Gaming and Video Games

A computer or video game is a computer game that entails interaction with a user interface (computer display) or input device, such as a mouse, keyboard, joystick, or finger motion sensitive device, to produce visual feedback to the user. In the twenty-first century we find that computer games have become a major entertainment outlet for people of all ages. Video games are so popular that nearly every home in the Western world has one installed, and it is estimated that millions of people in the United States alone play computer or video games on a regular basis. A new game is introduced virtually every week, with many of them being developed specifically for use by children.

Computer or video games can be used for a variety of purposes, from learning how to operate a computer to playing for competitive purposes, either with friends or against others, through the Internet, downloaded software, hand held consoles, or by downloading game software to personal computers. There are a wide variety of games available for sale, either free or for a fee, both of which can be found through online websites. In fact, it is estimated that there are more than sixty thousand titles in existence, with nearly thirty million titles in development. The overwhelming majority of games are developed for some type of arcade, and there are titles dedicated to virtually every category of game playing that can be found anywhere. Some of the most popular genres of video games include sports, action, adventure, puzzle, strategy, shooting, vehicle, role playing, racing, word finding, and card games.

Today, the Internet is the fastest and most reliable way to access a variety of gaming sites. Some gaming websites offer both text and audio commentary in video form, allowing the player to see what the developer was thinking when developing the game. Often the commentator will be able to tell the player something about the game, although this information is sometimes unclear. The Internet has also opened up a whole new avenue for aspiring developers and gamers to make their own computer or video gaming related projects, as well as to develop new ones.