Tag: #gaming

What Does The Future Hold For Online Gaming?

The gaming industry has seen huge changes in the last couple of years. But don’t think that it’s going to stop there. As gaming technology becomes more and more advanced, the industry will continue to change and grow. This guide will examine what the future holds for the gaming industry.  

 

More Platforms will Support Cryptocurrency

 

Cryptocurrency isn’t a flash in the pan. According to most experts, it’s going to continue to grow and become more widely accepted. That trend is definitely going to have an effect on the gaming industry. Gaming and cryptocurrency go hand-in-hand, so it’s likely that more platforms will support cryptocurrency. That means you could need to buy into Bitcoin to play. 

 

Video Games in the Olympics

 

This one might seem like a long shot, but it’s not as crazy as it sounds. With e-sports become increasingly popular, it’s not that far-fetched to say that they might eventually be incorporated into the Olympics. 40 years ago, it would have seemed crazy to include BMXing in the Olympics, but now it’s widely accepted. 

 

More Online Mobile Gaming

 

Smartphones are only going to get more powerful and more popular. That means mobile gaming is going to continue to get bigger. However, the future of mobile online gaming isn’t going to be two-dimensional games that you could play on a console 20 years ago. Mobile gaming will become so impressive that it could rival console and PC gaming. 

 

People Betting on E-Sports

 

People have always placed bets on sports. It makes the game more exciting and gives neutral spectators something to watch for. Therefore, it stands to reason that as e-sports become more popular, more people will place bets on them. In many ways, this will be similar to traditional sports betting. Many of the rules will be the same, and traditional sports betting advice will still be applicable. 

 

More Focus on VR Gaming

 

VR hasn’t caught on like many people thought it would. Just like 3D TVs didn’t become as popular as expected, the technology just wasn’t ready for the market to react in a big way. However, that doesn’t mean VR is not going to make a comeback. When technology catches up with gaming, VR could become a huge part of online gaming. 

 

More Professional Gamers

 

Professional gamers have the best jobs in the world. They get paid a lot of money to sit and play games all day. There are multiple ways to get into professional gaming, including testing new games, creating online content about the games, and playing in e-sports competitions. This industry will continue to grow, and it could become easier to get into professional gaming. However, it’s never going to be easy, simply because of the demand. 

 

More Responsible Gaming 

 

Online gaming comes with its own set of dangers. From online predators to physical conditions from sitting for too long, there is plenty that can go wrong. The future is likely to hold a world where responsible gaming is pushed even harder. This can only be a good thing for the gaming community. 

 

Tech Review – Gamesir X2 Mobile Gaming Controller. #Gaming #Tech

I have checked out several game controllers over the years and this one is easily the best I have tried out to date, Yes it does resemble a Nintendo Switch but so what this works and looks great and makes gaming on mobile a joy. I am not a massive mobile gaming fan but with this it changes everything for me. It is simple to use and set up it is comfortable in the hand and makes gaming much easier than using on screen controls which I m not a huge fan of.

Designed to provide a full array of controls and minimise lag to maximise your gaming, the GameSir X2 uses a wired connection. Using an innovative, movable Type-C plug which has an adjustable range of up to 51° allowing you to plug and unplug your mobile phone with ease to protect it from damage, the GameSir X2 virtually eliminates delay input allowing you to stay in control of any gaming situation at all times.

gamesir X2 techbuzzireland

The GameSir X2 features a split design – on each side there is a single joysticks along with a set of 4 buttons. The control buttons come with a service life of up to 3 million pushes – you can be sure that your thumbs will get worn out before the GameSir X2 does! The simple design ensures that your phone is held securely thanks to the durable stretch design, and the well thought out features – such as the soft rubber grips and gap between the phone and X2 unit to ensure air circulation will make sure that you get the best gaming experience at all times.

The X2 supports Microsoft xCloud, Google Stadia, Vortex and so on.

Available from Amazon.co.uk for £69.99

Top 3 Things Every Gamer Could Not Live Without

Playing PC games is one of the most popular hobbies in many countries around the world. PC gamers are a different kind of gamer compared to people who play games on a console as they need more equipment to make it enjoyable. Visit the home of great gaming PCs to find more interesting items for computers.

Nearly all great games require fast computers with high-end graphics in addition to other upgrades and kits required to play games without any problems with lag, poor controls, or discomfort. 

There are several pieces of gaming kit that are commonly used, however here are three common things gamers must have.

