Computer Games Designed For Serious Gamers
Game: The object of a game is to entertain or exercise, either for fun or for competition, and at times used as an education tool. A game is a carefully structured form of activity, usually undertaken for fun or amusement, and at times used as an instructional tool. Games are quite different from work, that is normally carried out for profit, and from literature, that is more often a reflection of philosophical or aesthetic elements. In work, real-world problems are addressed by the application of skills and knowledge, while in games the player assumes the role of a solving a problem within the limitations of the given situation. Often, the main purpose of a game is to provide entertainment and relaxation, but other purposes have also been found, for example, in the development of problem solving skills.
Computer games vary widely in style and complexity, depending on the culture and purpose of the players. The first generation of computer games were ‘word games,’ using text input; however, nowadays, many ‘immersion’ or ‘immersive’ gaming styles have developed, in which the player becomes immersed in the computer-generated environment, in much the same way that a book or magazine reader becomes immersed in the newspaper or magazine pages. Computer games differ significantly from video games in regard to their level of difficulty and complexity, varying from ‘light’ versions that require only a simple command of the keyboard to’medium’ or ‘hard’ versions, requiring a mastery of many computer programming languages. The term ‘level’ refers to the manner in which the game is presented on screen. ‘Real-time’ and ‘immersion’ are terms that are used to describe the changing nature of the environment and of the interactions of the players with it, in order to create a more realistic, as well as more challenging experience.
The term ‘gamification’ first emerged around the start of the twenty-first century, when computer programmers began to adopt it as a replacement for the phrase’skill gaming.’ The idea behind gamification is to derive gaming as a more serious activity, where the player is rewarded for their success, rather than simply achieving some particular goal. The goal in most digital games is to be successful in attaining a set goal, such as winning the game.
In recent years, the term has developed even more strongly, as video games have increasingly become an entertainment form, as well as an interactive educational tool. Gamification has taken on a whole new meaning in this context. It refers to the use of technology to create and enhance the experience of playing, as opposed to the use of technology to achieve the same end in a ‘text based’ format. Many video games use gamification to ensure that players will find their experience of playing is more engaging and rewarding. These games may involve tasks that a player has not had to undertake before, such as puzzle solving, or even real skill development, as with some racing games.
However, the growing trend of creating virtual environments for digital games goes much further than simply having tasks available to solve. It is also about having things that can be used to make the experience more interesting and rewarding. Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry are now re-designing their titles as they introduce more possibilities to enjoy. There are many websites that offer you the chance to try out a wide selection of different ‘immersive’ digital environments, where you can create your own virtual worlds and engage in all sorts of activities. You can build your own virtual farm, mine, explore the sea, take part in an epic fight, or even find a partner to marry.
As technology improves, computer games designed for entertainment will become more realistic, more engaging, more rewarding, even more skillful. This is the path that gaming is taking, moving from the’millennium fun’ genre towards a truly serious form of entertainment. Computer games designed for serious gamers will almost always include some element of skill, and even if it does not it will be an important part of the game. Serious gamers will always be attracted to this, regardless of whether it’s for pleasure or for profit.