Intro
PC gaming has come a long way since the early days of bulky computers, slow processors, and awkward controls. For years, PC gamers have enjoyed a dedicated fan base, high-end hardware, and more challenging and innovative games. But in recent years, the gaming industry has experienced a major shift, and PC gaming is now experiencing a meteoric rise. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the rise of PC gaming worldwide.
The History of PC Gaming
The earliest forms of PC gaming can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when computers first began to be widely available for home use. Video games began to appear for PCs, starting with basic text-based adventure games like Colossal Cave Adventure and Zork. Soon after, 2D arcade-style games were developed, such as Pong and Asteroids. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, 3D technology began to appear on PCs, paving the way for the modern PC gaming we know today.
The Modern PC Gaming Revolution
The modern PC gaming revolution began in the late 1990s, as gaming hardware started to become less expensive and more powerful. For the first time, PC gamers could experience the same graphics, audio, and gameplay as console gamers, with the added advantage of better hardware and more reliable controls. In the 2000s, online gaming took off, and PC gamers finally had access to real-time, cross-platform multiplayer gaming, along with numerous other online services.
At the same time, digital distribution services such as Steam and GOG began to emerge, allowing players to purchase and download games directly from the internet. These services flourished, and by the 2010s, they had become the primary method for purchasing and playing PC games.
The Worldwide Rise of PC Gaming
Since the early 2000s, the popularity of PC gaming has grown exponentially. The combination of modern hardware, digital distribution, and widespread online gaming has helped make PC gaming the dominant force in the gaming industry. Today, PC gamers are enjoying an unprecedented array of hardware and game options, with the newest games available as soon as they are released.
The global gaming market is estimated to be worth over $150 billion, with PC gaming accounting for nearly half of that total. PC gaming is growing rapidly in the Asia-Pacific region, with China alone expected to account for nearly $38 billion of the global gaming market by 2021. Meanwhile, the global eSports industry has exploded in recent years, with PC gamers leading the charge.
The Future of PC Gaming
The rise of PC gaming is far from over. As VR technology continues to evolve and more gamers move to online shop-based services, such as GOG and Steam, the popularity of PC gaming is likely to continue to grow. With developers making use of new technologies such as ray-tracing and advanced game engines, PC gamers are likely to experience a wealth of new and exciting games for years to come.
PC gaming is an incredibly vibrant and expansive industry, with a passionate fan-base and endlessly growing potential. With new hardware and software entering the market frequently, now is the perfect time to jump in and experience all the magic of PC gaming.
