eBriefs
Computer
Games - Interactive Movies - Players
- Stakeholders -
Local
Censorship - Overseas Censorship - Developer
Responses - Accusations
What is a computer game?
A computer
game is an interactive entertainment software product played on a personal
computer. The software may be in the form of magnetic disc, cd-rom,
or DVD. Classic computer games include titles such as Doom
and Duke Nukem 3D. Interactive
movies are a sub-category of computer games and are sufficiently distinctive
as to merit their own eBrief elsewhere on this Web site which provides
additional information to what is mentioned below.
All these games have some
storyline and involve a degree of strategy and regular player
input in order to overcome imaginary problems and thus complete successfully.
Graphics are most often animated or cartoon-like. Interactive movies
use real human actors and often real sets and props like traditional movies.
Many of the most controversial computer games
involve the player's character in frequent combat from the first-person
perspective which accurately simulates the point of view of an infantry
soldier. Other such titles take a more cerebral approach and instead
offer difficult puzzles and simulations of dangerous non-combat situations.
Most games allow the player's character to carry an inventory of items
which may be added to or used during the course of the game to allow for
successful completion.
Here is what you need to
do to get a computer game to work on a typical IBM compatible computer:
* Read reviews of computer
games until you find one you would like to buy.
* Locate a computer games
shop that stocks the product you want.
* Pay for the game.
Most modern games cost around $90-$100. Such high costs are so prohibitive
that purchasers are often limited to those earning wages.
* Install the game on your
computer. Many games do not run perfectly the first time or may not
run at all. As a result, you often have to adjust various settings
on your computer or even upgrade your computer's components to get it to
work. A fair degree of technical knowledge is typically required
to accomplish these actions, but they far from impossible for any teenager
or adult willing to take the time and effort to learn about home computing.
Additionally, many computer
games now have multiplayer capability which means that players can engage
in gaming cooperatively or against each other over communications networks
linked to their computers such as office local area networks and the Internet.
In contrast to computer games,
video games are played using a console (specially designed by any one of
a number of companies) attached to a television set. The software
may be in the form of a cartridge, cd-rom, or DVD. Video game software
can only be used on the specific console system for which it was designed.
To play a video game, the gamer simply inserts the $100 or so cartridge
(or cd-rom or DVD) into their console system. No additional technical
knowledge is required. Consoles tend to cost far less than computer
systems as they are dedicated gaming machines and cannot be used for other
purposes. Multiplayer games are usually only possible by attaching
extra controls to the console which allow more than one player in the same
room to play the video game simultaneously.
In general, video games present
more action and less storyline and strategy than computer games.
These games are often targeted at younger players compared with computer
games. Most discussions of video games are really discussions of
video games and computer games, as many people do not make any distinction
between these two forms of entertainment media. As almost all electronic
games related censorship controversies have revolved around computer games,
this Web site mentions mostly computer games, but refers to video games
- such as Custer's Revenge - where
appropriate.