What impact have recent developments in technology had on the production, distribution, marketing and exchange of videogames?

Production:
With the technological advancement within the video games industry, games have become more complex in the way they are made. Prior to game engines, games were typically written as singular entities. A game engine is a software system designed for the creative and development of video games. As developments in technology have evolved, so have the game engines. With this break through in technology, game engines such as the ones used on GTA IV called Euphoria and RAGE are capable of HD graphics, real simulated physics and vast amounts of content. RAGE is Rockstar's home game engine that they created from scratch.


Distribution:
In the early days of video games, people used to be able to get codes for their games in magazines and mail order. But now due to the new technological age, more and more people are getting there games online. This makes it a lot more convenient for the consumer, minimizing the time spent on looking for that one product. And also means the consumers consumers can compare product prices and features to make a better decision with minimum effort required. On the other hand, many people dislike the idea of online shopping because of privacy. It is the number one reason that non-online shoppers do not shop online. since online shopping has been introduced, many different situations have occurred, where people have been scammed and robbed, when using their credit/debit cards online. With new programmes such as Steam and Onlive, the distribution of video games has completely changed. With OnLive, the idea is that you can stream games off the internet with no worrys for download times or installations. Steam is also a piece of software but unlike OnLive, you download not stream.


Marketing:
Marketing has become a key feature in selling a video game. The use of new technologies has meant it is easier to advertise online and on TV. With the internet and TV, video games can now reach a global audience at a much faster rate than ever before. Also advertisements have become more creative in the way in which they address certain target groups. However the main disadvantage of advertising online is the cost. Company pay both mainstream, and specialist websites to house a banner, or piece of their website to advertise their product/game. for example GTA IV payed millions of dollars to advertise their new game. This advertising caused a lot of controversy giving Rockstar lots of media attention.


Exchange of Video Games:
Video games can now also be; exchanged, traded or swapped in several different new stores such as 'Game' and 'Gamestation' people trade in their older games, and in return they get money of the latest games out. Also 'Ebay' has been a very regular place for people to buy and sell their video games. this is because, the price of the games are pretty much always cheaper, than what you would pay in the shops, also very quick delivery rates.