Gaming is one of the fastest growing leisure activities in the world. The rapid rise in popularity of interactive games (often referred to as “Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games” or MMORPGs) has led to increased interest from adults interested in video gaming and more importantly from children interested in similar content. A video game, computer game, or online game is simply an electronic game which involves direct interaction with a human user interface device – for example, a mouse, keyboard, joystick, or game pad – to generate simulated visual feedback through the use of the player’s input devices.

Gaming takes on many different forms. Computer and console gaming involves first-person perspective and often includes action, role-playing, and racing. Adult males tend to prefer console gaming due to their fun fact that they are “killing enemies”; however, the action is often controlled by the game mechanic rather than a dedicated participant. In contrast, video gaming involves active participation and is often played in real-time with players reporting statistics based on their interactions with the game’s mechanics. Computer games are commonly played on personal computers, handheld consoles such as PSPs, laptops, and smart phones. Most games are available free of charge.

Adventure gaming shares some common characteristics with other types of gaming, but also diverges in major ways. Unlike many genres of games, adventure games typically begin with a plot or story-line developed principally by the author. The plot serves as the central point of play, and players are frequently directed to perform a specific action based on the plot. Players frequently have free will to decide on how and when to complete a task. Although adventure games can be very challenging, they are also highly replayable; this is a fun fact for game players.

Role-playing games, also known as RTS or massively multiplayer online role-playing games, are similar to adventure games, in that they often require players to develop a plot or storyline, but allow them to interact with other players using a specialized avatar via a game interface. Like adventure games, players are frequently directed to perform some action based on the plot, but they do not rely entirely on the game master to do so. In contrast, most RPGs allow the player to choose his own character and possess an active role in the game’s events. For instance, in an RPG, a player may decide to play a Paladin, a mighty fighter, specializing in melee combat. Alternatively, he may choose to play a thief, a master thief who only fights in order to steal from and evade his enemies.

Mobile gaming is a fast-growing genre of the global mobile market; more people play games on their smartphones than any other form of device. Mobile gaming apps are increasing in popularity across several different platforms such as Android, Apple iOS, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile. Some gaming apps are free and allow users to download and play at no cost. Other apps are sold for a fee, providing users with additional features or allowing them to purchase gems to unlock further levels in games like augmented reality or first-person shooter games.

Text-based adventure games and visual novels provide players with an interactive alternative to more traditional styles of gaming. These texts involve players taking a narrative turn as they explore an interconnected world, encountering a variety of characters along the way. The narrative is presented to the player through a series of cut-outs that mirror each scene in the story, and players are encouraged to interact with characters by typing a chosen word or phrase into the text box that appears. Players can also opt to simply take a short escape action puzzle or mini-adventure through the written words instead of actively participating in the game’s narrative.