While you may be thrilled to witness your favorite superhero in the latest Avengers film, it's worth noting that a significant form of entertainment is frequently overlooked - Video Games! This type of entertainment has become increasingly popular, particularly among adults.

In countries such as the US, UK, and India, a large portion of video games are purchased and played by adults. The revenue generated by some of the biggest video game franchises is often greater than what many Hollywood films can attain. These games are developed by multinational corporations that employ a vast number of individuals from all over the world. It's no longer accurate to characterize gaming as a pastime only for children.

Titles like 'The Last of Us' and 'Bioshock' have presented engaging and impactful storylines that are seldom found in films these days. These games have elicited strong emotional reactions from millions of players, myself included, by delivering thought-provoking narratives. It's high time that we break away from viewing video games as just child's play and acknowledge their true potential as a potent form of entertainment.

Like literature, film, and television, gaming also stems from the commercialized art in our culture. Similarly to movies, the quality of games can vary greatly. Some games leave us with memories that endure for a lifetime, while others, like the "Divergent" series, fade into oblivion. Games come in various forms, from casual and interactive, such as the "Uncharted" series, to thrilling and horror-filled experiences like "Silent Hill." There are games that require hours of play, like those that last 40 hours, and others that can be easily picked up and played for a few minutes on your smartphone. It's a dynamic and captivating virtual world that has the power to greatly impact our lives.

Consider this statistic that may sway your perspective in agreement with mine. The Global Games Market Report indicates that in 2016, the video game industry worldwide generated an impressive revenue of $99.6 billion. When compared to the movie industry, Hollywood only made $36 billion in 2016, a figure that pales in comparison to the massive revenue generated by the gaming industry. The revenue generated by Bollywood is even lower, reinforcing my next point...

It's high time we shift our perception of video games from merely being child's play to acknowledging their immense potential as a significant form of entertainment.

Virtual and Augmented Reality are Paving the Way for the Future.

Contrary to popular belief, Virtual Reality (VR) is not a recent innovation developed by tech giants like Samsung, Google, and Facebook. In fact, its roots can be traced back to the 1980s and its development has been closely tied to the evolution of video games. Atari was one of the first companies to recognize its potential, and today, the technology has finally come to fruition thanks to decades of research and development. The recent popularity of VR can be attributed to companies like Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR, which have brought credibility to VR gaming. Without these companies, it is unlikely that tech companies like Google and HTC would have invested heavily in Virtual Reality. Today, VR is no longer just a novelty but a legitimate form of gaming and entertainment when paired with a computer or console like the PlayStation 4.

Despite being in its early stages, Virtual Reality holds immense potential as a new form of entertainment. The combination of VR and Augmented Reality will revolutionize the way content is consumed, making it more immersive and interactive. Users will have the ability to shape the story or be actively involved in the narrative. The success of "Pokémon Go" highlights the impact that Augmented Reality can have, as it encouraged players to engage with the real world. This exemplifies the potential of AR technology and its impact on the gaming experience.

I was able to play "Pokémon Go" while exploring my surroundings and catching my favorite Pokémon characters, which was previously limited to just watching on TV. It was an entirely new experience for me.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it's becoming increasingly clear that virtual and augmented reality will play a significant role in shaping the future of media consumption. Major players like Apple have already invested heavily in AR technology, and others are likely to follow suit. This shift represents a huge opportunity for game developers and media producers to create new and immersive experiences for audiences.

Imagine solving a murder mystery in a virtual reality headset, or commanding the USS Enterprise as Captain Kirk in a VR Star Trek game. These scenarios are already becoming a reality, and they offer a glimpse into the limitless potential of virtual and augmented reality in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

Video games have come a long way since their inception and they're now being recognized as a powerful form of entertainment. With the rise of thought-provoking games that tackle real-world issues and feature strong female characters, it's clear that the gaming industry is at the forefront of cultural change. Games like Horizon: Zero Dawn are proof that negative stereotypes are no longer acceptable and that women can be depicted as powerful, capable heroes.

It's difficult to predict exactly when or if games will become the dominant form of entertainment, but it's clear that they will play a significant role in shaping the future of media consumption. The rapid advancement of technology in recent years has already brought us closer to a world where we can live out our wildest imaginations, and the next 10-15 years will be a critical time for the gaming industry as it continues to mature and evolve.