The iGaming industry is set to reach a whopping volume of over $50 billion in 2018, compared to $20 billion in 2009. That’s an impressive increase in a short space of time. One of the main contributing factors to the industry’s success is the fact that gaming technology is becoming more advanced and providing a better experience for users. For those that love all things iGaming, we take a look at which current gadgets would help make your experience more immersive and enjoyable.
Mobile
Different players have varying preferences over which platform they prefer to play on but mobile has recently usurped desktop as the number one method. In fact, over 50% of all internet use is now on mobile. For those that like to game on the move, there are plenty of cutting-edge smartphone options available. The greatest on the market right now is quite possibly the new Samsung Galaxy S8. It features an AMOLED display that is capable of scaling up to QHD+ resolution. That results in a 2960 x 1440 pixel resolution, which means the picture is crisper and clearer than ever.
Modern games, including the latest mobile apps and online slot machines, look particularly good when displayed on graphics hardware such as these. Take games like Super Mario Run and Tomb Raider Go, for instance, which is visually stunning on the high-resolution screen. The Jurassic Park slot at the 32Red Casino is another prime example.
The 5×3-reel game with 243 ways to win uses parallax scrolling effects, as well as high-resolution iconography from the influential movie series, and these can be enjoyed to their full extent on devices with exceptional processing power and pixel resolution. 32Red houses other Microgaming slots as well, which are well known to be up to date with modern graphics. In addition to these, Modern Combat is perhaps the standout title in terms of exceptional graphics and has been compared to console games.
Desktop
Although most iGaming providers, including Casino Cruise and Roxy Palace, now offer mobile apps, some players prefer to play on the larger computer screen. The computer processing power is also required for much more advanced games like Bioshock Infinite and Dishonored.
For those looking for a desktop, purchasing one which is VR-ready could be a wise move in the current climate, as a lot of iGaming and other top games developers are now seeking to create games for the new format. Microgaming’s rivals NetEnt recently produced Jack’s World, a VR experience which uses the Jack and the Beanstalk slot game as a foundation, and MMORPGs like World of Warcraft will soon be in VR as well.
VR games require seven times the processing power of normal 3D games, and the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive both have a 2160 x 1200 screen. Therefore, if your PC has a graphics card that can’t deliver two high-resolution images to both eyes at 90 frames per second, you won’t get the proper VR experience.
For those wanting to use VR in the future, you will need to make sure your computer has a Nvidia GTX 970/ AMD Radeon R9 290 Graphics card, an HDMI 1.3 output, Intel Core i5-4590, and 8GB of RAM. One of the best PCs on the market to suit all your gaming needs is the Chillblast Fusion Adamantium 3. It can be purchased for £1549, with higher performance available for no extra charge. Upgrading does, however, compromise its cool and quiet design philosophy.
Headsets
When playing online games, especially ones in sprawling alternative universes like Guild Wars 2 you want to feel as though you are actually there. To close your mind to any surrounding distractions, it’s important to have a decent headset. This doesn’t just have to be for gaming; listening to music and chatting with friends is also more pleasant with good quality sound.
There are plenty of first-rate headsets to choose from, with the Razer ManO’War perhaps leading the way at the moment. It features software-based 7.1 surround sound, ear cup mounted controls, Chroma RGB multicolour lighting, and a 14-metre range. It can be picked up for around £100 and is comfortable, stylish, and provides an unrivalled audio experience.
Other than these impressive devices, it would be handy for online players to get hold of a decent gaming mouse as well. Some of the leading products on the market at the moment are the Logitech G903, the Corsaire Glave RGB, and the Razer DeathAdder Elite. Getting the best gadgets available will truly enhance your online gaming experience.
