The Evolution Of PC Games
Pixel graphics and poorly made visuals: this is something you might remember if you were fortunate enough to live during the evolution of PC games. Interestingly, this was only a decade ago- and PC games barely even had any support from operating systems to function at all. Compared to today, we can see how PC games have become a common household product.
But in today’s world, we are more interested in hot topics such as virtual reality. The fabled pixel graphics of the past are long gone, and likely only to return when a bit of nostalgia is in order. But how did we get to the life-like video games of today, and where are we going as a society?
The Evolution of Peripherals in PC Games
Peripherals are simply any type of controller or means of input that can interact with an object on your PC. They are used to help simulate lifelike experiences, such as driving a car or flying an airplane. Some peripherals even simulate hunting and other shooting games, with highly advanced technology that simulates the “real thing.”
But the most common PC game peripherals are gamepads- surely not the most advanced, but the most common. Gamepads are popular for making the playing experience easier- not necessarily more lifelike. A first person shooter player may, for instance, use a gamepad to use “hot keys” to do certain commands- such as talking to teammates or changing weapons.
PC Games and Graphics
In the olden days, pixel art was popular for in-game graphics. Pixel art is the act of making stunning graphics just based on editing individual pixels in an image. In fact, a 3D look could be given on an actual 2D image, something we now call “2.5D.”
But today, almost everything exists in a 3D realm. Models, characters, objects, and sprites are all created with complex 3D modeling programs. The result: more realistic PC games. But as time progresses, and processors can keep up with larger amounts of pixels, the gap between reality and virtual reality might just be bridged.
Society And PC Games
Anytime we turn around, there is yet another massively popular game sweeping entire nations in a frenzy. The HALO series, for instance, is a prime example of what a PC game can do to a nation. Thousands of people flocked to stores to buy the game as soon as it was released on PC- showing that PC games can be much more popular than movies.
Clearly, PC games have become important to society as we know it. The only thing left to ponder is what PC games will be like in the future.
PC Games and the Future
Frighteningly enough, products are being tested that can react to a human’s brain activity. Essentially, this brain activity can be used to control an object in PC games- giving humans the superpower they have dreamed of for decades!
Another interesting technology is holographic technology. This type of technology allows for humans to interacts with photons of light, meaning that we can interact with fake objects! This is truly a remarkable technology, and we can only hope that its debut it PC gaming will be swift in the coming decades.