Only a decade ago we were all enjoying the simple pixel graphics and poorly animated visuals of PC games. This was back in a time where things such as DirectX were new technologies- and operating systems had little support for video games. It’s ironic to see that today you’ll be hard pressed to find any kind of PC without some type of game on it.

As we progress to newer technologies in virtual reality, perceptual realism, and bridge the gap to reality in video games- we can’t help but look back at the landmarks along the way that got us where we are today.

Peripherals In Relation to PC Games

PC games have been using peripherals for quite some time. They seek to make a better experience for PC gamers by making a realistic experience. A PC gamer may, for instance, choose to use a steering wheel or joystick to simulate driving a car or flying an airplance.

But the most common PC game peripherals are gamepads- surely not the most advanced, but the most common. Gamepads are popular for making the playing experience easier- not necessarily more lifelike. A first person shooter player may, for instance, use a gamepad to use “hot keys” to do certain commands- such as talking to teammates or changing weapons.

PC Games and Graphical Landmarks

If you compare a PC game from the past to one of today, you’ll notice a large difference. Whereas pixel graphics were popular in the past, 3D graphics are much more popular today. Where 2D graphics are still used, a new kind of graphics called 2.5D graphics are used that combine the two for a compromised result.

In this day and age, it’s hard to find games that are successful and still make use of 2D graphics. Given, there are exceptions, but the norm is that 3D games have taken over. 3D graphics give PC gamers a more real experience, so PC game developers are shifting towards both 3D and virtual reality markets.

The PC Game Takeover Of Society

Each month, there is an estimated 5-6 million users playing World of Warcraft. That is a pretty stunning number, and indeed could account for an entire city of people- or cities! This just goes to show that society is addicted to PC games- and it isn’t something that is going to change any time soon.

PC games have become a part of most of who we are- the only thing left to do is to ponder what they could be like in the future!

The Future of PC Games

Products are now being tested that can actually react to patterns in brain activity- meaning you could one day control items in a video game from thought alone. Foundations of virtual reality in PC games such as this are already being created.

Even more interesting is the fact that holographic technology is emerging. Soon we will be able to interact with beams of light that makeup “fake” objects. This technology is decades away from being perfected, but it is truly exciting to say the least. Perhaps in several more decades, PC games will be a completely real experience!