Computer/video games have developed considerably over time and many social implications have arisen as a result of this rapidly expanding medium. Computer games serve a very important function in society yet their future in terms of technology, the economy and society is still uncertain.
Firstly, it is important to define the term ‘Computer Game’. The Macquarie dictionary defines a computer as: “an apparatus for performing mathematical calculations electronically according to a set of stored instructions called a program.� The Dictionary defines a game as: “an amusement or activity to pass the time; a competition for amusement involving chance, skill, strength, according to set rules.�
Although the terms ‘computer game’ and ‘video game’ are often used in conjunction with one another, or in reference to each other, technically, they are not the same thing. (Wikipedia, 2004) A game is a ‘computer game’ if it played on an actual PC and a ‘video game’ if it is played on a video game console, However, while a computer game is not a video game, a video game is a computer game.
This is because computer games include a wide variety of games, which incorporate not only video display, but also text-based games and ‘interactive fiction’. (Wikipedia, 2004) Another major difference is the handling methods. While a keyboard operates a computer game, a game controller with buttons operates the video game.
Furthermore, computer games are optimised for viewing at close range usually by one or two people due to the high resolution monitors. In contrast, video games have low resolution so more than two people can view them from further away usually. For purposes of this proposal, a computer game will be meant to
mean and include a video game.
There are many central issues associated with the computer game. The most important issues relevant to this topic are: convergence , genre and computer games in a cinematic context . But, perhaps the most significant issue is the social implications that computer games pose on children/adults in society. Issues such as sexism, violence, health and addiction are just some of the major problems related to computer games.
It has been suggested that computer games interfere with a child's process of growing up. Consumerism and racism are also issues that parents believe are a direct result of frequent game playing and which impact considerably on their children. (Kahrmadji, 1999)
But perhaps the greatest concern is the health issues associated with playing computer games. Doctors have found that people who frequently play games are more susceptible to neck and back pains, eye strains, headaches and muscle damage. What’s more, children who play violent games have been found to hallucinate or experience nightmares more than children who do not play computer games. Obesity has also been associated with frequent gaming.(Rufus, 2004)
But while there are many criticisms surrounding computer games, these controversial playing devices also play an important role in education and can assist many people, namely students, with learning. It has been proven by researchers that computer games expand a child's ability on spatial subjects, improve hand-eye coordination, improve reflexes, and expands a child’s social life by having the opportunity to interact with other children through multiplayer games.
Computer games also improve logical thinking and problem solving skills. There are many educational games which exist such as Sim City, where players have to build houses, cities and develop war strategies. Games like these improve decision-making skills, communication, alertness, mathematician and spelling. In fact, the American government is currently researching how to implement computer games into the school syllabus. (Rufus, 2004)
Computer games also provide fantasy fulfilment for many people. People can escape their monotonous lives and become whatever they want - a super hero, a lean mean fighting machine, a pro golf player or even a tomb raider. Consequently, a video game can be a way of escaping the harshness of reality at times, all with the click of a button.(Crawford, 1997)
So where did computer games originate from? The history of video games involves not only people but also companies and ironies. The process is one of interrelations. For example, “Atari was an American company with a Japanese name, and the Japanese company Sega was started by an American.� (Herman et al, 2004)
In 1949, an engineer by the name of Ralph Baer, was the first man to come up with the concept of a computer game. However, it took a further eighteen years for another person to implement Baer's ideas. Willy Higinbotham was the first man to design an interactive tennis game played on an oscilloscope. (Herman et al, 2004)
Understanding the history of video games is the key to understanding the future, as many new video games are just re-invented forms of existing games. The future of Australian computer game development and the developers in today’s society is unclear. Although the computer game industry rakes in a substantial income, bigger game budgets and the scarcity of new ideas, are causing video game developers to have to come up with more innovative ways to sell their products and arrange business deals with publishers. (Howarth, 2004)
The next generation game consoles that will be available in the future are the Playstation 3 and Xbox 2. However, in order for the computer game industry to survive, there is a need for developers to expand in the global market.
Presently, there have been alternative funding arrangements for developers through a number of organizations such as GDAA. (Game Developers Association of Australia.) Today’s most recent computer games include the likes of Doom 3 and surprisingly old classics such as Frogger have resurfaced on the store shelves again. The Sony Playstation, X-box and Game Cube continue to flourish in sales, with each company continually fighting for the superior console game title.
Computer games are related to many other topics in the Wikipedia such as Games and Interactive Communities. This is because computer games are a form of new media technology, which is current and topical in today’s society. Other entries on the Wikipedia which are similar to this topic include, Computer Games Young Children and Reality as well as Videogames. These entries have not been written by Jodie Gummow.
Go to my [User:Jodie_Gummow | Annotated Bibliography]] for a complete list of references.
Jodie Gummow 18:40, 8 Sep 2004 (EST)
