Video game

A typical retail display (in Geneva, Switzerland) with a large selection of games for several major consoles.

A video game is a game that involves the interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. Video games may have a reward system—such as a score—that is based on accomplishment of tasks set within the game.

The "video" in "video game" traditionally referred to a raster display device. However, with the popular use of the term "video game," it now implies any type of display device. The electronic systems used to play video games are known as platforms; examples of these are personal computers and video game consoles. These platforms are broad in range, from large computers such as mainframes, to handheld devices such as cell phones and PDAs. Specialized video games such as arcade games, while previously common, have gradually declined in use. Many players identify their platform of choice as a distinct form of video gaming apart from the rest. The main separations between platforms are their design, technical capabilities, and available video games.

The user interface to manipulate video games is generally called a game controller, which varies across platforms. For instance, a dedicated console controller might consist of only a button and a joystick, or feature a dozen buttons and one or more joysticks. Early personal computer based games historically relied on the availability of a keyboard for game play, or more commonly, required the user to purchase a separate joystick with at least one button to play. Many modern computer games allow the player to use a keyboard and mouse simultaneously.

Beyond the common element of visual feedback, video games have utilized other systems to provide interaction and information to the player. Chief examples of these are sound reproduction devices (speakers) and an array of haptic peripherals (that is, vibration or force feedback).

Origins

First-generation Pong console at the Computerspielemuseum Berlin

The history of video games traces back to 1948, where the idea of a video game was conceived and patented by Thomas T. Goldsmith, Jr. and Estle Ray Mann. In 1958, William Higinbotham introduced the video game Tennis for Two.

These inventions laid the foundation for modern video games. In 1966, while working at Sanders Associates, Ralph H. Baer devised a system to play a basic table tennis game on a television screen. With the company's approval, Baer created the prototype known as the "Brown Box". Sanders patented Baer's innovations and licensed them to Magnavox, which commercialized the technology as the first home video game console, the Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972. Separately, Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, inspired by seeing Spacewar! running at Stanford University, devised a similar version running in a smaller coin-operated arcade cabinet using a less expensive computer. This was released as Computer Space, the first arcade video game, in 1971. Bushnell and Dabney went on to form Atari, Inc., and with Allan Alcorn, created their second arcade game in 1972, the hit ping pong-style Pong, which was directly inspired by the table tennis game on the Odyssey. Atari made a home version of Pong, which was released by Christmas 1975. The success of the Odyssey and Pong, both as an arcade game and home machine, launched the video game industry. Both Baer and Bushnell have been titled "Father of Video Games" for their contributions.

Platforms

In common usage a "PC game" refers to a game that is played on a personal computer connected to a high-resolution video monitor. A "console game" historically has referred to a specialized, single-purpose electronic device that connects to a standard television set or composite video monitor. A "hand-held" game is a self-contained electronic device or miniature computer and monitor combination that is portable and can be held in a user's hands. "Arcade game" generally refers to an even more specialized type of electronic device that is typically designed to play only one game and is encased in a special cabinet. These distinctions are not always clear and there may be games that bridge one or more platform. There are also platforms that have non-video game variations such as in the case of electro-mechanically based arcade games.

There are also devices with screens that have the ability to play games but are not dedicated video game machines. Examples are mobile phones, PDAs, graphing calculators, GPS receivers, MP3 players, digital cameras, and watches. Increasing convergence of such devices is blurring the lines of distinction between these devices.

In general, a platform is a preferred, distinct class of hardware, interfaces, and user expectations that are combined to provide a consistent experience to the user/player.

Genres

A video game, like most other forms of media may be categorized into genres based on many factors such as method of game play, types of goals, and more. Genres include: Action (Shooter), Adventure (Adventure), Role-Playing, Simulation, Survival-Horror, Platform, Puzzles, Racing, Strategy, Sports, and Fighting.

Games have often been easier to classify by genre due to the technical constraints of various platforms, and commercial pressures like one would experience in any hit-driven, entertainment market. As the production values of video games have increased over the years both in visual appearance and depth of storytelling, the demand for more creative talent has driven game companies to bring in artists from outside of what one would traditionally call the video game industry.

The reuse of genres is most clearly seen in the trend by publishers to establish "franchises," which often recycle the characters, situations, conflicts, game play mechanics, and/or themes over the course of any number of sequels.

Therefore, although many games may combine genres, very few exist outside the paradigms of previously established genres with notable exceptions, which when successful, generally define a new genre through subsequent imitation by competition. A game that launches a genre may also not be the first game of its kind. It may just be the first that was significantly successful commercially that it drive other companies to try and replicate its success. Examples of this would be Super Mario 64, which launched the 3-D Platform genre for console gaming, and Doom, which launched the first-person shooter genre for PC gaming.

