Safety Settings for Online Gaming

A computer game, video game, or online game is an electronic program that entails interaction by a user with an interactive output device, usually of a mouse, screen, keyboard, joystick, or video-game controller. In contrast to computer programming, game design is an artistic application of computer programs and computer software that utilize images, sounds, animations, and other media to produce a work of art. Computer games can involve racing, puzzle, and card games; action and adventure; fighting and combat; cooking, gardening, and shopping; interaction and simulation; and racing or sports (particularly competitive gaming, such as car and bike racing). All these categories are the realms of game design.

Game design incorporates many disciplines and areas of expertise such as graphic design, computer graphics, character modeling and skeletal dynamics, lighting and graphics, and simulation. Video gaming devices come in many forms and types. The most popular type of video gaming device today is the personal computer (PC), followed by the gaming console systems (PS2, Xbox, and Wii) and handheld gaming devices. Most PCs and gaming console can be customized to run specific game titles.

In general, there are several safety settings available for online gaming devices. These include time limits, age restrictions, and those that require users to be physically present at the gaming console or PC to partake in the activity. Despite the availability of safety settings, some form of consent may be required before any gaming device is accessed or used. This consent could be requested through email, in the form of a password, or at a gaming site.