The Ever-Changing World of Video Games
Games, the word has been said, play a part in making the world small, that is to say a world that is manageable, a world in which things can be accomplished without too much trouble and risk. A game, according to the same statement, is a well-organized form of outdoor play, normally undertaken for fun or entertainment, and at times used as a teaching tool. Games are different from work, that is typically carried out for monetary compensation, and from literature, that is more often an expressive or aesthetic expression of literary or artistic elements. In other words, games are interactive and involve the use of imagination, strategy and skill, just as the other types of human endeavors do.
Gaming is now an international phenomenon, with millions of people from all walks of life playing games online. There are many categories of games, each with its own set of specific objectives and goals. These goals and objectives can range from the most simple, playing a simple board game to games of strategy and racing, all the way to real-life simulations of driving a race car across a virtual track. Serious games like those found on websites like Electronic Arts’ EA Sports are targeted toward adult players. But today, even children are getting in on the action, thanks to modern technology that enables consoles and computers to provide a first-person view of the players, literally “at” the game.
Today’s serious games engage the mind in a way similar to a video or computer games, where the player has to use critical thinking skills in order to win. It may sound easy, but those who are new to playing games may find it hard to overcome the mental obstacles that arise whenever one plays serious games. Serious gamers tend to develop an expertise in the particular genre of gaming they are involved in, just like any other hobby. And because the complexity of today’s games make winning difficult, players need to use every trick in the book in order to get ahead and win.
Another advantage of this new form of entertainment is that it brings gamers together in common activities. This is not so much a new frontier as it is an updated one. Video gaming allows gamers to meet and communicate with each other, building long lasting friendships that may last a lifetime. Thanks to the Internet, there are now forums dedicated to every type of video game. And forums allow gamers to express their opinions and reveal their secrets in order to help other fellow gamers find new horizons and discover more about the games they enjoy.
Of course, it would be an oversimplification to say that all gamers are one in the same. There are a variety of sub-genres of video games. Action role-playing games, which are highly realistic games in which the gamer takes on the persona of a character fighting against dangerous opponents or supernatural beings, are very popular. There are also first-person shooter video games and online strategy games where gamers can take on the role of either a military or civilian and take on the role of doing battle. Finally, racing games are fast moving, often requiring intense maneuvering of the character’s movements to complete the game.
Modern gamers tend to have a diverse set of interests and play styles. They also share a number of common interests, such as strategy, adventure, first-person shooting, role-playing games, racing games and online role-playing games. Gamers are united by the common goal of having fun and creating lasting friendships within the world of gaming. It’s no wonder that the video game industry has grown so quickly!