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Video games have come a long way from their early days. Today, gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry and is arguably the world's most popular form of entertainment. So, it comes as no surprise that gaming has become a cultural force that has had a significant impact on the society around us.
From movies to fashion and music, gaming has touched all parts of pop culture. Esports has taken gaming to an entirely new level in recent years, putting it on par with traditional sports and attracting millions to events that are streamed on Twitch and even broadcast on major networks. In this article, we look at the different ways gaming has influenced pop culture.
You know a trend has really arrived and is here to stay when it makes it to TV and the silver screen. If you think back to some of the TV shows and movies you've watched over the years, you can almost certainly recall a scene that took place in a casino, and there was likely someone seated at a slot machine in the background. While casinos have moved online in recent years, with people being able to spin the reels as they watch colorful symbols go by on themed slots from the comfort of their homes, brick-and-mortar establishments remain popular, and that's reflected in pop culture depictions of casinos.
Beyond casino games, gaming franchises like The Last Of Us and Arcane have made it to TV. These games have made a name for themselves and received rave reviews for their artful storytelling and character development. They're so good even people who haven't played these titles have become completely engrossed in these series. These adaptations are an example of how well video game narratives work as a passive form of media.
Gaming has also had an influence on how movie producers' approach to cinematic storytelling, where they've used non-linear plots and expansive world-building to hold moviegoers' attention. There has been a steady stream of video game-inspired movies on streaming platforms, and there's no sign this trend is slowing.
The music from some video games has a way of staying with us long after we've fought the final boss battle or completed the last mission. If you've played The Legend of Zelda or Halo, you know exactly what we're talking about. The music from these games has become legendary in pop culture, inspired live orchestra performances, and contributed to people seeing gaming music as a legitimate genre.
Gaming platforms have done a lot to increase the visibility of gaming music, with some hosting virtual concerts featuring some of today's biggest stars, like Travis Scott's appearance on Fortnite. This coming together of gaming and music is a fun interactive experience for fans and has resulted in video game music carving out its own space in the music world as a standalone genre.
If you've ever looked at the fashion choice of a video game character and thought, "I'd look good in that," you're not alone. Gaming fashion has steadily made its way into the fashion industry, inspiring a wide range of streetwear and merchandise. Big-name brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton have taken notice and partnered with gaming companies to create exclusive apparel designed with gamers and fashion lovers in mind. Esports has had a significant impact on this trend, with influencers playing a role in getting wearable gaming merchandise in front of a large audience.
This gaming-inspired clothing is often a limited edition release, so fans know when they buy it, they're one of the few to own that particular piece of clothing. Cosplay culture has also had a hand in bringing gaming fashion into the mainstream thanks to conventions and social media platforms where attendees show off elaborate costumes that celebrate their favorite characters and aesthetics. The next time you go shopping, look around; there's a good chance you'll run into some clothing inspired by your favorite gaming franchise.
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