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Pakistan is one of the fastest-growing markets in terms of gaming, this is to say that it has really changed quite a lot. From being viewed as a hobbyist activity, gaming has steadily became a part of culture. From the genesis of the Play Station and onto the rapid evolution of the mobile gaming scene, let’s contextualize for a country and examine what the future may hold for Pakistan in regard to video game consoles and giving industry as a whole.
The 90s: The Convergence of Consoles and the Personal Computer
The very first game options were addictive yet simple which overturned how we perceived technology. The only option available to the majority of the population living in Pakistan was to use personal computers as a gaming platform. Males and females alike frequent internet cafes in search for outlets to play games, the more popular games being Counter-Strike, Dooms, Age of Empire, The Need for Speed.
For a lot of the people in Pakistan, it has all started with basic PC consoles, however those who posses a slightly more advanced model that goes by the name Nintendo Entertainment System, entered the market with a bang. But for a rather large population the nes was viewed as a luxury which was unattainable. But that still did not stop players from diverting their thoughts onto imaginative universes.
The Beginning of 2000s: PlayStation 1: Making a Difference
Gaming changed for good when the PlayStation 1 (PS1) was released. The PS1 which was launched in 1994 in the US came to Pakistan in the late 1990s and early 2000s and changed the industry with its 3D graphics, CD based gaming and extensive range of games.
With the introduction of the PS1, it opened a whole new world for the youth in Pakistan. There were around four iconic games that made their mark on the youth: Tekken, Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, and Final Fantasy. These games made gaming into an experience instead of just a hobby. No matter if it was a gaming cafe, or in the comforts of their own homes, each young adult had the PS 1 as their gaming device.
The Consoles Golden Age And the Introduction of the PlayStation 2
The P2S was a game changer once it was launched in the mid of the 2000s in Pakistan. It was much more than just a gaming console, it was an entertainment system. The P2S was responsible for popularizing many games in Pakistan such as the Grand Theft Auto series , Tekken 5 and Final Fantasy X. More importantly, it was much more cheaper compared to all the other gaming systems which resulted in PS2 being the go to device to use in Pakistan.
This is the time the gaming cafes trend started. These centers were crowded with gamers who had no consoles but wanted to try the latest blockbuster titles. The PlayStation ‘2’ along with other consoles left an indelible mark in the history of console gaming in Pakistan and embodies the golden age of console gaming in Pakistan.
Late 2000s and 2010s: The Age Of Hd Consoles, Internet Play
As the period of the late 2000s and early 2010s began, the most requested gaming machines such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 started coming out and they featured amazing graphics as well as multiplayer online gaming capabilities. The gaming experience reached new heights with games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Gran Turismo 5, and Uncharted.
However, with such dominating features, arose a problem that plagued Pakistan’s gaming community for years: video game piracy. Piracy became rampant in Pakistan. Due to high rates of original gaming versions, ranging from expensive to extremely costly, many gamers preferred pirated copies. While this practice hurt the gaming industry, this trend made gaming more affordable for many.
Despite the widespread piracy, the PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles continued to succeed in Pakistan as they featured excellent graphics and advanced gameplay with the added ability to with multiple users.
2010s Onward: The Rise of Mobile Gaming
There was another significant shift in regards to gaming when Pakistani residents started being able to access smart phones for a reasonable price, mobile phones then became the most popular platform for casual users, millions were able to access games like candy crush, angry birds, subway surfers and clashing of clans.
However, the battle royale titles more specifically PUBG Mobile and free fire changed the landscape, enabling gaming to become more competitive, socialized and community oriented.
The growth in esports was staggering as the cost of gaming lowered significantly due to affordable cell phones and cheaper mobile data packages, This helped foster the development of local competitive events as well as the growing professional teams for PUBG Mobile and Free Fire.
Mobile Gaming’s Impact on Gaming Culture in Pakistan
Mobile phones have revolutionized not only the gaming industry but also the interaction Pakistanis carry out with the games. This is primarily because, unlike Console gaming, expensive hardware is not a prerequisite of the mobile gamer. A $100 smartphone has the potential to unlock an experience that surpasses what an internet bundle could buy, and considering how competitively priced internet bundles are becoming, the experience is worth it.
Esports have certainly gained a foothold in Pakistan, with mobile games such as PUBG and Call of Duty taking center stage amidst the competitive environment. The PUBG Mobile Pakistan Championship is a great example for the promotion of the competitive side of mobile games, since it unites online players from across the country to showcase their skills for a chance to win hefty loyalty bonuses. The job opportunities in broadcasting, streaming, and content creation also serve to expand the Pakistani gaming market.
What does the Gaming Future in Pakistan Look Like?
We can especially expect a rise in cloud gaming, online streaming, or even both in Pakistan’s gaming scene. Improvements in internet, coupled with the presence of 5g networks mean that Google Stadia and Microsoft will be able to reach new consumers that do not enjoy traditional console quality equipment.
The evolution of mobile gaming, that manages to merge traditional console and portable devices, offers yet another interesting opportunity. Titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile already provide competitive value which is standard for console level gaming, and are predicted to gain a significant shift towards more demanding titles.
Innovative and Progressive Journey from the PlayStation to Mobile
The timeline of consoles in Pakistan starting from Play Stations to what we have today as a mobile phone gaming rush is nothing short of spectacular. Where it used to be a hobby for a handful of people it has now transformed into a multi billion dollar industry that people of all ages indulge into, with the introduction of mobile phones being a game changer! Adding, more diversity and reachability to the industry.
While Play Station or consoles will always remain close to many people’s hearts, it’s certain that the mobile phones will take the role of setting the landscape for gamers in Pakistan. Mobile phone gaming culture ranging from simple fun to professionally competing has been on a rise in this country for quite some time now. One thing is for sure though: there’s a promising future that’ll come with the inevitable change in technology.
Pak Games allow you to take part in the Gaming Revolution in Pakistan!
Getting geared up to step into the beautiful world of gaming? Pak Games has everything needed to take your gaming experience to the next level, whether you are a fan of consoles or mobile games. Try out new games, check out the latest trends in the gaming world and connect with other Pakistani gamers!
