Ever since it was first released back in 2003, the web content management system (WCMS) known as WordPress has had an enormous impact on the online world. The success and influence of WordPress can be seen in its prevalence throughout the internet, as this highly useful system is currently used by almost a quarter of the world’s top one million websites and powers an estimated 40% of all sites online today. As an example of free and open-source software (FOSS), developers have long appreciated WordPress thanks to its readily accessible, affordable, and intuitive nature, which has generated an enormous community of users and contributors to the software. Most importantly, the popularity of this iconic system means it has been a driving force behind changes within various online industries over the years. Its influence is particularly evident in the online games industry – so we’ve taken a closer look at how WordPress altered the world of gaming!
A vital platform for gaming communities
Whilst WordPress is not strictly a gaming engine in its own right, the software has been instrumental in almost every corner of the online gaming scene by powering millions of games-related websites and enabling the development of a thriving global community of gamers. In the early days of the internet, choosing the right platform was vital for the success of the newest sites, and WordPress definitely cemented itself as one of the best and most straightforward options. Its open-source nature allowed gamers to get creative and build their own webpages with ease, whilst the availability of thousands of themes and plugins allowed users to create highly customized websites without needing any complex coding skills. Designed with bloggers in mind, WordPress provided the building blocks for a flourishing online ecosystem of gamers and was instrumental in the growth of some of the most renowned forums and discussion boards. By providing these vital creative tools to players, this hugely influential system was the beating heart of the earliest online gaming communities and allowed gamers from all around the world to connect with one another and share their own tips and experiences.
In the world of iGaming and online casinos, WordPress has been similarly fundamental to the ongoing success of this impressive global industry. Back in the early days of gambling websites, this intuitive software was routinely used as a springboard for countless gambling-related blogs, reviews, and affiliate sites, helping to build a more informed community of online casino users. On some early iGaming sites, the software was also used to embed simple Flash-based versions of popular casino games, allowing players to try out demo versions for free before signing up to a real money casino site. These simple WordPress plugins, therefore, certainly increased the popularity of online casinos and helped build the foundations of the impressive iGaming landscape we see around the world right now. The major influence of this iconic WCMS can still be seen today, from powering independent review websites to help players find the best sweeps at a casino to hosting helpful discussion boards, news sites, and online wikis. For fans of iGaming, sites powered by WordPress clearly continue to provide key information and opportunities for online communities to thrive.
Shaping the future of online gaming
It’s clear that WordPress is still one of the best web content management systems available today, and its impact can be seen in every corner of the internet. Its influence can be especially seen in the latest gaming trends, such as in the world of esports and competitive live streaming, which has seen enormous growth in recent years. Many leading esports teams use the system to host important information, including match schedules and tournament updates, and its software integrates seamlessly with streaming sites like Twitch and YouTube, allowing streamers to share their content easily across multiple platforms. Fans of live streaming also regularly use the software to host their own esports blogs, and an enormous community of esports fans has since been established thanks to the variety of content available. As these new possibilities for online games arise, it is clear that whenever the gaming industry heads down a new path, WordPress will be there to play an instrumental part in its growth and development.
WordPress also continues to shape the future of gaming by providing vital tools and resources to independent game developers. This accessible and affordable software revolutionized the online gaming landscape by democratizing website creation and providing the opportunity for anyone to share their own creative content online. Indie developers regularly use WordPress to generate economic support for their work, including using the system to host Kickstarter-style campaigns or offer pre-orders of their newest creations. Updates to the software have clearly had small businesses in mind – for example, WordPress plugins like Yoast SEO help creators boost the search engine rankings of their content and reach new audiences. Similarly, the WooCommerce plugin can be used to build smooth-running online stores with no additional fees, making it a perfect e-commerce solution for indie developers. Its multi-purpose, streamlined, and highly reputable software makes WordPress an ideal choice for those looking to make their mark on the international gaming scene, and its impact will surely continue to be seen as we head into an exciting future for online games.
Ultimately, it is clear that WordPress has played a fundamental role in the world of online gaming ever since the earliest days of the internet. Because of its highly accessible and massively multi-purpose nature, this landmark WCMS has rightfully earned a glowing reputation around the world and has made its mark across almost every facet of the gaming industry. From bringing communities of gamers together to democratizing the sharing of information and the promotion of new games, WordPress has been the trusty engine behind the online gaming scene for over 20 years. As the gaming landscape explores new avenues in the future, it is clear that this iconic software will continue to play a vital role for many years to come!