The landscape of gaming is rapidly evolving, with online platforms and mobile devices poised to dominate the future. Flash games, social games, and MMOs are already significant players in the industry, and tech giants like Google and Facebook are gearing up for a showdown in the gaming arena. Google is reportedly developing "Google Me," a social network centered around web games, aiming to challenge Facebook's dominance in the social web space.
The future of gaming is not confined to traditional consoles. In a few years, exclusive console games may become a thing of the past. Online gaming companies are increasingly focusing on developing multi-platform products. This trend is also evident in the online casino and gambling industry, where developers are creating games that can be played on various devices, from PCs to smartphones.
Flash technology has been instrumental in making games accessible across different devices. Leading gambling platforms like Playtech and Microgaming offer their games both as downloadable software and as browser-based Flash games. This flexibility allows players to enjoy their favorite games on almost any device.
However, developers have faced challenges with Apple devices, as iPhones and iPads do not support Flash. Additionally, Apple has a stringent policy against online gambling, resulting in the absence of casino apps on its platform. Despite these hurdles, the future looks promising for legal internet casinos, supported by reputable software houses and platforms.
This fall, the market will see the introduction of Android tablets and a new gadget that has generated significant buzz: the PlayStation Phone. This entertainment-oriented smartphone will support Flash and run top-tier video games. Set to be released in October, the PlayStation Phone will be based on Android 3.0 Gingerbread and will feature a dedicated section in the Android Market for online games.
The future of gaming is undeniably online and multi-platform. With the advent of Android tablets and the PlayStation Phone, players will have more options than ever to enjoy their favorite games on the go. As technology continues to advance, the lines between different gaming platforms will blur, creating a seamless and immersive gaming experience for all.
For more insights into the evolving gaming landscape, check out Newzoo's Global Games Market Report and Statista's Mobile Operating System Market Share.