From arcades to AI: the gamer who changed history
Although it doesn’t have traditional origins, Gamer’s Day invites us to reflect on the evolution of an industry that has transformed the way we play, connect, and experience technology.
From 1980s arcades to Esports and artificial intelligence, gaming has followed a path of relentless innovation.
Kevin Janzen, CEO of the Games & Edtech Studio at Globant, explains:
“Back in the ’80s and ’90s, we played in arcades or on home microcomputers like the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and the Commodore 64. Then came consoles like the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and PlayStation, which brought gaming into our living rooms. Today, a smartphone can carry an entire universe of games in your pocket.”
Immersive Graphics and High-Performance Hardware
One of the most significant technological leaps came with advancements in graphics. The transition from 2D to 3D marked a turning point, with games like Super Mario 64 and Winning Eleven paving the way for immersive virtual environments.
On PC, the introduction of graphics cards such as the Diamond Monster 3D revolutionized experiences like Tomb Raider, while consoles like the Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360 delivered near-photorealistic visuals and online gameplay. Janzen notes:
“Today, gamers are not just interested in playing—they’re also focused on optimizing their hardware, particularly with Nvidia’s GeForce cards, to push for higher FPS. For some, it’s almost an obsession.”
The Impact of the Internet and the Shift in Consumption Models
Connectivity was a game-changer. It enabled both cooperative and competitive play across distances, gave rise to global communities, and transformed the industry’s business model.
Physical games gave way to digital platforms, subscriptions, and microtransactions, such as those offered through Game Pass and PlayStation Plus.
However, this accessibility has also raised questions around digital ownership. Janzen points out:
“Today, what we often pay for is just a license. It’s more accessible—but also more ephemeral.”
A Global and Expanding Industry
Games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) have turned video games into billion-dollar global enterprises.
In Asia, mobile gaming dominates, with titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile generating millions in revenue through customizations and upgrades.
Games such as Fortnite and Roblox have also become platforms for product launches, virtual concerts, and brand activations.
According to Statista, in-game advertising revenue is projected to reach USD 124.45 billion by 2025 and grow to USD 181.36 billion by 2030, with an estimated annual growth rate of 7.8%.
Artificial Intelligence: The New Engine of the Gaming Experience
Artificial intelligence is redefining both the player experience and the process of game development. It enables dynamic difficulty adjustment based on user skill, detects disengagement, and delivers personalized incentives.
AI also enhances balancing in multiplayer games and powers enemies that learn and adapt over time. Janzen explains:
“AI not only makes games more challenging—it keeps them alive, adapting to each player as if it were a human opponent. And this isn’t just in modern games—it’s something we’ve seen historically in classics like *Winning Eleven* or *Mortal Kombat*, to name a few iconic examples.”
In development, AI can generate environments, assets, and scripts in seconds, significantly reducing production time and freeing up resources to fuel creativity. Janzen concludes:
“The other side of the AI revolution in gaming is how games are made. Today, developers can leverage algorithms to rapidly create worlds, characters, and mechanics—accelerating development and allowing more room for human creativity.”
Esports: Professionalization and Regional Talent
Esports have evolved from a trend into a fully-fledged global industry with high growth potential. Rising viewership, increased investment, and growing professionalism have positioned it at the intersection of sports and technology.
In Latin America, the partnership between team 9z and Globant has led to the creation of 9z Globant—a venture aimed at bringing regional talent to the global competitive stage.
With players from Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, they’ve stood out in games like Counter Strike (Main and Academy), Valorant (Men’s and Women’s), Sim Racing, and Rainbow Six, establishing themselves as one of the most promising organizations in the global circuit.
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