 

 

1. Graphics Card 

An adequate graphics card is an essential upgrade for your computer if you want to play the latest games without experiencing a slow play rate, dodgy graphics, or lag. When looking for a graphics card it is worth shopping around and checking where to get the best budget graphics card whether it be from a computer hardware store on the high street or online. It is recommended that graphics cards should be at least 6GB and ideally more than 8GB for gaming at 1080p.

 

There are a few well-known brands of graphics cards on the market that you can easily fit into your gaming PC such as the  Nvidia GeForce and AMD Radeon ranges. Installing a quality graphics card will allow you to play games at a higher resolution which will ensure all the textures run correctly and smoothly. 

 

2. Gaming Headset

If you love playing multiplayer games then a gaming headset is a vital piece of kit that allows you to hear the in-game sound effects and communicate with teammates or enemies. 

 

A major consideration when choosing which gaming headset to get is sound quality, this probably means spending more than you would on in-ear headphones but the size and standard of speakers and wiring will provide an audio experience with clarity and depth. 

 

You should also consider the quality of the microphone so you can communicate easily with your fellow gamers, the worst-case scenario here is having sound problems such as irritating crackling, or popping. However, most mid to high-end gaming headsets have good quality microphones fitted as a standard such as the HyperX Cloud Revolver S and Razer Nari Ultimate brands. 

 

Finally, when checking out headsets for gaming you should test their comfort and see if the headband is adjustable and padded. It’s not uncommon for gamers to play for hours at a time, so it is essential to make your headset has adequate padding otherwise it could lead to issues like headaches. 

3. Gaming Chair 

It doesn’t take long to get immersed into a game and before you know it half the day or night has passed, and if you don’t have a comfortable gaming chair then you will probably end up with a few aches. 

 

Even though they cost quite a bit more than usual desk chairs, gaming chairs are crucial for a more comfortable gaming experience so it is well worth investing in a gaming chair that will give increased lumbar support, a curved backrest, and lots of upper back and neck support. It is also a good idea to check the adjustability of the gaming chair, in case you need to make it lower or fix it at an angle. If you are looking to avoid any gaming-related injuries and strains then a specifically designed chair for gaming is a must. 

 

Gaming is a hobby people are passionate about worldwide, although for it to be fully enjoyable you need to ensure you have some essential equipment including a good graphics card, headset, and gaming chair. 

The Four Best Smartwatch Games

Smartwatches are beginning to take off in a big way. Basically, a smartwatch is a wearable computer in the form of a wristwatch. It has a local touchscreen interface and can be used with associated apps. A smartwatch does much more than just tell the time, but there is a wide range of different types of smartwatches that vary in terms of design and functionality. With some smartwatches, you can even play games. While the range of games is still somewhat limited at present, gaming on smartphones looks set to become much more popular in the coming years, so you can expect to see a lot more games being launched. Right now, there are several smartwatch games that are great fun. Here are four of the best.

 Infinity Loop

 You can play various genres of games on smartwatches, from RPGs to text-based games. In the future, you may even be able to play online casino games on smartwatches. When it comes to puzzle games, Infinity Loop is one of the best. While the premise of Infinity Loop is simple, it is still difficult to master. Infinity Loop is one of the most popular smartwatch games available. More than ten million people have played the game, which involves creating intricate looping patterns. Connecting all the lines and corners to create perfect connections is a great way of increasing your logic skills, destressing, and clearing your mind. Infinity Loop is ideally suited to Android watches. Furthermore, it is free to play. However, if you manage to get past level 100, you will have to pay to keep playing. This simple puzzle game is deceptively engaging, and you can pause the game anytime without losing your progress.

Lifeline 2: Bloodline

Before high definition graphics and gorgeous animation dominated video games, text-based games were all the rage. Lifeline 2: Bloodline is the follow-up to the popular Lifeline RPG. It basically works like a choose your own adventure game. You guide a woman called Arika, who is on a quest to avenge her family. The story is both fascinating and complex, and with multiple routes to take at different points in the game, Lifeline 2: Bloodline is sure to keep you entertained for hours. It may only be a narrative text-based game without any flashy graphics, but in this modern-day and age of gaming, it is actually a real breath of fresh air.

Cupcake Dungeon

If you are looking for a super fun game that will cause you to have a smile on your face throughout, check out Cupcake Dungeon. You play the game as a cupcake superhero who is trying to save the land of Cupcakia from evil cakes, candies, and pastries. In this unique RPG, you get to kill angry strudels and attempt to defeat a doughnut with a stick. You can also collect treasure and upgrade weapons and power along the way. This fantastically humorous and whimsical game is available on Apple Watch and the iPhone.

