Video Games
History
The history of video games spans a period of time from the invention of the first electronic games to today, with video games becoming an important part of global culture and economy. The first video games were developed in the 1950s and 1960s, but it was not until the 1970s and 1980s that video games became popular consumer products.
The first video games were simple simulations of board games, which were played on large, expensive computers connected to vector displays, not analog televisions. The earliest example is from 1947—a "Cathode ray tube Amusement Device" was filed for a patent on 25 January 1947, by Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann, and issued on 14 December 1948, as U.S. Patent 2,455,992.
Genres
Video games are categorized into genres based on their gameplay interaction rather than visual or narrative differences. A video game genre is defined by a set of gameplay challenges and are classified independent of their setting or game-world content, unlike other works of fiction such as films or books. For example, a shooter game is still a shooter game, regardless of whether it takes place in a fantasy world or in outer space.
Development
Video game development is the process of creating a video game. Development is undertaken by a game developer, which may range from a single person to an international team dispersed across the globe. Traditional commercial PC and console games are normally funded by a publisher and take several years to develop. Indie games usually take less time and money and can be produced by individuals and smaller developers. The independent game industry has seen a substantial rise in recent years with the growth of new online distribution systems and the mobile game market.
Impact on Society
Video games have had an undeniable impact on society. They have been shown to improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills, and have been used in physical rehabilitation. They have also been linked to aggressive behavior and increased sedentary lifestyles, leading to obesity. The social impact of video games is complex and varies by the individual and the game in question.
