VIDEO GAMES Evolution Development Sales and Controversy Video

VIDEO GAMES Evolution, Development, Sales and Controversy.

Video game: According to Wikipedia: A video game is a game that typically involves user/player interaction with a controller interface to generate visual feedback on a video screen. l It also generally has some system of reward presented to the user in return for meeting certain accomplishments within the framework of a given rule set. l

History A. S. Douglas created the first video game in 1952 titled OXO. l OXO was a graphical version of tic-tac-toe but was never introduced to the public. l The game introduced to the public was created six years later in 1958 by William Higinbotham. l This game was called Tennis for Two. l

History continued… l l It is ironic that the Japanese company Sega was started by an American. Also, Nintendo is the company that made these games popular again.

Evolution Today, video games are seen as a source for teenage violence, which is an arguable topic. l It’s interesting that the first home console also had a light rifle as an optional peripheral. l The world of video games are continuously evolving and the violence factor is an endless argument. l

Genres According to Wikipedia, video games are categorized into genres that are based on many factors, such as method of game play, types of goals and many others. l Combinations of genres such as with massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). l

Common Genres: l l l l Action Adventure Casual Fighting Platform Puzzle Racing l l l l Simulation Sports Strategy game Shooters Multiplayer Online Role-playing

Development l Video games are made by developers, which require a team which is managed by a producer. l The team consists of: - designers - graphic designers - artists - programmers - sound designers - musicians - technicians

Development continued… Video games are developing in all areas. l The problem is cost and how developers intend to keep cost low to attract publisher investment. l The average team size and average development time of a game have grown with the size of the industry and the technology involved in creating games. l

Game Modifications Games running on a PC are made with end-user modifications in mind. l This allows modern computer games to be modified by gamers without difficulty. l

Sales l Three largest markets for games: l l l U. S. (largest) Japan United Kingdom (This is also the same order for the top three largest producers of video games. )

Sales continued… l Other significant markets: l Australia, Canada, Spain, Germany, South Korea, Mexico, France and Italy. l India and China are emerging markets in the industry.

Benefits l l Multimedia Entertainment Simulated story worlds Emergent narrative Many are educational and not to mention, fun to play.

Controversy Video games fallen victim to censorship. l This is due to violence, sexual themes, advertising within the games such as drugs and alcohol and profanity. l Critics of these games include: l l parents, politicians, organized religion groups, special interest groups, ect.

Controversy continued… l Some of the attempts at censorship in the U. S. were turned down due to a violation of First Amendment rights.

Present Currently, video games are not only aimed toward young males. l The age range in males has expanded to 25 -40 age group. l Females are more frequently playing video games. Most commonly the online multiuser. l

Sources www. gamespot. com/gamespot/features/vi deo/hov/p 10_01. html l http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Video_games l http: //www. gamespot. com/ l