Minecart Jumper

This Indiana Jones-like themed game is straight out of the arcade glory days of the 1980s. You play as a famous adventurer who is searching for an ancient Aztec artefact in an old abandoned mine. You suddenly find yourself surrounded by skeletons of previous explorers who did not make it. Then, you jump into a minecart and your rollercoaster of an adventure begins. You are sure to have lots of fun trying to jump over obstacles and hanging on to your hat as you rush down tunnels. For a smartwatch game, Minecart Jumper has beautiful graphics and a clean control system, making it one of the best smartwatch games on the market.

Growing competition between mobile industry leaders has led us to customer expectations of interoperability in personal devices. Mobile application development service providers strive to create applications that can provide a more engaging experience and be available on mobile devices and smartwatches. Games are not an exception, but it is also about workout apps, wellness trackers, and even communication programs.

Experience a world evolved with a much-anticipated sequel: Jurassic World Evolution 2 #Gaming #Tech

Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV) unveiled today Jurassic World Evolution 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the highly successful Jurassic World Evolution. Based on Universal Pictures’ blockbuster film franchise and created in collaboration with Universal Games and Digital Platforms, Jurassic World Evolution 2 builds upon the ground-breaking and beloved 2018 dinosaur park management simulation, offering players a thrilling front seat as they take charge of one of their own Jurassic World park. With a brand-new immersive narrative campaign voiced by cast members from across the Jurassic World film franchise, exciting new features, four engaging game modes, and an enhanced and expanded roster of dinosaurs, Jurassic World Evolution 2 provides fans with everything they need to create authentic and compelling Jurassic World experiences.

In Jurassic World Evolution 2, for the very first time, players will build their parks beyond the confines of the Muertes Archipelago. Each location brings new terrain and fresh challenges for players to contend with using deep, detailed management tools and creative options. Across this range of beautiful new biomes, including dense forests and scorched deserts, they’ll contain, conserve, and care for more than 75 prehistoric species, including all-new, highly requested flying and marine reptiles and returning community-favourite dinosaurs. These majestic prehistoric creatures feel more alive than ever, displaying brand new behaviours as they interact with each other, fight for dominance, and react intelligently to the world around them.

Boasting four fantastic game modes, players can experience a bold new era for the Jurassic World Evolution video game franchise. Set immediately after the Earth-shattering events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Campaign mode lets players immerse themselves in an original Jurassic World story as they lead efforts to control, conserve and contain dinosaurs alongside an iconic cast of characters from the films, including Dr. Ian Malcolm (voiced by Jeff Goldblum) and Claire Dearing (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard).

For those looking to unleash their creativity, Sandbox mode delivers everything players need to create their perfect Park, while Chaos Theory mode offers a re-imagined take on pivotal moments from the Jurassic World film franchise as players strive to make their own mark and change the course of events. Finally, for those that want to test their mastery of the game there is Challenge mode.

Jurassic World Evolution 2 will be launching in late 2021 on PC, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

5 Best Sports Games For Your Phone.

The mobile gaming industry experienced exponential growth over the last couple of years, and this trend will continue to move forward thanks to smartphones becoming more powerful. The mobile gaming industry is expected to reach $153 billion by 2027 and the post-Covid-19 period suggests that we are 11.5% over the analysis, so as of now, the sky is the limit.

Smartphones are becoming more powerful, which means that they can process complex games supporting the portable gaming trend. Nowadays, even some of the biggest gaming companies are trying to come up with a mobile alternative.

There are all kinds of games that you can play on your phone, from futuristic AR and VR games to first-person shooting games, battle royales, and sports games.

These mind-blowing statistics inspired us to take a closer look at what’s happening in the mobile gaming industry, and find some of the best sports games that you should play on your phone.

NBA 2K Mobile Basketball

Worried that you’d miss playing NBA 2K while you are away from home? – Well, stop worrying just because there is an NBA 2K mobile game that you can plan anywhere you go. 

Unlike most other games which don’t provide realistic graphics for mobile devices, NBA 2K has really impressive graphics that take mobile gaming to another level.

The only drawback is that when you put the players on auto, they play better than when you control them. With that said, it is still a really fun game to play and since its publisher is the original 2K sports company, it has all the licenses, players and teams included.

So, not only you can play with current players, but also with classic ones like one of the best shooting guards of all time Michael Jordan (click here to find TwinSpires’ full list of best shooting guards in NBA history).

Football Manager 2021 Mobile

With a rating of 4.8/5 on the App Store, it is one of the top-rated sports games, and there is a good reason for that. If you are not familiar with the Football Manager franchise, this is a game that enables you to become a manager of a successful team and compete in the big leagues.

Even though we are talking about a mobile game, it is still very advanced in terms of graphics and other features. The only drawback is the 2D simulation where you only see circles, instead of real 3D players playing.

