Video Game Primer

The difference between Pong and Playstation

For those new to the gaming world, here’s a short list of some gaming terms. For more details from gamers themselves, visit top gamer sites such as Gamespot or Gamestop. Another great source of information is Wikipedia, a free online encyclopedia with lots of great information about video games and the video game industry.

Atari – Atari started the gaming revolution, only to fade away soon after (but its coming back). This big box attached to the TV, brought Pong into our homes and changed our lives forever.

Console – The box with all the gaming power. The most popular brands are Microsoft Xbox, Nintento Gamecube, and Sony Playstation. Some can play DVDs too.

Controller – What the joystick evolved to become. It requires both hands, has 4-6 buttons, 2 joy sticks, and 2-4 “triggers”. Many kids have laughed while watching their parents figure out how to hover, check supplies, change weapons, aim and shoot all in one controller.

E3 – Electronic Entertainment Expo. E3 is the Gamer’s Mecca – the “it” place for any real gamer to be, or sneak into. No minors allowed (unless you’re a celebrity). There are 50-foot screens, skateboarders flying through the air, and multi-million dollar exhibits. It’s where you see and play what everyone will be talking about at Christmas — five months ahead of time.

Fantasy Games – Fantasy sports are among the most popular fantasy games, and among the most addictive out there. You may have heard it said about someone who spends too much time on the computer “Oh, yeah, he’s into fantasy sports.”

Game Genres

Here are some of the main game genres:

• Shooters – it’s just what it sounds like. Requires a lot of shooting, and the player controls the character.
• Action – Players band together or go solo to accomplish a mission, raid an underground tomb or cause havok.
• Adventure – An adventure game requires a little more thought. Players need to solve problems and can also interact with
• Role Playing (RPG) – The first popular one was Dungeons n’ Dragons. Players give characters individual features and can create and explore different scenarios.
• Strategy – Players need to think and plan how they will accomplish the goal – win the war, build the best city or end up rich.

Gameboy (Nintendo Gameboy) – A handheld, portable video game player that’s a must-have for any kid over the age of five – oh, and it’s a great gift for big kids too.

Gamecube (Nintendo Gamecube) – A less expensive console, the games sold are generally for younger au diences, the controller better for smaller fingers.

Joystick – Gives any gamer absolute control. In the 70’s, the joystick was a square box with a 5-inch stick coming out of the middle with a solitary button on the side. Today the joystick has evolved to a one-inch stick that is a small part of the controller that often comes with two joysticks.

Meta – a state of being that is “a level above” – essential for proper game play. The player is not absorbed in the game, but rather stays above the game to master it completely.

MMPORG (Massive Multi-Player Online Role-Playing Game) – Online worlds involving hundreds if not thousands of simultaneous players interacting in real time. Payable through a monthly subscription.

Nintendo – A Japanese company that began in 1889 selling playing cards. It was one of the earliest mass producers of video game consoles.

Pong – The game that started it all. You could spend hours hitting that white blip across your television, drinking Tang and thinking you were on the cutting edge of technology.

Sega – Sega was responsible for Frogger, an early arcade favorite. They used to make consoles, but no more. They are responsible for creating many games played on popular consoles.

Sony Playstation – One of the most popular consoles available, Playstation is the market share leader. It has more games available, but less graphics power than Xbox.

War Games – A way to bring the power of games into your workplace.

Xbox – A top console, made by Microsoft, known for lots of power and fantastic graphics, but with fewer games available.