The gaming industry is growing swiftly and at the same time, it is facing some struggles. The tools that make development faster and easier allow for more complex visuals and mechanics. The evolution has attracted more fans but there are some downsides. Games are becoming more expensive and need more storage space. Here are some of the reasons why gaming can be storage-intensive and heavy on the wallet.
Why do modern games take up so much storage space?
Studios are trying to make masterpieces and outdo one another. With better graphics and gameplay mechanics, modern games can be really large in size.
1. Massive game sizes
Many modern games feature entire worlds with intricate graphics and textures that demand plenty of data. It can cost more than $300 million to make a game like Call of Duty. This popular game is known for its big file sizes. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 came out recently and it takes up about 75 GB on PlayStation.
When we talk about the best games at present, skipping Steam games is difficult. With its vast library and outstanding features, Steam is a popular choice for gamers. Some of the top games that gamers enjoy include Dota, PUBG, Counter-Strike and Hollow Knight. However, not every game is compatible with Macs so you might need help to run Steam games on Mac. This guide here is the best if you plan to play any of the games from its library but are not able to run them properly. Fun should not end so quick help from a reliable source is important.
2. Textures
In video games textures are the visuals that wrap around shapes on the screen. For example, a texture that looks like bricks may wrap around a building. Gamers usually use high-res screens and the textures blur if the resolution isn’t high enough.
3. High resolution
With the increase in processing power, gamers are demanding more realistic-looking video games. Gamers usually play at 4K resolution. Thousands of high-resolution images are necessary to bring a game to life. This can take up a significant amount of storage space.
What about compression or mind mapping?
It can be difficult to compress high-resolution images without sacrificing quality. Game audio also takes up space and is also difficult to compress without a loss in quality.
MIP mind mapping can render far-away textures at a lower resolution. This can save GPU power but the problem is that it can actually increase file size. Multiple versions of the texture are saved alongside the original.
Why is gaming so expensive?
The gaming industry is full of profitable game publishers and popular game titles. It’s a powerful ecosystem that keeps growing. One of the trends in the gaming industry is for developers, especially those who use AI in games, to work for large tech companies that can offer them high compensation. Game publishers often have high overheads and it can take time to produce top-quality games. They have to charge enough for the games to make it worth their while.
Gaming hardware
Gaming hardware is a significant investment. Costs vary depending on the type of hardware and performance level.
- High-end gaming PCs and consoles. The best gaming PCs usually cost $1,500 and up.
- Peripherals are also costly. Keyboards, headsets, controllers, and a gaming mouse can push up overall costs.
- Upgrades to GPUs, CPUs, and cooling systems may be necessary for the latest games. The costs can range from budget-friendly to high-end options.
Cost of game software
The cost of individual games has risen steeply. Besides the cost of the game, players may purchase expansion packs or go for deluxe game editions.
AAA titles are known for their high production value and cost more than other games. A popular AAA title is Grand Theft Auto 5. This game for PlayStation costs about $39.99.
What is the most sold game in the world? The best-selling game of all time is Minecraft which has sold over 300 million copies. Fortnite generated more revenue in a single year than any other game in history in both 2018 and 2019.
Gamers always want to try out new games. A new video game coming out in early December this year is Delta Force. Shortly after this will be the release of Tomb Stalkers. Some of the video games coming out in 2024 can cost up to about $70. A $70 price point can put many people off buying new games.
Subscription services
Subscription services such as PlayStation Plus or cloud gaming platforms like NVIDIA GeForce offer access to game libraries. Gamers need to pay a recurring monthly or annual fee to access them. This can save money for some players but the costs can add up over time.
Micro-transactions and DLCs
Many games today include micro-transactions. Players will purchase in-game items or power-ups. Downloadable content (DLCs) and season passes can also increase the total costs of enjoying a game. What may start as a budget-friendly option can quickly become expensive with these costs mounting up.
The whole media landscape is changing and it is almost impossible to compare what a video game is worth today compared with games released in the 1990s. Studios and publishers point to their increased budgets and defend their price points. It can cost them a fortune to make and market a game. They will charge for this and it’s fine if their games create more rewarding experiences for gamers. If gamers have to wait for ages between series and pay a high price, they should at least benefit from a superior gaming experience.
A final word
Solutions such as external hard drives or larger SSDs can help with storage issues but they also add to the expenses. Games that are free to play can reduce costs but often come with compromises. Gamers are having a tricky time trying to balance their expenses and storage needs.