| Times have changed since we used to gather | | | | universe. Games can be divided into a few basic |
| around the kitchen table for a game of cards. | | | | categories, and some incorporate more than one: |
| These days, weekly poker games or impromptu | | | | * First person shooters |
| euchre parties are played online. The computer | | | | * Second person Shooters |
| age has changed everything -- including the way | | | | * Third person Shooters |
| we play. | | | | * Platformers |
| The terms "video games", "computer games" and | | | | * Racing |
| "PC games" are often used interchangeably. | | | | * Real time strategy |
| Although not always identical, these are generally | | | | * Role-playing |
| computer-controlled games that players can | | | | * Simulation |
| interact with. A Personal computer game refer to | | | | Interactive computer games are so popular that |
| the games that are played on a PC, while the | | | | there are numerous websites magazines |
| term "video game" refers to games that are | | | | dedicated entirely to the market segment. |
| played through the TV. Some "video games" are | | | | Microsoft has their own "official Xbox Magazine", |
| console or hand held devices (i.e.: Gameboys) and | | | | plus there are Sony's "Official US Playstation", |
| others can be played on personal computers, | | | | Nintendo Power, Amped News, Gamepro, |
| mobile phones or PDAs. Another difference also | | | | GameSpot, IGN, Game FAQ's, and Game Spy. |
| between a console game and the video game, | | | | The industry is so hot that even television |
| although these can be used interchangeably, is | | | | networks are running TV programs about |
| that a console game is played on a specially | | | | interactive computer game playing. Worldwide |
| designed box that plays through a TV (i.e.: Xbox). | | | | competitions are held, cartoon characters and |
| Video games outsell PC games by as much as | | | | trading cards reinforce the mass appeal, and |
| four to one. This is because of the limitations that | | | | T-shirts are sold featuring favorite game |
| are often specified on personal computers. In | | | | characters. Interactive computer games have |
| order for the game to play well, the PC has to | | | | moved beyond boredom-busters to important |
| meet certain specifications. If the access | | | | elements of modern pop culture. |
| memories, system clock speed, hard drive space, | | | | With so much popularity comes responsibility. All |
| processor speed or Internet connection are not in | | | | games receive a rating, much like a theatre rating, |
| sync, the game will play poorly or won't play at all. | | | | to help users choose. Games with graphic scenes |
| Even so, interactive computer games have | | | | or extreme violence are marked "A" for adult or |
| become a big business worldwide. Not long ago, | | | | "R" for restricted. Obviously these games are |
| people spent hours batting a dot on the screen | | | | inappropriate for children, but there are many |
| between two bars of light. The "Pongs" of | | | | titles on the market that can provide kids with |
| yesteryear can no longer hold the attention of | | | | education, interaction, social skills and hours of fun. |
| most interactive computer game fans. Computer | | | | Parents need to share the responsibility and |
| game development has been quick and absolutely | | | | choose games suitable for the age of the child. |
| massive. Businesses across the world have picked | | | | Some games are programmed with parental |
| up and cashed in on the limitless potential of the | | | | controls that parents can set to block scenes or |
| interactive computer game craze. Programmers | | | | situations that may not be appropriate for |
| and game developers are creating games with | | | | younger players. |
| graphics that can easily compete with the clarity | | | | Now you can play a round of poker, start a |
| of a television and the sound of a home stereo | | | | euchre tournament, play chess or backgammon, |
| system. Even the most discriminating eye will | | | | shoot a game of pool, drive a Ferrari or take on |
| appreciate the literally millions of colour | | | | a rogue battleship any time you like. With |
| combinations used in today's games. | | | | interactive computer games, you never have to |
| There are thousands of interactive computer | | | | find a deck or cards or wait for another player. |
| games available and while there are rules, the | | | | Just plug in your favorite software and have a |
| players are free to roam within the virtual | | | | virtual world of fun. |