Video Games in the Future
A Gamer’s Plea

With video game technology advancing so fast and so far from where it started, one can’t help but to entertain the idea of where it’s going to go from here. After all, that is part of a larger creative process and we’d like to think that our writings contribute even in some small way. One of the earliest video games that we can remember is Commodore’s “Pong.” But never did we think the industry would have reached the point where it is today.  One thing is for sure however, and that’s the gaming is pushing full force ahead.

Today we did a little fantasizing to see where our imagination and desires would take us.
The following offers some suggestions of what could be done short of a little thing called, “impossible.”

We’re a little intrigued with the “Sun Game Glasses” idea. Wearing a pair of dark sunglasses and using the technology implemented by Nintendo’s “Wii” system, we could literally watch a game take place right before our eyes and then interact with it using a device that’s about the size of a pen. Since this isn’t exactly a new idea, we’re curious to watch what develops from University of South Australia’s ‘ARQuake’ project1 – a springboard for this kind of gaming to develop in the near future for sure.

Another cool idea we’d like to see erupt within the gaming industry is the ability to talk to the characters inside a game. Some games allow players to textually speak to game characters already, but we’d like to see this pushed a little further. We’d like to be able to orally interact with characters: ask questions, joke around, warn and speak to them as if we were speaking to another human being. And we’d like to hear these characters talk back! It’s the ultimate artificial intelligence opportunity and although it would probably be years before this technology would be available on a wide scale, we’re sure it would be a hit.

Will we ever get to the point where we can play inside a simulated environment the way the characters in Star Trek: The Next Generation could play? Virtual reality is getting close, but the reality of the simulation is gone the moment we put on the silly-looking goggles and gloves. In order for simulation of this sort to work, there has to be as little a barrier between gamers and the game as possible. We don’t what to just think we’re inside a game, we want to feel that we’re inside a game and to be honest, we don’t want to have to go somewhere outside our home to do so.

The television or computer screen will suffice for now, but in the future, we’re going to want to be surrounded with the elements that make gaming the wonder that it is today. We’re going to want to transform our dens or bedrooms into a virtual alien ship or simulated jungle. In short, we want a new world.

One possible obstacle to bringing this fantasy into our living rooms is public acceptance. Would the public be ready for such a high level of entertainment? And could the public handle it? Immediately following Nintendo’s Wii release, customers were ready to complain that they wanted their old controller back! So as with any new development, there will surely be unintended consequences and although we’re gung-ho for these types of advances, we also share concerns about the impact it would have on an audience that isn’t “virtually ready.”

As a result, we can certainly envision a few laws introduced that restricted the use of our fantasy gaming. We already have some laws that attempt the same now and in our opinion, that’s a good thing. The last thing we want to encounter in gaming is physical harm – especially when we’re trying to enjoy virtual entertainment!

If you find yourself playing video games day-in and day-out, you might be a prime candidate for establishing yourself as a gaming expert. All you need is a good knowledge of a wide range of games and gaming systems, and of course, a lot of patience. The rewards are phenomenal and in the end, you’ll be a better person for it.

So what is an expert anyway? Just what is it that qualifies anyone to be an expert on anything? Since there aren’t any colleges that offer degrees in this genre, we can qualify any gamer as an expert who has the qualities described above. So if you have the knowledge or ability to play a game skillfully – and you enjoy solving problems, you could probably claim the rights to an expert status.

Just be sure that you ensure your own growth in the gaming industry. Part of being an expert is admitting that there’s always more to learn and in the gaming industry, this should never be a hard thing to pull off. By exposing yourself to new games and new game systems, you can turn every opportunity to play with one into an opportunity to learn more than what you already know. In doing so, you’ll learn tons of new strategies and widen your resourcefulness as a point of help to others.

You could also make multiple efforts to collaborate with others involved with video games. Get off the game and get out into the public so that you can network and discuss your discoveries with others. Networking gives you the wonderful opportunities to share or swap secrets, teach others, and learn a little something new at the same time.  And the relationships that you build as a result are simply invaluable. There’s probably no other way you could gain access to little known gaming secrets than to network among the best gamers around.

If you’re completely dedicated toward becoming a gaming expert, consider taking some classes in game programming. Seek out and apprenticeship and find training programs that are offered in both your local area and the gaming industry as a whole. This is an excellent way to learn everything anyone would ever want to know about gaming, and its a good entrance into the gaming industry if you aren’t too crazy about making a commitment to a full time gaming career.

You could also subscribe to gaming magazines, participate in online discussion boards, or sign up for book clubs that focus on gaming material.

Take note that your status as a gaming expert may not always be appreciated. Strong criticisms – whether right or wrong – come with the glory of being perceived as the “answer to everything.” As an example, you may be rejected for an opportunity that you feel you’re perfect for, or you may experience the spew of a less-than-experienced heckler. The first rule of thumb is to not take rejection or spew personally. People may be jealous of your position, or they may want to test you just to see how much you really do (or don’t) know. The reasons behind these reactions to your assistance don’t really matter as long as you’re confident about the quality and value behind your help. A true expert looks past these things and they constantly look for ways to improve themselves.