After publishing my brief bio on Taarifa, the Chief Editor requested me to write about video games. As a student of Computer Science and Technology, I will provide an academic, industrial and a market definition then give the context of video games business in the real world out there.
A Computer/video game is an electronic game that can be played on a computing device, such as a personal computer, gaming console or mobile phone.
Depending on the platform, video games can be subcategorized into computer games and console games. Today’s computer/video games offer 3D graphics and simulate reality to a degree, which is astonishing and amazing in many cases.
Actually many people around the world are spending money on Computer/Video games; which motivates investors to keep investing in games. Moreover, as the industry of computer/video game is growing and more interesting, it is no longer being considered as for children only.
There are several companies in the market for computer/video game industry: Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, EA etc. The most popular computer/video games genres in the world are action/adventure, sports and simulation.
As GLOBAL GAMES MARKET REPORT stated in the latest quarterly update, gamers worldwide generated a total of $99.6 billion in revenues in 2016, up 8.5% compared to 2015. mobile gaming will take a larger share than PC (Personal Computer) with $36.9 billion, up 21.3% globally.
Playing computer/video games develop people’s intellectual skills. Many popular games require abstract and high level thinking skills in order to win, skills that may not be taught at school.
For example, people need to follow instructions, solve complex problems and use logic in many of the games that are currently popular. It also provides imagination, creativity and exploration, which we need in our daily life. Such experiences contribute to people’s intelligence, which also leads to high capability of solving technological problems and independent decision-making.
The most important aspect of playing computer/video games is treating some diseases. Researchers have found that computer/video games can be actually twisted to treat people with phobias (anxiety). The belief behind this treatment method is that exposing people to the source of their fear with in a controlled environment may actually lead to a cure.
Two of the most common phobias that have been treated with computer/video games are a fear of restricted spaces and heights. Teachers have found that computer/video games specifically prepared for language disabilities provide a unique way for children to overcome their disabilities.
Another important aspect is that computer/video games can help us to have fun. When we are very bored tired or stressed, Computer/video games are a good source of enjoyment. Moreover, we have fun playing computer/video games because they give us time to be with our friends.
It is a great opportunity to socialize. We can talk with our friends about other things at the same time. In addition, when we spend time with our friends and relax with friends, we have more energy for other work.
Programmers and designers are the main entities needed to successfully run a computer/video game. Programmers focus on the part of the game users don’t see and designers focus on part of the game users see and interact with the game.
Most popular programming languages for game development/design are C, C++, C#, JAVA, Python and Unity. The coding game community is big and competitive.
