The world of video games has significantly evolved since the launch of the first console, the Magnavax Odyssey, released in the seventies.
Now, the sector is a multi-billion-dollar industry where game development skills are in great demand and games programming careers can be both viable and lucrative. This is due to the stature games now have in popular culture and the impact they have on different aspects of our society.
From fostering innovation and technological excellence to supporting education, even social inclusion, alongside their economic contribution, video games are impossible to ignore.
It’s why SAE offers a range of game development degrees to support talent on their journeys into the sector and fueling any ambitions to launch games programming careers. According to industry stats, there are an estimated 3.32 billion active video gamers worldwide. This number has risen by well over 1 billion in just eight years while the video game market is worth an estimated $282bn (£217bn).
In our blog, we’ll explore how gaming has impacted our world, the opportunities it creates and how it provides many gamers with the chance to communicate, talk and connect with other like-minded people, all around the world.
If you want to join a game development degree to hone your game development skills or discover the best ways to launch a games programming career, then contact our team at SAE to learn more about the courses we offer.
The gaming evolution
It was during the seventies and eighties that gaming began to become part of everyday life with the popularity of arcade games such as Donkey Kong and Space Invaders.
Home consoles including the Commodore 64 and Spectrum ZX came next during the nineties, then more sophisticated iterations such as the Super Nintendo and Sega Master System. The arrival of PC gaming followed with popular titles such as Doom. Mobile gaming is now ubiquitous with games such as Angry Birds and Candy Crush among the most popular. This constant evolution shows how the video games sector is always changing – and as such, so are the game programming skills needed to work within it. For example, new technologies such as AI and VR are already shaping the future of how we play.
Challenges and Concerns
While the industry has evolved, concerns have been raised and put to the sector with particular issues arising.
Some, including excessive gaming, the depiction of gratuitous violence in certain games and online harassment between players, have led to debate and discussion about the pros and cons of gaming. Achieving a balance between the benefits and resolving the drawbacks is an ongoing challenge – but cannot be ignored as technology continues to become more sophisticated. Arguably, there are more opportunities than issues, particularly for those looking to enhance their game programming skills and enjoy games programming careers.
Here, we’ll explore the positive impact gaming has on society. From enhanced problem solving skills to creating strong friendships, we’ll see that there are many potential benefits.
Enhanced innovation and technology
The technology behind video games such as software and graphics has led to rapid advancements which has impacted other industries and sectors.
For many working in game development, the pursuit of a better user-experience through audio, gameplay and immersive experiences has pushed the limit of computer tech and innovation.
When it comes to VR or motion capture, these enhanced technologies have also been applied in other industries, including engineering and architecture. This illustrates how game programming skills can be transferable between different sectors and the importance of game programming degrees to equip aspiring professionals with the necessary tools to work in this world.
Community and social circle
Many video game players cite the community aspect of the gaming world as a positive. Indeed, multiplayer games can help players form friendships and join groups and networks that transcend geographical and cultural borders. There is a sense of belonging that attracts many to the gaming world that helps players develop particular social skills including the abilities to communicate and collaborate effectively.
Edge Hill University and University of York researchers alongside Kowert studied more than 700 players of multiplayer online games (MMOs).
According to the researchers, the sample ranged from gamers who played as little as one hour per week to those who played 30 or more. The team discovered how MMO engagement correlated to a stronger sense of social identity. This was reflected in greater social skills, lower loneliness and higher self-esteem among the respondents.
Entertainment
Ultimately, video games are a very popular mode of entertainment. If escapism is what you’re searching for, then the immersive worlds of video games are perfect to indulge in, where users can remove themselves from the stresses and worries of their daily lives and routine.
Many different forms of games are available – from flight simulators to puzzles via fantastical worlds and science fiction adventures, there are all kinds of adventures to be had. The sense of escapism these create is a huge part of why so many players love going deep into a game.
Education
Alongside the entertainment value, there’s also an educational role too. Certain video games are designed purely to share knowledge and can help students learn a huge range of subjects including history, science and medicine among others. They often take the form of interactive learning, a format many students respond positively to.
Alongside studies, there are other benefits surrounding intellect and emotional intelligence. A recent report in the US of 2,000 kids found that those who game for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and memory.
Safe place for social interaction
Games can also be a way to enhance accessibility and provide a platform for those with disabilities to feel included.
In 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (aka, NICE) recommended four digital mental health cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tools to support children with anxiety.
Children in Need has funded various projects across the UK that use gaming to support young people through various challenges that they may be facing.
The Community Court Yard in Northampton launched its Game Against Gangs project to encourage young people to come off the streets and enjoy their gaming hub. In Teeside, Matrix Neurological uses gaming to support children with acquired brain injuries.
Enhanced health and wellbeing
There are different perspectives on the value of video games to health and wellbeing. Some critics claim that playing them can lead to obsessive behaviour where players prefer to spend time online rather than forming other connections or friendships.
However, other video games have been developed to promote positive mental health and exercise. Some VR experiences offer an immersive experience for players where they have to be physically active.
A recent report conducted by the Entertainment Software Association found that video games reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and isolation among users. Over 40 percent of gamers said that gaming improves their emotional well-being, according to a 2018 Qutee poll.
Cultural impact
The impact of games on our cultural language – so the way we dress and music we listen to – has been huge.
Their influence stretches into every facet of our world and certain characters from video games are almost iconic in the way they are perceived. For example, Marion Donkey Kong and Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft are known by everyone and considered important cultural figures.
The music of video games is now revered and a field pursued by many of the biggest talents in composition.
Esteemed film composer Hans Zimmer has worked on music for several video games, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Crysis 2, and Call of Duty: Mobile. He will also be performing a concert featuring video game music at the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona in 2025.
Economic benefits
The gaming industry has become a multi-billion dollar industry, with games like Grand Theft Auto Vand Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 raising billions in sales.
As a result, the sector has also created many games programming careers. – The studios behind these creations are always looking for new talent – which is why perfecting your game development skills with a game development degree can be a great way of entering the industry.
Study Game Design and Development at SAE
From Game Programming to Game Development and Design, we offer a variety of game development degrees for aspiring industry professionals and creatives.
Find out more about our Games degrees and contact our team for more information.
