It’s a universally accepted truth in 2015 that social networks have transformed our world in an irreversible fashion. Technology has enhanced our social lives, helped us keep in touch with friends and connect with new ones. But perhaps the most surprising part of this phenomenon is who takes claim for pioneering the social network. Video gamers.

Gamers were among the first to connect with each others through technology. The only difference was that, back then, they didn’t do it remotely – instead they would flock to video arcades. Do you remember how big arcade gaming was back in the 1990s? Children and teenagers alike would spend a fortune every week trying to break scores.

Video arcades were the old school social networks – it was the place where the generations that didn’t grow up with the Internet, gathered to taste a social experience. It was in those days that we would meet with friends to learn new tricks and to discover the latest games…but the flame eventually faded out. Most arcades shut down as video game consoles migrated to the home. Why spend money in an arcade when you can play with your friends at home? Slowly but surely, video arcades lost their raison d’être.

This is a classic scenario of how innovation disrupted a market and buried old habits. Yet, innovation needs not be an enemy of the past. There can be creative ways to link new technology to old habits.

Think about virtual reality technology. As major companies such as Facebook, Microsoft, Sony and HTC are in the final stages of helmet development, virtual reality is bound to become the next trendiest form of escapism. However, these toys will come at a price, and may require large spaces to be played in. Therein lies the opportunity there for video arcades to rise from their ashes and offer their customers a new social experience.

As Aristotle once said, we are social animals. Social networks have always been around, and will keep on evolving and creating exciting opportunities for people to connect in ways you didn’t expect. Trust the gamers.

Signing off,
M
Exercising Creativity with Newgroup Marketing