A history of computer games part three: 2000s - now

We live in the future. The future that was shown in classic now sci-fi movies, future that was only a strange fantasy to our grandparents. Well, we still don’t have flying cars and personal robots, but we have 3d movies, rover on Mars and computers that can be fitted into a pocket. However, what have changed in the game industry? What are the differences between 80’s, 90’s and now?

The main difference made the influence of the Internet. Apart from big, official news portals, many games have their own fan pages where one can find game related articles and tips. In many cases, they also offer mods – usually fan-made game modifications that introduce changes to already installed game. It can be small addition such as a new weapon, character or big as an entire new world. Game developers make creating mods easier by adding creation tools to original games and it often pays off with game popularity.

Another difference regarding the Internet is playing games itself. MMORPGs, like World of Warcraft, engage millions of players spending many hours in virtual worlds every day. People love to play with their friends, so no wonder that social portals like Facebook and MySpace offer their own games. Most of them are free to play, although, they tempt players to buy additional points or items. The most popular of them is FarmVille, which has over 70 million active users worldwide.

The first console that allowed players to play on-line was Dreamcast. Released in 1998 by SEGA, it was the first entry into the sixth generation of video game consoles. It was followed by Sony PlayStation2, which enabled not only playing new games but also old PS1 games and DVDs. One year later Nintendo released GameCube – their first disc-based console. In spite of generally positive comments it was criticised for its silly design and lacking the mature games.

In 2001, Microsoft entered the console market with the Xbox – device that used much PC technology. Microsoft sold Xbox console with quite a loss and at the same time scooping money from games. The most significant one, which decided about Xbox success, was Bungie Studio's Halo: Combat Evolved. It was the first of the series that became one of the most successful console shooters of all time. Another influential game released in 2001 was GTA III. It contributed to popularization of open world games where players could decide where they want to go. Also, mobile games become more and more popular since early 2000s.

The seventh generation started in 2004 with Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable handheld consoles. In 2005, Microsoft released Xbox 360 followed by Sony’s PlayStation 3 a year later. Both were characterized by great graphic, large hard disc-based secondary storage and Internet connection. Still, PlayStation was more expensive as it came with Wi-Fi and Blu-ray disc. Nintendo decided to go in different direction and released Wii – motion controlled console with lower-definition graphic. Although Wii was underestimated by hard-core gamers, it became the fastest selling console in most of the world's gaming markets.

It’s hard to guess how game industry is going to look in the next 10-20 years, but we can be sure that it’s going to be exciting.