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7 Ways Software Changed Video Games

Writer's picture: Mike HannaMike Hanna


Summer is here and school is out. While you hope your kids are playing outside and/or doing their summer homework, they will undoubtedly beg for screen time—particularly video games. 


And who knows…maybe you’ll boot up that console yourself. Research from the ESA found that video gaming (not baseball) is America’s favorite pastime, with 212 million Americans playing video games regularly, including 76% of adults.


The most popular video game franchises of all time by units sold are…


  • Mario (880 million)

  • Tetris (495 million)

  • Pokemon (480 million)

  • Call of Duty (425 million)

  • Grand Theft Auto (also 425 million)

  • FIFA (325 million)

  • Minecraft (300 million)


Sorry fans of Sims, Final Fantasy, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Zelda: your favorite franchises have sold less than 215 million units. Tomb Raider, Mortal Combat, Halo, and Oregon Trail…less than 100 million. Kirby and PacMan…less than 50 million. If you’re wondering where Donkey Kong is, it’s included in the Mario franchise.


These numbers yield some interesting insights. For instance, Tetris actually only sold 70 million hardware units, but 425 million mobile downloads. This tells you that changes in technology and software have seriously changed the face of gaming. What other ways can tech and software change the virtual landscape of America’s favorite pastime? Let’s find out.


Advanced graphics and visuals


Software advancements like powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) and sophisticated game engines have led to stunning visuals in modern games. Realistic lighting, high-resolution textures, and detailed character animations create immersive worlds that draw players in.


Accessibility and affordability of game development tools


Game development tools like Unity and Unreal Engine provide robust features and functionalities at a relatively affordable cost. This has empowered indie developers and smaller studios to create high-quality games, fostering more diversity and innovation in the industry.


Rise of mobile gaming


The proliferation of smartphones and tablets has made gaming more accessible than ever before. Mobile games are often designed for short bursts of play, making them ideal for casual gamers or those with busy schedules. The free-to-play model with in-app purchases has also opened up new revenue streams for developers. How many different spinoffs of Candy Crush or Angry Birds have there been already? 


Growth of online gaming and esports


The internet has revolutionized gaming by enabling players to connect and compete with each other online. Massively multiplayer online (MMO) games allow thousands of players to interact in a persistent virtual world, while esports have turned video game competitions into spectator sports with professional leagues and tournaments (meaning, there are people who pay to watch other people play games like FIFA).


Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR):


VR and AR technologies have the potential to transform gaming by creating even more immersive and interactive experiences. VR headsets transport players to entirely new worlds, while AR overlays digital elements onto the real world. While VR is still in its early stages, both technologies have the potential to reshape the future of gaming. Games might also serve educational purposes as they overlap with tech in the classroom. Oregon Trail, anyone?


Cloud gaming:


Cloud gaming services allow players to stream games to any device with an internet connection, eliminating the need for expensive hardware. This could make high-end gaming more accessible to a wider audience. No more waiting for downloads or lengthy installations: you can jump right into the action, trying out different games without needing a lot of storage space on your local device.


Artificial intelligence (AI):


AI is being used to create more intelligent and challenging non-player characters (NPCs) in games. Traditional non-player characters (NPCs) often followed predictable routines. AI allows for more dynamic and realistic behavior. AI can also personalize the gaming experience by tailoring difficulty levels and content to individual players. It can also facilitate more dynamic and engaging narratives. Games can react to your choices in more meaningful ways, creating a sense of consequence and "replayability."


Are you ready to Level Up?


Unlike Mario, you won’t need to eat any magic mushrooms to make that happen. You just need to send me an email! I’ve got nearly 4 decades of experience in software sales recruiting. I have an extensive network of talent and talent-seekers (sales managers). Whether you’re looking to make it to the next level, or you’re looking for a new sidekick (e.g. an account manager) I’ve got a large, nation-network of pre-vetted talent and companies. Send an email to mike@michaelblair.com and let’s connect!

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