With that said, it is still a fun game especially for all the football fanatics that think that they can do a better job of managing a team than some of the real managers. 

FIFA Football

Let’s get one thing clear right from the start. This isn’t the FIFA you are used to playing on your console, but it is still very similar and fun to play. FIFA mobile still has the addictive Ultimate Team system and really impressive graphics.

Make sure to plug your phone in a charger just because it can drain your battery very fast.

Madden NFL Mobile

Now we move from European football to American football, which is a whole different thing. If you love watching NFL then you’d probably want to download this incredibly realistic game from EA Sports.

Madden NFL is the best-selling franchise when it comes to American Football, and there is a good reason for that. This is not an exact replica of their console game just because the mobile version is more of an arcade-style game where you can easily burn 15-30 minutes when you are bored.

Table Tennis Touch

Table Tennis is one of the most fun games to play just because it is simple enough and comes with great physics that are getting closer to the real thing. The graphics of this game are beautifully rendered, and you can play at various locations just to spice things up.

In terms of pace, this game is incredibly fast. Few minutes into the game you’ll find yourself tensing up with barely having time to blink. It also comes with different modes such as career, club, national, and international.

Table tennis is a simple but very fun sport and Yakuto Ltd developers managed to capture that moment and bring it to our mobile devices.

Ways to Make Red Dead Redemption 2 More Enjoyable

While Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is a complete package in terms of high-quality graphics, immersive gameplay, and extensive character background, the gameplay can get a little boring and monotonous as you progress down the story-line. Moreover, following a linear path in the game can make it tedious and time-consuming to make progress. While there is no way to change the end result of the game and you do have to follow the missions as they become available, you can do a lot of things around the missions and story-line itself to make the game more enjoyable. While things such as personalised horses and weaponry are only possible if you have the funds to purchase these, having more money can help out in other areas of the game as well. Here are a few things you can do in and around RDR2 to make the game more than just a run-of-the-mill, mission-oriented game.

1.  Play With People

If you are getting bored of playing on your own and facing AI all the time, RDR2 online will come as a refreshing break. Whereas in the RDR2 console or PC variant you do have a family and a team to work with, these are all AI characters and you can’t really do anything with them that is outside of the storyline. In RDR2 online, you have the option to play solo and more importantly, you can create a gang with up to seven people. The RDR2 online community has tens of thousands of players every single day, it’s a great opportunity to make new connections or play in real-time with real-life friends.

There are a host of multiplayer game modes to choose from which can be very entertaining regardless of how many people you are playing with. Moreover, RDR2 online is now also available as a standalone platform, so if you aren’t into single-player gaming, you can purchase RDR2 online alone.

2.  Advanced Features

While you are probably aware of the slow-mo feature, the teleporting feature, and how you can get into some pretty amazing brawls with lawmen, you probably didn’t know that these features can be enhanced. Not only this, but you can modify a lot of other components of the game and your character which leads to epic game play. Whether you’re playing on console or on PC you can have a look at the guide here to learn how you can earn infinite health, how you can save positions on the map so you can teleport there quickly and how you can get infinite dead-eye and to make an awesome shootout sequence. There are a whole lot of other possibilities, you will definitely find something that suits your interest.

3.  $$$$$$

As you will soon come to notice, RDR2 is very similar to other Rockstar titles in terms of the character’s life and the things your character can do in the game. It is a complete life where you can customise nearly every aspect of the game, and just like in real life you need money to do those things. While the price of the game is only a fixed expense, keeping yourself alive and sustaining life as an outlaw requires a constant stream of income. Rather than relying on earnings from missions you have the option to pursue a number of side hustles. This includes robbing banks and trains, becoming a bounty hunter and capturing outlaws, looting bodies, and even locating hidden treasure. This is fun to do in between missions and a very useful activity that can help you afford the luxuries in RDR2.

4.  Hunting

While Red Dead Redemption was rather simple when it came to hunting, RDR2 offers a much more extensive hunting experience. You have an entire ecosystem of over 200 animals that you can hunt, and you can even go fishing. More than just being past time like in the original RDR, in RDR2 this requires a decent amount of skill and you can even make money from your hunting and fishing skills. This is a really underrated area of the game that every RDR2 fan should definitely have a go at.

 

As is iconic with every Rockstar title, RDR2 also offers an incredibly immersive experience. With updates constantly being added to the single-player version and the online version there is always something new to do. If you are looking for a game that has a modern take on a classic setting, RDR2 should be at the top of your list. With the online multiplayer version also available as a standalone purchase this is a fantastic option for both single-player fans and multiplayer enthusiasts.

