Video Games

Video Games are interactive software programs that have become increasingly popular. They are available on computers, mobile devices and specialized gaming consoles, such as PlayStation and Xbox.

Gameplay (Video Games)

Gameplay is a broad term used to describe all aspects of video games, including the controls, interface, level design, graphics, game difficulties and the overall game experience. It includes everything from simple button presses to complex multi-player scenarios.

Genres and genre-based games

Many video games are categorized into genres based on gameplay, atmosphere or other factors. The most well-known examples of these include action, adventure, puzzle, role playing, simulation and war.

Historically, most video games were designed as demonstrations of computer functionality in university and industrial labs. For example, a computerized version of the tic-tac-toe game Noughts and Crosses was programmed in 1958 to be played by visitors to the Brookhaven National Laboratory.

However, as hardware technology improved, video games started crossing genres. In the 1980s, for example, a popular arcade game such as Pacman had both action and narrative.

Physical media and distribution formats have also changed significantly over the years, with ROM cartridges, floppy discs, optical media such as CD-ROM and DVD, flash memory cards and digital distribution via the Internet or other communication methods now used to distribute games.

Developers and gamer communities

As with any other type of media, the video game industry has a large player community of gamers, which contributes to the quality and diversity of the games that are released. These gamers often provide feedback to developers through user reviews, social media, and other means of interaction. This allows developers to incorporate feedback into future versions of the games, and often results in improved products.