Video games have advanced a lot from when they first appeared. Who could've envisioned the music, sound and realistic graphics? Or, who would have dreamed of the advanced game controllers or the ability to have multiple players. Video games were sure to be a favorite, but who could have predicted they'd grow into a multi-billion dollar industry?
The idea of a video game was entertained as far back as 1947. But, not until 1971 was the first commercially made video game available. Created by Ted Dabney and Nolan Bushnell it was named "Computer Space". On the heels of this was the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972 which was the first home gaming console.
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.
Video games can be played on various platforms. Among them are the PC game that is played on the computer, a console game which is a device connected to the television or monitor, a handheld which is gaming system that is portable and can be played nearly anywhere and the arcade game platform which is the standard, large electronic unit found in arcades the world over. Also, you can play video games on mobile phones, MP3 players, graphing calculators, GPS receivers, digital cameras, and watches however these do not offer nearly the same dimension and experience as the aforementioned platforms.
At first, arcade games permitted an individual to play a video game versus the computer and sometimes against another human player. Later on as technology advanced, video game consoles permitted as many as four different players to play simultaneously. With the invention of the Wii system, as many as 12 players can compete at once. An amazing feature of this technology is that you can play concurrently with local players and players worldwide.
How is this possible? The answer is via the Internet. Presently the capabilities for Internet gaming are being implemented in nearly all video game console systems. LAN's and the Internet permit up to 32 players or more to play in a single game at one time. These capabilities also let players to talk through voice chat or instant messaging.
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.
About the Author:
Bryce Verdier is a video games enthusiast, and his latest acquisitions are a Nintendo Wii and a PlayStation 3. When he's not busy playing video games he's writing a book on secret strategies for the Nintendo Wii.