Ergotron offers immersive viewing experience for office workers and gamers with new HX Desk Monitor Arm with HD Pivot. #Gaming #Ergotron #Office

Ergotron, a global company focused on improving how people work, learn, play and care for others, has today launched its HX Desk Monitor Arm with HD Pivot, a monitor arm designed specifically for deep, ultra-wide curved monitors, in the EMEA region. With more people working and gaming from home than ever, demand for monitor arms has increased exponentially, and the latest offering from Ergotron provides a fully immersive viewing experience.

Based on user feedback, Ergotron combined its popular HX Desk Monitor Arm with its HX Heavy-Duty Tilt Pivot accessory into one product specifically for large, curved monitors. Currently, this is one of the only monitor arms available for the premium Samsung® Odyssey G9 monitor—a 49” wide, 12” deep curved screen popular in the gaming community.

“For gamers and remote workers who prefer large, immersive monitors, enhancing their setup with a monitor arm is essential for optimal performance and viewing,” said Paul Zuidema, MD at Ergotron in EMEA. “The HX Monitor Arm with HD Pivot gives back valuable desk space and provides flexibility to adjust heavier displays with a deep curve. It brings a gaming or remote working setup to the next level.”

Ergotron desk monotor arm
Ergotron desk monitor arm

The solid, durable design allows users to easily tilt and move their screen while protecting the investment of a large, quality monitor. Without the addition of the HX Desk Monitor Arm with HD Pivot, the Samsung Odyssey G9 monitor can take up to three feet of valuable desk space—this addition enables users to reclaim their space and lift the screen above the desktop. A wide range of motion and easy adjustment allows for precise screen positioning throughout the workday or gaming session.

The HX Desk Monitor Arm with HD Pivot fits large monitors with a curve 6” to 12” (15.2 to 30.4 cm) deep and weighing 28 to 42 lbs (12.7 to 19.1 kg). To learn more click here.

4 Ways The Internet Has Greatly Changed The Gaming Console Industry

Gaming has been around for decades, providing entertainment for players of all ages. While some of us may have grown up in the SNES or Sega Mega Drive era, it can be hard to look back and understand how we could ever have played games with such poor graphics and gameplay. Back then, video games were single-player focused, and the idea of online gaming was the stuff of science fiction. These days, many of the big names in gaming are still around but they have changed beyond recognition with the rise of the Internet.

Header image designed by Compare the Market

To help you get a better idea of how far gaming has come, here are 4 ways that the Internet has greatly transformed the whole console industry.

1. Streaming and Communication Platforms

The internet has affiliated multiplayer gaming and interaction with players from all around the world and this has led to the enormous popularity of online platforms like Discord. These allow players to communicate using text-based chat rooms and direct messages and have even enabled popular gamers and streamers to monetize their play. Nontraditional gaming companies such as Facebook, Apple, and Google have even joined in to offer subscription streaming services without the need for a computer or gaming console. Most notably, Amazon’s Twitch has partnered with the big gaming companies to exclusively host worldwide gaming and esports events.

2. Gaming Media

Gaming magazines were all the rage once upon a time, but since the rise of the Internet, developers and console fans have moved on from print media. Instead, they have switched to online publications to cover all aspects of video games. Leading media outlets like IGN and Gamespot used to cover only gaming news and gear reviews, but now they have transformed into major online brands that offer all kinds of gaming and entertainment content.

 

3. Merchandising

Since gaming consoles are expensive to build, manufacturers have to rely on other income sources like intellectual property and merchandising to increase revenue. The Internet has opened up entirely new possibilities for these revenue streams with Hollywood looking to tap into the gaming market by creating movie adaptations. In recent years, we have seen many popular console games make their ways to the cinema screen, such as Need For Speed, Assassin’s Creed, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Resident Evil. 

4. Vintage Video Games

Nostalgia is powerful, and in recent years, we have witnessed countless remakes of old-school films and shows. New generations of gaming fans are falling in love with online vintage games via the internet like Doom, Diablo, and Blade Runner. This has even led to reboots of these vintage games being released. Many console companies have also seized upon this opportunity to release updated gaming console models – like Nintendo with their Classic Mini and Switch to support their classic video games.  

The gaming console industry has gone through its fair share of dramatic changes, with new technology, new controls, and new experiences being introduced at a rapid pace. Innovation has and always will be a key in video games, and with more players joining in and creating demand for more immersive entertainment, large tech companies will always take notice and look to update accordingly. Gaming has the special ability to bring people together, and with the involvement of the Internet, it is beginning to reach its full social and competitive potential.