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Video game

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A video game is an electronic game involving interaction with a user interface. Players use input devices like a joystick, controller, keyboard, or motion sensing device. This interaction generates visual feedback on a display device. Common displays include television sets, computer monitors, or handheld touchscreens. Many modern games are audiovisual, providing sound through speakers or headphones. Some also use haptic technology to provide tactile sensations to the player.

Video-Game-Controller-Icon-IDV-green-history
Video-Game-Controller-Icon-IDV-green-history

Video games are categorized by their hardware platforms. Traditional categories include arcade games, console games, and computer games. Computer games include LAN games, online games, and browser games. The industry has expanded into mobile gaming on smartphones and tablets. Newer technologies include virtual reality, augmented reality, and remote cloud gaming. Games are also classified into genres based on gameplay style and audience.

Consoles-computerspielemuseum
Consoles-computerspielemuseum

The mechanism of a video game relies on a continuous loop of interaction. A player provides input through a device like a controller. This input is processed by a computer processor to change the game state. The processor then sends instructions to a display to show new visuals. This creates a feedback loop where the player responds to what they see. Some games even allow microphone and webcam inputs for chatting or livestreaming.

Compulsion loop for video games
Compulsion loop for video games

The history of video games began with large mainframe computers. In 1947, Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann patented a cathode-ray tube device. This analog device used radar technology to simulate a missile hitting targets. In 1962, students created Spacewar! on a DEC PDP-1 computer. The first consumer arcade game was Computer Space, released in 1971. In 1972, the Magnavox Odyssey became the first home console.

Spacewar!-PDP-1-20070512
Spacewar!-PDP-1-20070512

The industry experienced a "golden age" of arcades from the late 1970s to early 1980s. However, the North American market crashed in 1983 due to market saturation. Following this, Japanese companies like Nintendo, Sega, and Sony dominated the industry. These companies established new methods for development and distribution. In the 2000s, the industry focused on high-budget "AAA" games. By the 2010s, independent or "indie" developers gained significant prominence.

NES-Cartridge
NES-Cartridge

The economic impact of video games is massive and growing. As of 2020, the global market had annual revenues of US$159 billion. This sum includes hardware, software, and various services. This revenue is three times the size of the global music industry. It is also four times the size of the film industry in 2019. The industry also drives innovation in the electronics and computer component sectors.

Emblem-money
Emblem-money

Defining a video game can be complex due to new technologies. Most games feature victory conditions like scoring or boss fights. However, "walking simulators" focus on exploration without specific objectives. "Empathy games" focus on emotional experiences rather than winning. Some interactive films offer limited interaction with full motion video. Despite these differences, they are all connected by player interactivity.

The Art of Video Games 2012 (6848246182)
The Art of Video Games 2012 (6848246182)
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🖼️ Images & Media (30)
File:Compulsion loop for video games.svg
Compulsion loop for video games.svg
File:Video-Game-Controller-Icon-IDV-green-history.svg
Video-Game-Controller-Icon-IDV-green-history.svg
File:Newspaper nicu buculei 01.svg
Newspaper nicu buculei 01.svg
File:Noun-technology.svg
Noun-technology.svg
File:Emblem-money.svg
Emblem-money.svg
File:Gamescom Playstation VR Playseat (36454815300).jpg
Gamescom Playstation VR Playseat (36454815300).jpg
File:Universum TV Multispiel 2006.jpg
Universum TV Multispiel 2006.jpg
File:Nintendo-Super-NES-Controller.jpg
Nintendo-Super-NES-Controller.jpg
File:Consoles-computerspielemuseum.jpg
Consoles-computerspielemuseum.jpg
File:Spacewar!-PDP-1-20070512.jpg
Spacewar!-PDP-1-20070512.jpg
File:Gamers at Nintendo booth at Gamescom 2015 (19806635354).jpg
Gamers at Nintendo booth at Gamescom 2015...
File:The Art of Video Games 2012 (6848246182).jpg
The Art of Video Games 2012 (6848246182).jpg

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