A video game is typically a structured form of interactive play, normally undertaken for fun or entertainment, and occasionally used as a teaching tool. Games are very different from work, which typically is carried out only for recreation, and from literature, which generally is more of an expressive medium of aesthetic or philosophical elements. It also includes video games, multiplayer games, role playing games (also known as massively multiplayer online role playing games, or MMORPGs) and computer games, all of which utilize the game technology to create an environment in which the participants interact with one another. The objective of any game is typically to attain a goal, make a progress toward it, or accomplish some other objectives.
The earliest variants of computer games were not entirely random, but they were designed primarily to provide a simple means of communication between players. However, as more sophisticated technology evolved, board games such as Monopoly, Clue and Risk became very popular. Games like Space Invaders, Coloring Books, Tetris and Solitaire soon followed suit, each delivering their own distinctive set of mechanics and features.
Computer games now cover a broad spectrum of topics and styles, and can involve thousands of players at once. Some of the earliest games were largely text-based, with little interactivity, yet providing a great deal of entertainment. In fact, many of today’s most popular computer games are adventure games, in which the player is placed in the role of a protagonist and constantly has to find means of solving problems or of preventing enemies from reaching their castle. Often, the objective of these games is simply to explore a virtual world and solve the puzzle or combat the enemy.
Video games have taken on a variety of forms since the first games were created. Early computer games were character controlled through keyboard commands, while later titles added more detailed interfaces and provided the capability to play interactive games that required the use of the mouse, providing for greater user control. Games have become much more complex since the advent of game boards, providing a venue in which multiple players can compete against each other and create a competition for high scores. Moreover, online game boards such as World of Warcraft have created a massively multiplayer online role playing game, with countless players participating in a game that involves hundreds of different characters all with their own unique traits, abilities and goals. While traditional board games can still be enjoyed, with hundreds of players and countless choices in how to design the game, the multiplayer online games offer an altogether new way of experiencing board game fun.
There are many different types of games to enjoy. Family oriented board games provide a way to entertain young children and parents alike, while more adult oriented games are enjoyable for both sexes and allow people of all ages to enjoy the competitive element of these games. Strategy games are often chosen by people who like to take on challenging challenges, while puzzle games provide an opportunity to test your logic skills and your skill with a variety of objects. Sports games are very popular among people who like to compete and work toward winning while playing a fun and exciting game against another player or team. In addition, many games provide a social interaction platform that allows people to interact with other players and see if they can beat each other or work together to complete the objective.
The games that are most popular are those that cater to a specific demographic, such as teenagers, children, adults or couples. For teenagers, popular board games include Mario Brothers, whose story is about a plumber who lives in a small house with a difficult family. The plumber must rescue the princess from the clutches of the evil King Koopa. Board games are perfect for this type of audience, as they typically include themes related to plumbers, making them easy to identify with. Meanwhile, with kids, you might choose Doraemon, with its themes about a boy and his pet monkey, or Go, with its adventurous and humorous theme. Adults might enjoy the classic game Monopoly, or Risk, with its financial and legal themes.