Gaming is the general term used to describe any of a wide variety of computer games that are played with a computer network. A computer game is generally an interactive computer game that includes interaction with a user interface (computer display) or other input device including a keyboard, mouse, joystick, or finger movement recognition device. Computer games can be active games (running) or non-interactive (playing passively) in which the player does not interact with the computer system.
Popular computer games include card games (trading cards and chess) and trivia games (game show type games). Card games are a type of gambling, while trivia games require a critical analysis of an answer to solve a problem. Almost any computer operating system will support gaming. Some gaming systems have added extra features like chat rooms, virtual poker tables, leader boards, and news feeds. Internet casinos are another form of gaming.
Video games vary in nature from racing games, to first person shooters, to strategy games that require complex planning and thought processes. Many video games are based on popular television shows, movies, or theme parks. Video games can range from simple ones that are repetitive games ( Tetris, Mario, Pokemon) to complex ones requiring strategic thinking and problem solving skills. Video games can be computer based or networked with other users through a network of computers, a World Wide Web, or cable or broadband internet.
Networking allows gamers to communicate via chat rooms, forums, or mailing lists to share information and strategies on video gaming. Gamers can compete against each other to see who has the most skill in a particular game. The concept of gaming has become more than just a hobby for adults; it has become a venue where friends, family, and strangers get together over a common interest. In fact, many companies, brands, and products have become famous because of their involvement in the world of gaming.
Popular computer manufacturers like Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Dell are all large companies with divisions dedicated to developing, marketing, and selling games. Many of these video gaming companies have formed alliances with popular online game providers such as Blizzard Entertainment, Vivendi Universal, Sega, and Playcast. These alliances allow these companies to produce, manufacture, and distribute their own line of video games. Some of these companies have been successful in their efforts to corner the market on particular types of game. For example, Sony Computer Entertainment America has produced and distributed several PlayStation games a success due to their reputation as an electronics retailer and seller of computer games.
One thing that all video games have in common is the ability to interact with others around the world. Games have revolutionized how people communicate with one another. Video gaming is not just a pastime, but an entire lifestyle. From young children to adults, everybody is hooked to the virtual world of video gaming.