What Are Computer Games
From LoveToKnow VideoGames
Over the last decade, the line between computer games and video games has blurred extensively. Today the terms are nearly synonymous for most people, but some insist on maintaining a separation between the distinct styles of gaming.
Gaming Platforms
The major gaming platforms are arcade machines, computers and game consoles. What are the differences?
Arcade machines: Arcade machines are standalone gaming machines that include the computer chips dedicated to running the games, large displays and all of the controls for operating the game. Also known as coin-ops, these game machines are found in arcades and other public places where gamers can pay to play each round of a game.
Game consoles: Video game consoles are gaming platforms designed for home use. Often, they are designed to be hooked to a television for display, but some portable game consoles have their own built-in displays. Like arcade machines, video game consoles are controlled by computer chips that operate the games. However, unlike most arcade machines which are each dedicated to a single game, consoles can play a variety of different games. The games may be purchased separately and are stored on different media like CDs, DVDs, and cartridges, also known as ROMs.
Of course, modern game consoles are becoming more multi-purpose. Many of the newest generation of gaming consoles allows users to access the Internet, at least for online gaming, listen to MP3s and watch DVD movies.
Computers: While all video, arcade and computer games depend on chips to operate, computers in the gaming arena are generally defined as a complete system that can do operations other than gaming. For example, someone may use their home PC for Internet surfing, word processing, banking and listening to music as well as playing World of Warcraft, Bejeweled or that old standby Mine Sweeper.
Computer Games vs. Video Games
So, what is the real difference between computer games and video games? In early days, the games that were released for console machines were known as video games, and those released for computer systems were known as computer games. However, many games today are released across platform, so they are available for many console systems as well as computers.
In addition, early computer games took advantage of the peripherals that were available to computer users such as the keyboard and mouse, then later the Internet. Early video games took advantage of their console peripherals, optimizing their twitch action play for hand controllers with buttons and d-pads. However, today you can buy nearly any peripheral for any gaming system, you can access online multi-player games from even handheld consoles and the lines continue to blur. Of course, many computer games can be accessed online, and even played for free.
In the 80s and 90s, some genres such as Role Playing Games (RPGs) were far more popular on computers than on consoles and many players associated twitch shooters and action platform games with the platforms that hooked to TVs. However, today many RPGs are successfully sold on consoles and multiplayer action shooters have reigned supreme on the PC.
Today, the most successful games such as Madden NFL 2006 and Grand Theft Auto : San Andreas , whether you call them computer games or video games, are found on several platforms.
Resources
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