A computer game or video game is an interactive electronic game that includes interaction with a user interface, typically by use of a keyboard, mouse, PlayStation 2 or Xbox controller, joystick, or other motion sensing device, to produce visible visual feedback to the player. There are a wide variety of computer games on the market today, from card-based games (CCG’s) to real-time 3D games (RTS & RPG’s). Video game companies such as Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts Inc., and Valve Corporation have produced hundreds of successful games. They are not only fun and exciting, but also teach advanced computer skills such as strategy and tactics, problem solving, and editing and rendering. In fact, many of these games can be downloaded to a personal computer or a gaming system without the need for a subscription to a gaming service. This is referred to as freeware.
Some card games, such as the world of Warcraft (WOW), have virtual money that is used in game play to buy equipment or to purchase certain items. These virtual money or card advantages are called “wins” or “credits.” Card games, such as World of WarCraft, have a very large user base all over the world and have attracted many thousands of players. The World of Warcraft video game has won the most number of awards and was one of the original eight games that were launched along with the PC. Many companies now offer World of Warcraft games online for download.
Role-playing games, also known as RPGs, are a type of massively multiplayer online role-playing games. In these games, players take on the role of a fictional character that lives in a persistent virtual world. These characters can be humans, elves, or other creatures. When playing a role-playing game, a player takes on the persona of a character that has a defined personality, goals, and strengths and weaknesses. Often times, this character may engage in battles with other characters or go up against technologically superior or evil adversaries.
Many people believe that hardcore gamers are the ones who spend hours playing games. While there is a segment of the population that does play this type of game, it is definitely not the majority. Most people do not have the time to play this type of game. Their busy daily schedules and their need to earn a living preclude them from spending hours in a game room. Most often, the hardcore gamer is someone who is playing World of Warcraft or some other multiplayer video games.
Most card games are played with a deck of cards. These games include the popular games such as Poker, Solitaire, and chess. There are many different types of games available and players of all ages can enjoy these games. One of the most recent trends in board games is the popularity of Herascape. Herascape is a highly strategic board game that pits one player against the others in a struggle to become the sole survivor of an advanced civilization that has been destroyed by another faction.
With the growth of the online gaming community, there are many more board games available for play. Players can choose to play with people from across the world or against their friends. No matter what type of game one chooses to play, there are many options available. These include playing with the traditional coins on a single table top or using electronic tokens that can be loaded into computers and transported anywhere. The main article in this series will provide additional information about popular games currently available.