Social aspects

Multiplayer

Video gaming has traditionally been a social experience. From its early beginnings, video games have commonly been playable by more than a single player. Multiplayer video games are those that can be played either competitively or cooperatively by using either multiple input devices, or by hotseating. Tennis for Two, arguably the first video game, was a two-player game as was its successor, PONG. The first commercially available console game system to support multiple games, the Magnavox Odyssey, had two controller inputs.

Since that time, most console systems have been shipped with two or four controller inputs. Some have had the ability to expand to four, eight or as many as 12 inputs with additional adapters. In the early days, multi-player coin-op games commonly featured hotseat play for at least two players. In later years it was more common to feature two-player, simultaneous, competitive play. Public business establishments which feature predominantly coin-op video games are generally referred to as arcades, and were widely popular during the golden age of arcade games (early to mid-1980s). Also in recent years, new-age video gaming centers are providing customers with many different types of video gaming consoles. The idea is to bring people together in a cozy space that resembles the common household basement. These gaming places differ from the traditional idea of the arcade.

Many early computer games for non-IBM PC, descendant-based platforms featured multiplayer support. Personal computer systems from Atari and Commodore both regularly featured at least two game ports. Network games for these early personal computers were generally limited to only text-based adventures or multi-user domains (MUDs) that were played remotely on a dedicated server. This was due both to the slow speed of modems (300–1200bps), and the prohibitive cost involved with putting a computer online in such a way where multiple visitors could make use of it.

IBM PC (PC for short)-based computer games started out with a lower availability of multiplayer options, largely due to many games being dependent on keyboard- or mouse-based interactions, a single gaming port (if any) available, and network options that were limited. However, with the advent of widespread local area networking technologies and Internet-based online capabilities, the number of players in modern games can be 32 or higher, sometimes featuring integrated text and/or voice chat.

Benefits

Perhaps the most visible benefits of video gaming are its artistic and entertainment contributions. As a form of multimedia entertainment, modern video games contain a highly unique fusion of 3D art, computer-generated effects, architecture, artificial intelligence (AI), sound effects, dramatic performances, music, storytelling, and, most importantly, interactivity. This interactivity enables the player to explore environments that range from simulated reality to stylized, artistic expressions (something no other form of entertainment can allow) where the actions of the player operate as a single, irreducible variable. In this respect, every game scenario will play out a slightly different way every time. Even if the game is highly scripted, this can still feel like a large amount of freedom to the person who is playing the game.

A related property is that of emergent behavior. While many games including card games and sports rely on emergent principles, video games commonly present simulated story worlds where emergent behavior occurs within the context if the game. This is something that some gamers find appealing as it introduces a certain level of randomness to a game. In discussing the issue, game designer Warren Spector has used the term "emergent narrative" to describe how in a simulated environment storyline can be created simply by "what happens to the player." Emergent behavior in video games dates back to the earliest games though. Generally any place where there are event-driven instructions for AI in a game, emergent behavior will inevitably be seen. For instance, take a racing game where cars are programmed to avoid crashing and they encounter an obstacle in the track, the cars might then maneuver to avoid the obstacle causing the cars behind them to slow and/or maneuver to accommodate the cars in front of them and the obstacle. The programmer never wrote code to specifically create a traffic jam; yet one now exists in the game.

In Steven Johnson's book, Everything Bad Is Good For You, he argues that video games in fact demand far more from a player than traditional games like Monopoly. To experience the game, the player must first determine the objectives, as well as how to complete them. They must then learn the game controls and how the human-machine interface works, including menus and head-up displays (HUDs). Beyond such skills, which after some time become quite fundamental and are taken for granted by many gamers, video games are based upon the player navigating (and eventually mastering) a highly complex system with many variables. This requires a strong analytical ability, as well as flexibility and adaptability. To emphasize the point, Johnson notes that the strategy guide for Grand Theft Auto III is 53,000 words long. He argues that the process of learning the boundaries, goals, and controls of a given game is often a highly demanding one that calls on many different areas of cognitive function. Indeed, most games require a great deal of patience and focus from the player, and, contrary to the popular perception that games provide instant gratification, games actually delay gratification far longer than other forms of entertainment such as film or even many books. Some research suggests video games may even increase player's attention capacities.

Multiplayer games, which take advantage of the fact that computer games can use the Internet, provide players with the opportunity to compete with other players from across the globe, something that is also unique to electronic gaming. Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) take the concept much further with the establishment of vast, online communities existing in persistent, virtual worlds. Millions of players around the globe are attracted to video gaming simply because it offers such unprecedented ability to interact with large numbers of people engaged simultaneously in a structured environment where they are all involved in the same activity (playing the game). For example, players can join a space community where they participate in exploring the universe.

Even simple games offer potential benefits to the player. Games like Tetris and Pac-man are well-designed games that are easy to pick up but difficult to master, much like chess or even poker. Despite their simplicity, simple games may also feature online capabilities or powerful AI. Depending on the game, players can develop and test their techniques against an advanced computer player or online against other human players.

