Video gaming platforms go through trends and cycles. In the early 1980s, it took a while for video game consoles to establish market dominance over arcade machines. Once compact disc and DVD technology became part of desktop computing, game developers turned their attention to releasing elaborate PC titles; this started a Golden Age of PC gaming that lasted until about 2007, and during which time custom computer builds became popular.
PC Gaming vs. Console Gaming
Consoles have ruled the video gaming market for more than a decade, but this cycle seems to be coming to an end. PC gaming is once again on the rise, and this trend is being boosted by both virtual reality and the internet.
The Future of Computer Gaming
An interesting aspect of VR gaming is that it is bringing back full motion video, a game design trend that was very popular in the 1990s with titles such as Sewer Shark and Night Trap for the Sega CD console. Gamers too young to remember FMV, which essentially consists of filmed scenes performed by actors, are discovering this trend through special titles such as “Groundhog Day VR,” which is a sequel to the cult film starring Bill Murray. With “Groundhog Day VR,” viewers are transformed into game players who can control part of the story and determine the outcome of the movie.
