Computer and Video Gaming
A video game console, computer game, or online game is an interactive computer game which entails interaction with a user device or user interface via a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, or a motion sensing device to generate visible output on the screen. Video games differ from computer games in many ways such as their level of interactivity, graphics, use of specialized technology, and varying user expectations. Video games are usually developed for the gaming console of choice. Most video games can also be downloaded for free from a variety of websites. Internet based gaming is becoming more popular with each generation.
Console gaming involves a single hardware device such as a video gaming console, a gaming system, or an embedded entertainment system plugged into the personal computer. Consoles often include at least one game cartridge and one disk storage unit and usually have built-in DVD and CD players. Consoles are manufactured by a number of companies, including Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Sega, and Play-logic. Consoles differ in the number of game titles they support and the types of memory and hard drive space required. Game consoles, which come in two general types: home consoles and handheld consoles, utilize separate components to both play video games and handle other functions.
Computer games vary widely in terms of graphic quality, voice acting, storyline, user interface, graphics, user skills, and user preference. Computer games are normally programmed by corporations, which require considerable research and development time. The output from computer games is a digital file that can be stored in a user’s hard drive for a limited amount of time and then must be discarded. Most modern computers include built in flash memory that stores game code and enables the video gaming process. External hard drives are used to transfer game data between consoles and personal computers.
Online game playing has become increasingly popular with millions of people logging onto game servers to compete with each other. Video gaming involves interaction with actual persons or objects in an interactive virtual world. Some game servers also feature social interaction features that allow users to interact with other members of a similar server. Online video gaming is especially popular with younger people who spend a lot of their time on the internet.
Gaming devices such as personal computers, laptops, handheld game consoles, handheld video gaming systems, digital wireless game pads, gaming accessories like speakers and headphones, and video gaming accessories like screen and picture frame multipliers are among the most common electronic accessories used with computer games. These accessories may be sold separately. PC games are available through PC download sites. The major manufacturers of PC games are Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, Sega, and Play-logic.
Internet gaming is popular in countries where broadband Internet access is not readily available. The popularity of video games has led to the opening of online game portals where users can download free games and play for real money. Other forms of electronic entertainment such as movies, music, television, and sports are also found to have benefited from the growing interest in online gaming.