As a huge gamer who has been playing video games since the age of five, I’m a huge advocate for gaming as a worthwhile and entertaining hobby. What’s more, the current-gen consoles of PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii offer a wide range of experiences to suit a more diverse demographic than ever before. Games are, slowly but surely, taking over the world.

At one point in my lifetime, gaming was a niche hobby with a nerdy image that is still bestowed upon PC gamers and MMO (Massive Multiplayer Online) addicts such as those who play World of Warcraft. But consoles are now more than just accepted – they are entrenched in our culture, with the new President of the United States, Barack Obama, even owning and playing a Wii.

There’s overwhelming evidence to suggest gaming is set to continue its rise to the top for years to come, putting down other industries as it progresses. As Mike Griffith, boss of game studio, Activision recently stated at the Consumer Electronics Show, “Video games are poised to eclipse all other forms of entertainment in the decade ahead.”

According to BBC News, he pointed to evidence concerning declining sales of other forms of entertainment and set it against the ever-rising status of video gaming. Movie ticket sales are down, and have been heading that way for years; television viewing has has dropped despite more channels being available than ever; and everyone is well aware of how music sales have been falling consistently in recent years.

But in this time, 2003 – 2007, the video game industry has grown by a massive 40 percent. And with the success of the Nintendo Wii and DS in every territory around the world over the last couple of years, that pattern looks set to be repeated for the foreseeable future.

When looking to the future, it’s easy to see how gaming could gain even more ground on other forms of entertainment. Rhythm-action games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band have sold in huge numbers by providing a crossover platform for gaming and music. Players still get to listen to tunes but can also interact with them rather than relying on their non-existent air guitars.

There’s also the fact that home consoles are being built with more than just gaming in mind. The current-gen consoles are all capable of being connected to the Internet, and the PS3 and Xbox 360 offer intriguing possibilities for interacting with other people around the world. Playstation Home is a great example of how gaming is bringing people together.

If this trend to make consoles more like entertainment hubs continues then the next-gen entries could become the premier method for watching Web video, downloading new movies and music, and interacting with friends.

Video gaming may have had very humble beginnings, and be the youngest of the mainstream forms of entertainment (compared to music, movies, and television) but its star is now beginning to shine brighter than any of its rivals. Video gaming are taking over the world, and if you’re not already a part of it then you’re missing out.

Be sure to take a look at GAMER.BLORGE for all the latest news and views on the world of gaming.

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Entry was posted on Monday, January 12th, 2009 at 10:20 pm under Opinion, Technology.

Read more entries by Dave Parrack.
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