The term “gaming” refers to the use of computers and video gaming systems to entertain or provide relaxation. A computer or video game is any electronic game that entails interaction with a human user interface or hardware to generate a digital output in the form of one or more images, sounds, or emotions. Video games are usually designed for entertainment and are available for sale commercially, either through the manufacturer, the marketer, or a distributor. They can also be developed by a single individual, either commercially or for private purposes.
Gaming can take many forms. Computer and video games can involve racing games that pit two or more players against each other in a virtual automobile battle to the death; strategy games that pit player’s military forces against each other in turn-based battles; and card games that pit players against each other in a struggle for dominance of a virtual world. A popular multiplayer online gaming site is battlenet, which features games ranging from simple strategy games to complex massively multi-player online role-playing games. In this paper, we briefly examine the risks associated with playing online games.
One of the main things that make games exciting and fun is the ability to manipulate the game mechanics through the application of skill, tactics, or luck. A good example of a game mechanic that is easy to program and makes gaming more fun is the “fun factor.” This refers to the enjoyment derived from actually playing a game rather than simply completing predetermined tasks or events.
Despite the fact that most computer and video gaming devices today allow users to set the fun factor to a high degree, the result is often disappointment when the player has a hard time winning a game due to “time constraints.” Time limits refer to the time allowed to complete a certain task within a given amount of time. Most popular online gaming devices, like World of Warcraft and Age of Conan, allow the player to customize game play according to a number of time restrictions. The problem with these time limits is that they can cause players to lose interest in the game if they become too dependent on them. The solution, therefore, is to set the time limits to suit the gaming device used, but to allow the user to play at a level he or she prefers.
Another type of safety setting is provided by multiplayer video games, which feature a number of players participating in a single game. The console may provide various levels of difficulty, such as “endless” for the longest level on the ladder, or “permadeath” for the longest life span in the game (both of which are quite difficult). Some games, such as Call of Duty and Modern Warfare, also feature an array of possible settings, such as low gravity, team deathmatch, and a wide range of environmental hazards. In many cases, the only way to increase the difficulty is to restart a specific level.
Gaming is a popular pastime among a wide range of people, regardless of age or gender. It can appeal to people who are not necessarily interested in, or skilled at, playing a particular type of computer game. For example, young children can be seen playing video gaming consoles at home, as well as adults playing casually on their personal computers. Many gaming consoles are designed specifically for the family audience, so that both parents and children can enjoy playing a competitive game together. Video gaming has even moved beyond the console and has moved into handheld devices, such as the Nintendo Wii. In addition to having game genres dedicated to both boys and girls, it has also developed a sub-genre dedicated to men.