingertips.

It is reminiscent of the early days of Flash gaming, when sites like Miniclip allowed publishers and gamers alike to connect. It nurtured creativity and allowed those less financially fortunate to play games that would have once been beyond their price range. These early sites paved the way for much, including the mobile gaming app boom of the 2010s.

Indie Gaming Is a Big Business in the 2020s

The internet has also fostered the creation of digital storefronts like Valve’s Steam, which allows players to buy games directly for their devices without the need to visit a brick-and-mortar store to collect a physical product. This includes AAA titles, such as Call of Duty, but has also made it possible for independent developers to better market their products.

Instead of needing to get their projects paired with a publisher and into game stores, they can now completely independently publish their games through these storefronts. It has made it possible for unknown game developers to create genuine cultural phenomena, such as Minecraft and Five Nights at Freddy’s, two games that have spawned media empires.

This benefits the player, too. For many, AAA games have become too expensive, with price points often starting at $70-100. However, indie developers have found they can market games at affordable prices like $7.99, which allows them to be paid for their work while still being attractive to those looking to try a new title, and generate around $5bn in revenue.

Losing Physical Media is an Issue for Players

It is important to note that it is not all positive, though. While the internet may have democratised elements of the industry, especially for developers and publishers, it has done the opposite for many players. The rise of storefronts has seen many consoles ditch physical hardware like disc drives, meaning players must buy digital copies of games at full price.

Players can no longer share or sell games once finished, and those without the finances to buy multiple AAA titles in a year will miss out on experiencing new titles. It is a growing problem, and one that does not seem to be easily fixed, given that consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series S seem to be sticking with the lack of drive.

Final Thoughts

Even with its negatives, it is clear that the gaming industry could not be more affected by the internet’s ubiquity. Despite already being digital, the ability to immediately access titles through storefronts and game passes has led to a new landscape where games are available instantly - and often at lower prices.