Video Games: A Brief History and their Effects on Society by Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez Jr.
Video
Games: A Brief History and their Effects on Society
by
Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez Jr.
Video Games are electronic
games where players control images that are produced by a computer screen on a
television or some type of display screen. They can be played with and
controlled by a specialized electronic gaming device such as a joystick, a gaming
controller, a portable gaming system, or even a computer keyboard and mouse. Most
popular video games today are played on consoles with great graphics and
processing speeds, as well as with controllers that have better “haptic
feedback” as the video games slideshow states for week 15.
The very first video
games were not as advanced as they are today and could not support complex images
or controls. In fact, according to the Video Games slideshow from Week 15, the
first computer game, OXO, was processed on a large research computer and was written
in 1952. Tennis for Two was then invented in 1958 but it wasn’t considered an
electronic game because it used analog rather than digital technology. In
comparison to today’s video games, modern video game consoles are home consoles
that can support multiple video games and even support streaming and movie/tv
watching. You can even access the internet on a PS3, PS4, XBOX, etc. Video
games have completely transformed from their original form to the point that
there are now systems such as the PS5 that have 4K UHD AND 8K UHD options.
There is a variety of genres and sub-genres of video games in today’s world, especially as game developers blend and mix different types of games in new and exciting ways. Some of the most notable genres are violent action games, shooter games, or battle royales where players are tasked with virtually killing and eliminating other players with guns and other weapons. Researchers have raised concerns about violent video games because according to studies on this, playing violent games with realistic gun controllers can contribute to outcome aggression (Farrar, K. et al., 2017). However, it should be noted that this study focused on high levels of violent video game exposure in college students.
References
Farrar, K. M., Lapierre, M. A., McGloin, R., & Fishlock, J. (2017). Ready, Aim, Fire! Violent Video Game Play and Gun Controller Use: Effects on Behavioral Aggression and Social Norms Concerning Violence. Communication Studies, 68(4), 369–384. https://doi-org.libweb.lib.utsa.edu/10.1080/10510974.2017.1324889
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The evolution of video games is pretty interesting, who knew we would evolve from 'analog games' like Tennis for Two to Call of Duty and Pokemon games. I also think it is pretty interesting that video games are almost as popular as owning a smartphone. Video games and violence is also an interesting topic, I personally don't think there is enough research about that topic yet, and it needs to be researched more.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see how much video games have evolved over the last seventy years. As the technology evolves it also seems like the violence gets worse because of the improving graphics. The study you mentioned is eye opening, but at the same time makes sense. How can we think consistently surrounding yourself with violence won't make you violent.
ReplyDeleteBianca Viera
Hey Cuauhtemoc, I really enjoyed your blog. I enjoyed that you even went into a little history of video games showing that they have constantly been changing. Video games have almost become an important part of life for everyone. It has become a source of revenue and hobbies at the same time.
ReplyDeleteGreat work!
-Devin Taylor
It's crazy to see how the graphics have changed and improved over the years with videos games. I remember playing old school Tomb Raider and seeing those pixels and thinking wow this is so cool! Cut to now the graphics are so amazing and detailed! I'd say playing video games is definitely a hobby of mine.
ReplyDelete-Ruben Gonzalez