The Universe of Video Games

By Bryce Verdier

Video games have come a very long way from when they were first introduced. Who could've imagined the variety of video game controllers currently available, the real life graphics, the sound and music options, the large number of players that you can play with and much more? Video games were destined to be popular, but who knew that popular meant a multi-billion dollar industry?

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.

30 years hence, video games have exploded into some of the most lucrative entertainment devices ever. A huge assortment of systems have appeared over the years and they are made better all the time apropos of Internet play, multiplayer capabilities, computing power, etc.

There are multiple platforms for video games. For example, there are the PC games which are played on the computer, consoles which are devices connected to a monitor or television, a handheld which is a portable gaming system and can be played almost anyplace and the arcade game platform which is the large, standard electronic device located in arcades everywhere. You can also play video games on mobile phones, graphing calculators, MP3 players, watches, digital cameras, and GPS receivers but these don't offer nearly the same experience and dimension as the platforms mentioned earlier.

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.

Some may ask how this is possible. And the answer is via the Internet. Nowadays Internet capabilities are being implemented into these video game console systems. Local area networks and the Internet allow up to 32 players if not more to play in a single game at once. These capabilities also allow one to talk via voice chat or instant messaging.

There has been enormous progress in video games since their early days. Video game technology is advancing rapidly. Manufacturers are continuously using new improvements in technology to make for a better, more stimulating gaming experience. As video games become ever more realistic the line between the virtual world and reality blurs.

About the Author:

Bryce Verdier is a video games fanatic, and his most recent acquisitions are a PlayStation 3 and a Nintendo Wii. He's penning a book on secret strategies for the Nintendo Wii when he is not busy playing video games.