The Growing World of Video Gaming
To understand the current debates over whether or not gaming can help a person develop skills required for a specific profession, one must first define what a game is. Video games generally refer to computer and video-based computer games that are available for download over the Internet and played on personal computers. There are many different types of computer games, including computer games that are designed for specific applications, such as educational or training programs; military games; racing games; card games; and virtual world games (such as The Sims and similar titles). Computer games are also used in interactive television programming, which provides examples of dramatic stories or action sequences requiring players to move and interact with the onscreen characters. Gaming has come a long way from its humble roots, and today there are dozens of different types of computer games for people to choose from.
Generally speaking, most games are played for relaxation, entertainment, or mental stimulation, but there are many games that can be used for specific tasks, such as learning new skills, improving problem solving skills, or increasing an individual’s dexterity. A first-person shooter game, for example, may allow the player to control a character and navigate through the environment using keyboard and mouse controls. Shooting games require a high degree of hand-eye coordination and rely heavily on the player’s ability to react quickly to changing situations. Since many people who play this type of game are action film buffs, it is not uncommon to see movie-quality graphics and intense sound effects, along with explosions and intense gunfire.
Computer games are increasingly becoming an important part of the home entertainment market. Computer game manufacturers have created computer hardware that is specially designed for use with computer games, complete with built-in speakers, DVD drive compatibility, and even dedicated game pads designed to work with the game controller to provide a more responsive gaming experience. In addition to dedicated game pads, many modern PC video cards and motherboards have specialized chips designed for use with specific computer games. By using specialized computer hardware, the player is able to enhance the game experience through improved visual effects, richer backgrounds with more detailed images and realistic game scenarios.
In the past, most video games games that could be played over a local network using an ordinary Internet connection. As broadband Internet became more common, game consoles that using dedicated gaming hardware to make playing video games more interesting and advanced were introduced. These included Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii, which each contained their own unique controller and game pads. Today, nearly any video game system can also support wireless networking, which has made playing many modern games online very convenient.
Playing online games has many benefits, especially for children who do not have a lot of money to purchase new games or video games. For younger children, playing a game online allows a child to learn how to use a keyboard and mouse, while at the same time having fun playing a cool game. Many parents find that the costs of purchasing new games for their children can be much more than the costs of renting them often games are simply a better choice for older children that still enjoy playing video games.
Another benefit of gaming consoles is that they offer players a chance to develop social skills that may be lacking in their social circles. Playing multiplayer games with other people who are also playing the same game allows a person to learn how to cooperate with others and work as a team. Many gamers also find that playing games on their console allows them to improve their problem solving skills. This often leads to a greater sense of satisfaction overall when playing a game, whether it is for fun or for profit.