Take a moment to think about the last time you played a game with the help of an Internet connection. Perhaps you used such an option to pass the time while stuck in traffic. You might have become an avid fan of fantasy football or you could instead enjoy relaxing with a few rounds of virtual bingo. If so, you are certainly not alone. Nearly every Canadian plays at least a handful of online games each and every week. What are some of the reasons why this industry is experiencing such massive growth? What are some of the psychological factors which allow virtual gaming to be so popular and what might the not-so-distant future have in store? Let's make it a point to examine each of these interesting questions.
Why Online Gaming and Why Now?
Of course, the most obvious answer to this question involves convenience. Why head out to a local bingo hall if you can enjoy the very same sense of excitement from the comfort of your own home? Would it make sense to drive to a casino miles away in the snow if you could instead access sites such as Comeon Canada with the click of a button? Canadians have become accustomed to a comfortable lifestyle and the online gaming sector certainly aims to please.
Another important factor involves how far technology has progressed in recent times. Thanks to the nearly universal presence of smartphones, these very same games can be accessed while away from the home or the office. Many are able to be downloaded and played offline; another added bonus that tends to breed a greater degree of customer loyalty. Now that we are beginning to see the introduction of 5G wireless connectivity throughout Canada, it only stands to reason that the benefits mentioned above will become even more pronounced in the coming years.
Challenging Times
It would be a bit foolish to mention these modern times without briefly highlighting the toll that COVID-19 has taken upon Canada. While this illness will not last forever, it has already caused some interesting changes. For instance, people are now more reliant upon the Internet than ever before. They can purchase goods, order food and chat with others without being forced to leave their homes. In terms of online gaming, the popularity of these platforms should only rise as a result. So, it appears that even the darkest of clouds might still have a silver lining.
From virtual casino platforms to first-person shooting games and everything in between, there is no doubt that we have come a long way since the days of Nintendo and SEGA. However, we are only witnessing the beginning of what can rightfully be called a digital revolution. What does the future have in store? Might we see a day come when the majority of our lives will be spent within the digital ether of the Internet? Although nothing is for certain, it is logical to assume that the online gaming community is not going anywhere.
