Based on the predictions of futurists, it seems we’re in for an exciting gaming environment just 50 years from now.
Here are some predictions for what’s going to change in gaming in the future.
Bear in mind that there are just predictions. After all, sci-fi movies predicted we would be living on the moon and travelling in hover jets by 2011.
1. Augmented Reality (AR)
AR is a technology that we are only beginning to toy with today. The technology of viewing and manipulating a virtual reality through a camera and a screen is still in its developmental phases. Games like EyePet and the Nintendo 3DS’ AR Games are putting their toes in and testing the waters.
But a full-fledged landscape based on AR is held back by limitations in connectivity, processing power and scope. Without some sort of high-speed wireless Internet, we will always be tethered to yesterday’s technological capabilities.
This most likely will not be the case 50 years from now.
With the progress in 4G broadband networks, we will soon be able to use retinal displays or transparent gaming tablets to overlay virtual elements onto real-life landscapes.
In 50 years time, imagine seeing hordes of zombies walk down the streets of your neighbourhood. Now, that’s exciting.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has always been a nuisance for gamers. Programmers are the best they have ever been. Yet, we still see AI teammates being stuck behind pillars unable to walk around them.
With amplified processing power and extremely fast processing, we could see self-teaching and adapting AI in 50 years time.
This would add a dimension and difficulty to gaming like never before – enemies that continually learn based on player actions within the game.
In the future, AI buddies would be indistinguishable from any other real player. They would be able to hold relevant conversations with you, adjusting their small talk to how you're progressing in the game.
On top of that, Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) may actually be able to establishing real-world understandings of you, based on your gaming and lifestyle habits. Your preferences let AI make certain assumptions about your personality and adjust itself accordingly.
How scarily real would the game be insider knowledge about the player?
3. Input Devices
In the last 10 years, we’ve seen how new control methods and input devices have changed gaming. Nintendo’s Wii, Xbox’s Kinect and even Apple’s IPhone and IPads have redefined gameplay.
What more in 50 years time?
In the future, we can see even more innovative input devices. Devices that is responsive and effortless.
Touch surface gaming will take over. Screens will react to our fingertips and hands, not unlike Tom Cruise in Minority Report.
We’ve seen early takes on haptic control inputs in Novint’s Falcon. This technology is still being fine-tuned and soon, we can feel actual physical resistance at our finger’s touch.
Now imagine this technology together with clever AI and an AR landscape.
Mind blown.
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