Video Games the New Frontier
Video games have come a very long way from when they were first introduced. Who could’ve imagined the variety of video game controllers currently available, the real life graphics, the sound and music options, the large number of players that you can play with and much more? Video games were destined to be popular, but who knew that popular meant a multi-billion dollar industry?
The idea of a video game was entertained as far back as 1947. But, not until 1971 was the first commercially made video game available. Created by Ted Dabney and Nolan Bushnell it was named “Computer Space”. On the heels of this was the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972 which was the first home gaming console.
30 years hence, video games have exploded into some of the most lucrative entertainment devices ever. A huge assortment of systems have appeared over the years and they are made better all the time apropos of Internet play, multiplayer capabilities, computing power, etc.
There are various platforms on which video games can be played. These include the PC game which is played on the computer, a console game which is a device connected to the television, a handheld which is a portable gaming system that you can play in almost anywhere and an arcade game platform which is the classic, large electronic device found in game rooms across the world. Other places where you can play video games are on mobile phones, PDAs, graphing calculators, GPS receivers, MP3 players, digital cameras and watches but these do not have nearly the same experience and dimension as the previously mentioned platforms.
Initially, arcade games allowed one person to play a video game versus the computer and in frequently against another human player. As time went on and technology advanced, video game consoles allowed as many as four different players to play at once. Now, with the invention of the Wii system, as many as 12 players can compete simultaneously. The amazing part of this technology is that you may play at the same time with local players and players around the globe.
How is this possible? The answer is via the Internet. Presently the capabilities for Internet gaming are being implemented in nearly all video game console systems. LAN’s and the Internet permit up to 32 players or more to play in a single game at one time. These capabilities also let players to talk through voice chat or instant messaging.
There has been enormous progress in video games since their early days. Video game technology is advancing rapidly. Manufacturers are continuously using new improvements in technology to make for a better, more stimulating gaming experience. As video games become ever more realistic the line between the virtual world and reality blurs.
