Video gaming involves playing computer games that involve interaction with a human player; a computer or game console. These video games are designed to simulate the experience of playing a traditional video arcade. In modern times, many people also play online video games as a form of relaxation and stress reduction. Some experts also believe that video games can be an effective aid in the treatment of some learning disabilities. The National Association of Schools of Business and Technology also believes that video games can be an effective tool in teaching students about various technology-based subjects, such as graphics, digital communication, and business skills.
Gaming involves the use of specialized computers in order to create a virtual world in which the user can interact with an animated character or another person. Computer games come in many forms. Most video games can be found for indoor usage in the form of consoles, personal computers, handheld game devices such as the Game Boy Advanced, Nintendo Family Computers, and Game Boy Advance, and handheld hand-held devices such as the Game Cube. For outdoor use, there are cars, bikes, and space invaders that can be used as video gaming devices. In fact, video gaming devices are commonly used as entertainment in public places such as theme parks, malls, and other areas where one can interact with other people in an animated environment.
One of the most common uses for video games is virtual reality gaming. In virtual reality, gamers utilize special hardware or software to immerse themselves completely in a virtual reality environment in which they engage in a variety of activities that include racing, fighting, building, exercising, flying, and more. In some instances, a gamer will take on the persona of a another character in a virtual reality game. This character may be a friend, a partner, a companion, or even an employee. In the future, even more sophisticated technology will enable gamers to interact with others in a 3D virtual reality environment.
Perhaps the most well-known form of entertainment that utilizes video game hardware is ping pong. ping pong is played on table tops using ping pong balls. The rules of the game are simple; players hit the ping pong balls against a wall to try to get them to go in a specific direction. Players have a timer, and once their timers run out, they must restart the game from the beginning. This is a game that is especially popular among children and is frequently referred to as “pin the ball down” or “pin the flag” in reference to its reference to strategy.
Video gaming devices have also given birth to other related industries such as online gaming and internet gambling. While there have been no reports of significant harm resulting from playing these games, there have been reports of injury due to improper use of the equipment. For example, excessive gaming time, often using time limits to “retain” a high score, can lead to dehydration and in rare cases, death. Likewise, players who fail to adhere to game guidelines may find themselves banned from playing. In both cases, there are numerous safety settings designed to protect against unnecessary injury and harm.
One of the more recent generations of consoles, including the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS has added motion sensors to allow for in-game interaction by allowing users to physically participate in the gaming experience. With this feature, the user no longer needs to stand in front of the console to enjoy it; instead, the gamer slides his/her hands along the controller to physically interact with the game. This is referred to by some gaming enthusiasts as “immersion” and has brought with it a lot of new possibilities for the design of interactive gaming peripherals. Mobile gaming on the other hand, will only benefit from increased interaction possibilities thanks to the introduction of touch screen technology on mobile phones and handheld consoles.