More obvious benefits to the player can come in the form of education on the game's subject matter. For example, a real time strategy (RTS) set during the American Civil War may feature the use of period armies engaging in historical battles, and outwitting an opponent such as Robert E. Lee.

Controversy

Like related forms of media, computer and video games have been the subject of frequent controversy and censorship, due to the depiction of graphic violence, sexual themes, Advergaming (a form of advertising in games), consumption of illegal drugs, consumption of alcohol or tobacco, propaganda, or profanity in some games. Among others, critics of video games sometimes include parents' groups, politicians, organized religious groups, and other special interest groups; groups commonly found as critics in all forms of entertainment and media. Various games have been accused of causing addiction and even violent behavior.

"Video game censorship" is defined as the use of state or group power to control the playing, distribution, purchase, or sale of video games or computer games. Video game controversy comes in many forms, and censorship is a controversial subject, as well as a popular topic of debate. Proponents and opponents of censorship are often very passionate about their individual views. Although many video game creators rate their video games for a certain age group, it is common for younger children to get their hands on games that are not intended for them from friends, older siblings or cousins, or even their own parents.

Historically, this type of controversy and criticism is not unique to video games. The same situation has been applied to comic books, motion pictures, dancing, and to some extent music and books. As long ago as the nineteenth century the same accusations were made about "penny dreadfuls. " Moreover, it appears to be a question of age. Since these art forms have been around longer, the backlash against them occurred farther in the past, beyond the remembrance of today's youth. In both cases, the attempts at censorship in the United States were struck down as a violation of First Amendment rights, and they have gone on to become fully integrated facets of society.

Addiction

Another underlying problem of video games is addiction. Sometimes when game players are playing video games, they go into a subconscious state that is similar to a trance. This can be compared almost to hypnosis, causing the player to play a game for many hours without realizing the passage of time. Research has shown that during these times, the brain actually produces chemicals similar to those that bring a sense of euphoria. That combined with the player being immersed with two and sometimes three of their senses in a game causes a state in which the player becomes one with the game. With these combinations, the person actually creates an emotional, and to a lesser extent, physical addiction to the video game. This addiction can be coupled with cravings, and even withdrawal symptoms.

Development

Video games are made by game developers, who used to do this as individuals or small teams in the 1980s. Now, development commonly requires a large team consisting of designers, graphic designers and other artists, programmers, sound designers, musicians, and other technicians; all of which are managed by producers. The visionary for any game may come from any of the roles outlined. Development by committee rarely works.

Modifications

Games running on a PC are often designed with end-user modifications in mind, and this consequently allows modern computer games to be modified by gamers without much difficulty. These mods can add an extra dimension of replayability and interest. The Internet provides an inexpensive medium to promote and distribute mods, and they have become an increasingly important factor in the commercial success of some games. Developers such as id, Valve, Crytek, Epic, and Blizzard Entertainment ship their games with the very development tools used to make the game in the first place, along with documentation to assist mod developers, which allows for the kind of success seen by popular mods such as Counter-Strike.

Cheats

Cheating in computer games may involve cheat codes implemented by the game developers for playtesting, modification of game code by third parties (by either cheat cartridge hardware or a software trainer), or players exploiting a software glitch.

Cheats usually make the game easier by providing an unlimited amount of some resource (lives, health, or ammunition for example) but might provide an unusual or amusing feature, like reversed colors in a game.

Cheat codes usually are found on websites all over the Internet. Cheats can be found for almost any game on almost any platform.

Glitches

Software errors not detected by software testers during development can find their way into released versions of computer and video games. This may happen because the glitch only occurs under unusual circumstances in the game, was deemed too minor to correct, or because the game development was hurried to meet a publication deadline.

Glitches can range from minor graphical errors to serious bugs that can delete saved data or cause the game to malfunction.

Glitches in games for home computers, and now in consoles like the Xbox 360, PS3, and the Wii, may be later corrected if the developers release a patch.

References

ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

• DeMaria, Rusel, and Johnny L. Wilson. High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games, 2nd ed. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill, 2003. ISBN 0072231726
• Salen, Katie, and Eric Zimmerman. The Game Design Reader: A Rules of Play Anthology. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2005. ISBN 0262195364
• Vendel, Curt, and Marty Goldberg. Atari Inc.: Business is Fun. Syzygy Press, 2012. ISBN 978-0985597405
• Wolf, Mark J. P., and Bernard Perron (eds.). The Video Game Theory Reader. Oxford, UK: Routledge, 2003. ISBN 0415965799

External links

All links retrieved March 4, 2025.

• Video Game History Smithsonian.
• Video Game History Timeline The Strong National Museum of Play.
• A Brief History of Gaming & The Gaming Industry LG Electronics.
• Video Game History History.com.

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