Discussing computer game graphics and their evolution might feel as if you’re examining a blur when considering that the speed of improvement is roughly 40-50 years, going as far back as computer chess to the incredibly futuristic, upcoming Oculus.
Looking back longingly at arcade rooms filled with classics like Space Invader, Tetris and Pac Man, and even the relic Pong, always brings up a feeling of nostalgia in any gamer. Looking back, we also get a feeling of mixed awe and puzzlement as to how gaming graphics have evolved so much that yesteryear’s graphics seem like visions of prehistory, and frankly questioning how we managed to stare for hours on end looking at two yellow boxes moving around the screen.
Game producers have always been pushing the boundaries of graphics in which they present their games. They only seem to be held back by the gaming hardware and its current processing power. As soon as a new medium for storage is developed that is able to store the demanding code that advanced graphics require, games with improved graphics are always hot on its heels, for example, the leap from gaming cartridges to CD-ROMs, eventually to the computer hard drive and streaming of game content via online gaming. As long as there keep being advances in hardware capability, only the sky is the limit when it comes to graphic depth and power.
From the time of Space Invaders, game designers have always explored their current dimension until there is no new innovative feature to be found. Evolutions in graphics moved from 16 color to 256 colors to using digitized sprites based on actors, as capitalized by the Mortal Kombat Franchise, that gave the actual illusion of 3D graphics, until there was literally no more room to grow. Although the concept of 3D games was in existence, it was still in its infancy and was paling compared to the highly polished state of its 2D counterpart. With the arrival of Doom and Wolfenstein, the bar was suddenly set up much higher in graphic capabilities and soon, developers started focusing more in this dimension of graphics. At first, most game franchises were finding it difficult to transition to the 3D format and perhaps the most successful and the most memorable titles were Grand Theft Auto and Metal Gear.
Metal Gear had already set the standard high both in game play and storytelling with its 2D top-down view debut. Its gem of Metal Gear Solid blew every one away with its solid story told via polished cut scenes and by making full use of the 3D environment with different camera angle views that allowed players to see the whole detail of the environment. GTA also made a solid land in 3D. However the most remarkable benchmarks in graphics was the sand box element. When you have the liberties to design every aspect of your world as an explorable element was like weaving a dream for game designers. Soon the graphics became more and more polished as graphic cards technologies increased exponentially, to the point of making the gamer feel as if he is interacting in a movie, as in game graphics and cut scenes are becoming more seamless without loss of the quality that we are now used to. This is best displayed in the Final Fantasy franchise. Final Fantasy have always managed to suck the player right into the story, mostly done by alternating between game play and cut scenes, almost making the player unsure if the cut scene has ended and game play resumed.
Graphics are not restricted to environments as the characters are also constantly developing from pixilated sprites to avatars that mimic actual people, with facial details and emotions bordering the point of surreal. A great example to use this technology is found in games like LA Noire, where playing as a cop, the key is to read the body language and facial expressions of the characters that you are interrogating. This type of interaction is boundless, serving both to help the player actually integrate and immerse within the universe of the game and to open up doors to other aspects of gaming.
The obvious game that comes to mind when breaching is this barrier is online poker and its counterpart of real life poker. The biggest difference between online and real is the ability to read your opponent’s body language. Looking back to my previous example in LA Noire, sitting at home playing online poker with the actually feel of being in a real casino surrounded by actual players will soon be a reality.
Games these days are big money-spinners; not just from the purchase price, but also add-ons, adverts and merchandise. Many games now utilize a model where ‘real’ money can be spent during the game. As a result, online gamers expect top quality, exciting graphics regardless of platform or genre. Online casinos and gambling firms have had to adapt to this and offer realistic or 3D experiences to attract and retain customers. Large installer files are out, and ‘in’ are money games played in Flash from the browser or other devices instead.
Another bold leap in gaming graphics was done by Nintendo with the presentation of the Nintendo 3DS using glasses free 3D technology, offering the gamer experiences that one can have while watching 3D movie on the go
Games are now moving to actual 4D format, leaping the boundaries of the screen through 3D technology to present the player with a heightened sense of perception as enemies lunge at you from the screen. This is best presented in arcade games with specialized controllers and 3D glasses that greatly enhance your experience as part of the game, like Dark Escape 4D.
With the advent of the Oculus Rift on the horizon, I can only speculate as to what level of graphic immersion we can expect. The Oculus will pit the player into the actual environment, making players feel as if they were in the actual location presented in the game. Imagine it as if you are in the matrix because graphically, that’s where you will be. Exploration, storytelling and even combat while be on an entire different level and as for looking ahead, frankly, I don’t see the end of this technology tunnel that we are going trough. Imagine walking through Vice City as if you actually there. Or Super Mario World, or Westeros, or the Death Star. Or wherever.
The next step beyond this? Holograph technology is moving along pretty well to offer us the next generation, after (or even during) we have completely explored that will be offered by the Oculus technology. Maybe then we can look forward to interacting in the Matrix in all in aspects. I for one, welcome our new gaming overlords.
Credits:
Image 1: http://blogs.cornell.edu/cipafellowmichaelhutson/2013/09/04/thingsyouprobablyalreadyknew-use-a-map/pacman1/
Image 2: http://geekti.me/wp/2012/10/i-feel-asleep-metal-gear-mondays/, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MGS_screen_psx.jpg
Image 3: http://electronicalparade.com/2013/01/11/not-as-panicked-as-a-deer-thoughts-on-dark-escape-3d/
Image 4: http://wonderfulengineering.com/heres-why-facebook-bought-oculus-rift-for-2-billion-dollars/
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