When most people hear about quantum computing, they think of physics and practicals. It may even take you back to DC’s character, The Flash, who has been called a quantum computer. Some have even said the computer is faster than the fastest man alive—pure fiction, of course. But we are here to talk about games and not goof about space travel.
Gaming has evolved, and interactive gameplay is now the rave. You must have guessed what’s behind it by now—quantum computing. This technology is available in the Big Bass Splash and other fun online games. Let’s not waste any more time. You’re probably as excited to learn this as we are to write it.
What Is Quantum Computing?
In the gaming world, this exciting technology that most nerds (we spy, you may be one, and that’s awesome!) research offers a Herculean processing power that improves the gameplay experience. Compared to standard computers, these computers can process data quickly, making it possible for tasks to be done faster. You, the end-user, would enjoy several benefits, including sharper graphics, enhanced randomization, and faster load times. The end result? A more interactive gaming session.
The idea behind this technology is to use qubits, units of information similar to the binary bits you know and love, except that they can exist simultaneously as zero, one, or both. We permit you to geek because it’s so exciting. Just imagine the endless possibilities!
The first quantum computer game designed in 1997, Cat-Box-Scissors, may surprise you. It was developed by James Wootton, an IBM researcher, and recreated the rock-paper-scissors game using five quantum bits (qubits). Wootton’s philosophy extends farther from what this technology could do for the gaming industry to what the industry can do for it. This is why several games like Qubit the Barbarian and Quantum Chess explain this technology, demystifying it in a fun way.
How Does It Work?
It’s okay if you still do not get the gist. We may not be able to do as great a job as these games, but stay with us; let’s take you on a quick exploration of how this technology works, touching multiple aspects of the games we play.
- Randomization and Accessibility: Don’t you hate when a particular level seems impossible to pass? These computers enhance the gaming experience by first ascertaining that a level can be overcome and then finding the most optimal way for players to succeed while still having fun. The random selections are genuinely random, so you’ll get unpredictable events throughout your gameplay;
- Graphics and Visuals: Game graphics are already great, clear, and vibrant, but they could be better! Computers must perform database searches to render these visuals. Unlike the traditional way of computing that searches broadly, our exciting technology can search more clearly, giving you the exact details you need in a fraction of that time;
- Character AI: The NPC characters in your favorite games are governed by artificial intelligence. Compared to the traditional way of doing things, you’ll get more optimized and realistic characters with detailed features. They’ll also behave more intelligently as the AI has more resources.
The Quantum Noise
So, if this style of computing has all these benefits, why is it less popular? You may have asked yourself this question, and it’s very valid. There are two common challenges developers face when working with qubits (remember those tiny units of information), often described as fragile and delicate. The first is the noise. It’s possible to get more significant computation, but you’ll need more qubits, and the more you use, the more noise it’ll generate. Another problem is temperature control.
Qubits must be stable at around -460 degrees Fahrenheit (nearly absolute zero). You’ll be excited to know that while some companies are forced to crop up to reduce the noise, others are incorporating it into the gameplay, turning it into a feature.
Quantum Computing: The Next Big Thing
This technology has been recognized as the next big thing for the gaming industry. We’ll see its application in different areas with time. One of the significant features is its processing power, which rivals traditional computers and would revolutionize gaming and enhance loading times. We’re promised immersive gameplay with more realistic values, as quantum can accurately simulate physical realities.
Another area is developing new security measures to create more secure encryption protocols for gaming networks. You’ll be better protected from malicious threats this way. It/s exciting to see what the future brings, and we’ll be here to explore and tell all about it. Will you?