Gaming is the action of playing computer games (also called interactive computer games or computer video games) in which the player engages in interactive challenges with virtual or non-interactive computer programs. A computer game is generally any computer software application that includes a user interface (a display window for displaying various commands and other graphical information that the player’s character is using to perform) and an application program. Computer games are played by employing a keyboard and a mouse, or on a personal computer by using a hand-held device such as a gamepad or a joystick. Computer games can be single player, in which the player engages in action against an computer or one or more computer opponents; multiplayer games, in which two or more users can interact simultaneously with the use of multiple computer devices; and competitive games, in which two or more players compete against each other in a game of skill over a network such as the World Wide Web.
Video gaming involves using a personal computer (PC) and related peripherals, which include a video card, sound card, optical drive, and CPU. PC games are played using a gamepad, a pointing device, or a keyboard and mouse. Consoles, which are similar to PCs, also support gamepads. Consoles can be used for both single player and multiplayer video gaming. Arcade style video games are often referred to as “arcade” games, and often consist of shooter type video games that require player interaction within the game environment.
Online gaming is a type of computer gaming where one player uses a personal computer and Internet connection to engage in online multiplayer games (for example, game tournaments). This type of gaming has become increasingly popular over the past several years due to the growth of broadband Internet in most homes. Many PC games are available for download from the Internet on a pay-per-download basis. Several websites provide a wide variety of free PC computer games.
Console gaming is a type of computer game that requires a console to run. Consoles, like Nintendo Wii, Game Boys, and PSPs, are fairly affordable gaming consoles. A large portion of consoles are designed to play one specific type of game. For example, the Wii can play different games in its various formats, including games for the Wii MotionPlus bundle. Also, some console games require a monthly subscription fee.
Online multiplayer video games are played between real players via a computer network. Players can connect to each other through various methods such as chat, voice, and text. Popular multiplayer games include EverQuest, DayZ, and World of Warcraft. Some of these video games feature multiple people on a server (a number of computer systems connected to the Internet), which allows for a variety of interaction options between players. Examples of these games are Team fortress 2, and Counter strike.
One type of niche video gaming is board and card gaming. These games involve playing a game using a particular type of board or card. Most video gaming consoles are capable of supporting playing these types of niche games, though it is possible that later versions of video gaming consoles will have all of the basic pieces required to be able to play many different board games at once. One of the most popular forms of board gaming is solitaire, which was invented in Europe in the 16th century. The most popular card game in this genre is rumblejack, which was made famous by the card game known as “Texas Holdem” in the United States.