Online gaming, in its various forms, has progressed significantly in the last decade. As computer processing power continues to increase at an almost exponential rate, the complexity of games and the quality of graphics also increases. Many gamers of a certain age will fondly remember 8-bit and 16-bit gaming in the 1990s. Here, hand-drawn sprites and low-fidelity sound were present.
While these games had a certain appeal (and are still popular with retro gaming fans) they cannot compare to the current generation of games on the latest consoles and gaming PCs. It is also important to consider that gaming can come in many different forms, from casual gaming on a smartphone to competitive e-sports and adult-oriented gaming that can be found in an online casino. In this article, there will be a discussion of how online gaming, in its various forms, continues to evolve.
Blurring the lines between physical and online casinos
Early online casinos were somewhat limited in what they could provide for adult gamers. Lower bandwidths and slower internet download speeds meant that modern features such as liver dealer games and video chat functionality could not be present. Today, the continued rollout of fiber internet and the expansion of the global 5G mobile network allow online casinos to offer a truly authentic online gaming experience. In 2024, online establishments compete for customers by aiming to provide the best casino bonus. These can include free spins on slot machines, matched deposit bonuses, and even cash rewards.
New players have a wealth of bonus options to choose from across the various sites. In addition, the casino will aim to secure repeat customers by offering a level of authenticity that rivals a brick-and-mortar venue. Gaming environments are painstakingly created to look similar to a high-class physical casino. Even the graphics and sound effects of slot machines are designed to be virtually indistinguishable from their real-world counterparts.
VR tech for increased immersion
In the last five years, virtual reality gaming has become widespread across multiple platforms. Gamers simply need to invest in the latest VR headsets to enjoy this new and exciting way to play. They can be instantly transported to fully-realized 3D worlds which can be explored in a way that simply is not possible on traditional screens and monitors.
Some online casinos are now using this technology to offer a fully 3D casino environment where gamers can sit at virtual tables and experience a truly authentic experience. There are hundreds of VR games, many of which are ports from consoles and PCs. However, as this technology continues to progress, it is expected that it will become the leading way to experience all forms of next-generation gaming.
Ray tracing technology
Modern high-budget games can create worlds that are photo-realistic and have characters that are virtually indistinguishable from the world of film. The gaming environments look incredibly realistic and can display subtle and sophisticated lighting effects. In recent times, the use of ray tracing technology has been employed to increase realism in gaming environments. Put simply, this is a graphical effect where light and shadow are created in an increasingly lifelike way.
Each in-game ray of light is simulated and tracked, creating incredible backdrops to the gaming action. This form of visual effects takes a considerable amount of processing power, so it is little surprise that it has only become available on the latest generation of consoles and gaming PCs.
Article headline mentions gaming but talks about online casino 🤷🏼♂️