From the birth of the video game industry to the present day, video games have never been so demanding. From the introduction of extremely realistic graphics and highly complex game mechanics to online multiplayer, the limits of computers are pushed to the limit by new video games. At the same time, this race for perfection constantly puts PC hardware to the test. Indeed, gamers always want to stay at the cutting edge and enjoy fluidity and total immersion in their games. That's a high standard when you consider what it means for developers. What is the real impact of today's gaming needs on the hardware industry?
Increasingly realistic graphics
The most visible aspect of this evolution is the graphic quality of the games on offer. The latest advances in raytracing, 3D rendering and 4K textures are being exploited to the full by recent AAA titles. This has the immediate effect of generating heavy loads on GPUs. One of the aspects that really brings this realistic feel to games is ray tracing. This technology is like a magic wand used by designers to simulate light in the most realistic way possible.
However, using such technology inevitably requires some sacrifices in terms of graphics cards. Indeed, to achieve the desired effect, ray tracing places enormous demands on GPUs. To meet these expectations, gamers are obliged to buy the latest models for smoother gameplay. Models such as the NVIDIA RTX 4000 or AMD RX 7000 are ideal for such an experience.
The igaming industry also uses quality graphics to attract and retain customers, and even fights for cash games. For example, in a new online casino, the games offer an optimal experience and immersion, whether you're on mobile or PC.
The rise of the CPU
It's not just graphics cards that are in demand in modern gaming, but also multi-core processors that have to keep pace. These include titles in the open-world and artificial intelligence categories, such as Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. These games show that the role of the CPU has once again become central to the creation of a fluid experience, whether in a densely populated or simply complex environment.
Storage and RAM: a time when you want it all, and you want it now
Other aspects profoundly affected by innovations and other changes in the video game industry are RAM and storage. It's becoming virtually impossible to have less than 16 GB of RAM in a gamer's PC, and it's even common to come across titles requiring a minimum of 32 GB of RAM for a top-notch experience.
Certain types of storage systems are more recommended than others for tackling these new changes with peace of mind. These include NVMe SSDs. They are very fast and are recommended for fast loading of textures and open worlds without slowing down the system. As a result, loading times are much lower than we could have imagined a few years ago with mechanical disks.
An even more essential cooling system
The higher the performance, the hotter the equipment, even though the engraving finesse is constantly decreasing. The result is the need for ever more efficient cooling systems. These include cases with optimized airflow management, high-speed fans and AIO watercooling. All this is used to prevent the temperature of equipment from reaching critical thresholds, which could lower computer performance or even damage it.
Cloud gaming and multiplayer
Even online games and cloud gaming have fairly high requirements. To begin with, you need a smooth Internet connection for an uninterrupted gaming experience. Whether for streaming or online gaming, a stable, fast and low-latency fiber connection is essential. Gamers can also make use of dedicated tools such as GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud. If you're using a local network, make sure your router prioritizes gaming traffic to avoid packet loss and latency.
The ecological impact of such technological over-consumption
The environmental impact of innovations and new technologies can no longer be overlooked. With the rate at which components are renewed, we notice various impacts:
● Increased demand for rare materials;
● Increased energy consumption;
● An increase in electronic waste.
To remedy this situation, a number of initiatives have been launched. These include eco-responsible gaming and the reuse of emerging components.
