The Universe of Video Games
Video games have progressed a great deal from when they first came out. Who could have imagined the realistic graphics, sound and music? Or, who would have thought of the multiplayer capabilities or the innovative game controllers? Video games were certain to be popular, but who knew that they would blossom into an industry worth billions?
The idea for the first video game conceived as far back as 1947. However, the first commercially released video game was not produced until 1971. It was called “Computer Space” and created by Ted Dabney and Nolan Bushnell. This was followed up by the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972 which was the first game console to be used in the home.
Thirty years later, video games are some of the most profitable entertainment devices ever made. An enormous variety of systems have come out since then and they’re improved continuously in multiplayer capabilities, Internet play, and computing power.
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.
The Internet makes this possible. Most video game consoles released today have Internet play capabilities. Local area networks and the Internet let as many as 32 or more players play in a single game. It is also possible to communicate with other players through instant messaging or voice chat.
Video games have progressed immensely from Pong, Pac-Man, and Atari. The world of video games grows daily and the technology is advancing rapidly. The video game manufacturers are continuously using new advances in technology to make the gaming experience better and more stimulating. The more realistic video games become the more the line between the reality and the virtual world blurs.
Tags: Internet
