For just over half a century, playing video games has become increasingly popular with each passing decade.
Our perceptions have also changed and evolved, given that gaming is now considered to be a mainstream pastime, largely thanks to technological advances providing easier access than ever before.
Since the release of Computer Space in 1971, which is recognised as being the first commercial arcade game, phenomenal advancements have been made over the years, leading to the digital golden age we now enjoy. Never before have we enjoyed such an incredible choice of gaming options, from the comfort of our own homes using desktop PC and console platforms, to the latest mobile devices that allow us to play games from practically any location.
The rise of high-speed internet connections has clearly helped, along with constant improvements in mobile device capabilities and connectivity, meaning that people in remote places like the outback of Australia can even access games downloads. But for those who tire of what is now considered mainstream or trendy, there are also plenty of intriguing alternatives.
Exploring new realms of risk and reward
By definition, the act of gambling obviously involves elements of risk and reward, based around wagering on possible outcomes. Participation in this activity dates back to the earliest civilisations, and has remained present throughout the entirety of human history.
Now there’s a digital term to encompass what remains a popular pastime, with iGaming used to reference gambling activities that can range from sports betting to playing online casino games.
Since the mid-1990s, the iGaming sector has run parallel to the mainstream games industry, each influencing the other in terms of creativity and innovation.
Classic table games like poker and roulette are popular, while video slots have also evolved, known as pokies in Australia and now featuring all manner of themes. Multiple platforms are covered too, including desktop and mobile devices.
But given that playing with real money is involved, industry experts at CasinoAus recommend getting plenty of reviews, recommending only trustworthy and legitimate casino sites offering a broad variety of games.
Furthermore, the top Aussie sites only deploy top quality casino gaming software, produced by recognised brands like Konami, who many will already know for their successful contributions to the mainstream video games industry.
Taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane
Whenever looking through games review sites these days, the quality and resolution of graphics often seems to be a priority consideration, as eye-popping visuals take priority above and beyond whether gameplay is actually any good or not.
For those of us old enough to remember previous eras of gaming, limited and pixellated graphics were mostly a secondary consideration, while gameplay that engaged and entertained was the priority.
As technologies and new trends continue to advance at such a lightning pace, gaming systems and platform we loved in the past can become obsolete within just a few years. But for those of us hankering for a trip down memory lane, thankfully, there are nostalgic alternatives available.
Indeed, the retro vibe is alive and well, given that sites like FantasyAnime list the full gamut of video games emulators, affording us the opportunity to play great old games on modern systems.
This allows us to unlock classic titles from the PlayStation 1 era, for example, with emulators available for Windows and Mac, Android, and even other modern devices using iOS, OSX and many more.
What’s more, there are emulators that can take us back further in time, bringing us thousands of game on old home computers like the Spectrum or Commodore. What’s more, most of the current emulators and game catalogues are free to download.
Something completely different?
No matter where you reside, be it Australia or Argentina, Zambia or Zimbabwe, there are gaming options to suit every preference and pocket.
When it comes to finding something a little different compared to the mainstream, digging online can actually provide us with plenty of intriguing and fascinating results. Variety is the spice of life, and that also applies to exploring the diversity of video games culture.
