It used to be the case that if you wanted to enjoy the latest video games, you needed to buy an expensive, current-generation console, generally either an Xbox, a PlayStation, or a Nintendo. You would have to choose carefully, as each console had games exclusive to that platform and couldn’t be played on its rivals. If you wanted to play a particular game, you had to have the device or platform (usually a console) associated with the game.
Changing times
Today, however, all this is starting to change. Games are available on more platforms than ever before, including some, like mobile phones, that we don’t use primarily for gaming. At the same time, developers are releasing more cross-platform games that can be played on different consoles, home computers and, in some cases, mobile devices. Just as we listen to our music playlists on a variety of devices, so we can play games on them as well.
Wide choice
The advantage of this is that everyone now has a far wider choice of games. Many of today’s best games are hosted online or can be played via a downloadable app, so you don’t need the most up-to-date devices to run them. Anyone with a smartphone or tablet can connect to an Indian casino to enjoy a wide variety of slots and other popular games at any time of the day or night.
Mobile gaming
The improved processing power and ubiquity of mobile phones have opened up the range of platforms available for playing games. For many years, console and PC were the two main options, and as mentioned previously, games were often developed with a particular console in mind.
When the first smartphones arrived, they were often packaged with simple games, but as the phones became more sophisticated, so did the games. It’s now possible to play games on your phone that approach the quality of the best console titles, and many of the top franchises have mobile-optimised versions.
The platform of choice
The rise of mobile has literally been a game-changer for the industry. Worldwide, far more people own smartphones than consoles or even PCs and laptops. Designing games for mobile allows developers to reach an audience beyond hardcore gamers, including more women and older players who might enjoy casual and traditional games on their phones.
Cross-platform gaming
Many big games, including Call Of Duty, Fortnite and Minecraft, are now available on multiple platforms. This means that as well as being able to play many games on one device, you can also play one game on many devices. A single player can save a game on their laptop and then resume playing on their phone. They can also play against their friend who has a console while playing on a PC or a tablet.
Lower cost and greater convenience
All this means that you don’t have to spend money on the latest console to enjoy the latest games. If you have a working smartphone, you already have a functional gaming device in your hand. From casual games to kill time to increasingly impressive versions of console hits and online multiplayer games, the world of gaming is now at everyone’s fingertips.
