Gaming is the general term used to describe any computer activity involving interaction with an electronically programmed computer system (or computer program) that allows users to interact with a visual output on the screen. There are literally thousands of different types of computer games available today, and each one requires different skills to play. There are also many different ways to play a particular game, including competitive gaming, role playing, and casual gaming. Many computer games allow a player to progress through a series of increasingly difficult levels and eventually to complete the game. Some games are popular among particular age groups and genres of entertainment, while others are more universal in their appeal. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular computer games.
Online multiplayer console gaming is popular among both young and old alike. With the popularity of consoles such as the Xbox, Sony PlayStation, and Nintendo Wii, as well as PC based games consoles like the Play Station 3 and Nintendo Wii, there is a large and enthusiastic online community dedicated to these consoles and games. Because of this intense competition, it is possible for someone to become quite skilled at communicating and networking within this multiplayer community. The messages that players use in their in-game chat programs are often customized to include personal information and other factors which make them much more difficult to block by an individual using personal computer security software, such as anti-spyware and antivirus programs.
Computer gaming is not only popular among adults, but children as well. Young children can be seen playing games like the popular Dora the Explorer online as well as older children playing Mario Brothers or Donkey Kong on their Nintendo DS systems. For adults, computer gaming has always been a favorite form of relaxation after a hard day’s work, and the social media has only made this more enjoyable and accessible for people of all ages. Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter are just a few of the social media websites that are full of games for gamers to play. The options for in-game communication and interacting with other gamers from around the world are endless.
While gaming may be considered a relatively harmless pastime, the effects of playing video games may be far more harmful than many realize. The effects of video games may range from addictive behavior to violence, as well as negative socialization aspects. Negative effects of gaming are currently being investigated by school researchers studying how students react to playing video games that require high levels of concentration and focus such as strategy games and first person shooters. These studies may lead to improved academic performance and a boost in test scores among children.
Parents are also becoming increasingly aware of the effects of gaming, especially those with young children. Some parents will not allow their children to play games that have time limits or other requirements that may cause them to be unable to complete the game. In other cases, they will allow their children to play the games but will monitor their activities to ensure that they are not spending excessive time in a particular game. Video games may also cause a change in the way that children interact with their peers. New research is investigating whether young people who play video games are having a similar effect as adolescents who spend a lot of time playing sports related computer games, where players frequently fight with each other for control of a game environment.
The new study is examining whether the changes noted in this research are due to personal information being posted on the Internet by gamers. Personal information includes personal contact information, location, game play details, chat room names, and more. When this information is released, it can lead to embarrassment or even shame among gamers and can lead to the silencing of critics. The use of personal information has caused an increase in anti-gaming sentiment against gamers.