What are Games?
A game is an activity with rules, a goal, and a system for players to interact with challenges. Games can be digital (video games), physical (board games), or hybrid. They often combine storytelling, rules, challenges, and reward systems to create engaging experiences for players.
Key elements include: players, objectives, rules, feedback systems, and voluntary participation. Games can be single-player or multiplayer and can focus on competition, cooperation, creativity, or exploration.
History of Games
Humans have been making games for thousands of years — from ancient board games like Senet and Go to modern video games. The invention of computers and graphics hardware in the 20th century enabled the creation of electronic games. The industry grew rapidly from arcade cabinets and home consoles to powerful PCs and mobile devices we use today.
Major milestones include the first arcade hits, the rise of home consoles, the transition to 3D graphics, and the growth of online multiplayer and mobile gaming.
Popular Genres
Action: quick reflexes and coordination.
Adventure: exploration and story-driven puzzles.
RPG (Role-Playing): character growth and narrative choices.
Strategy: planning and tactical decision-making.
Simulation: realistic systems and management tasks.
Sports & Racing: competition based on real-world sports or vehicles.
Many games mix genres — for example action-RPGs or strategy-sim hybrids.
How Games Are Made
Game development is a multidisciplinary process. Typical roles include designers, programmers, artists, audio engineers, and producers. Development involves concept, prototyping, content creation, programming, testing, and release.
Common tools: game engines (Unity, Unreal), art software (Photoshop, Blender), audio tools, and source control systems (Git). Iteration and player testing are vital to polish gameplay.
Example Top 10 Games (Not Ranked By Sales)
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- God of War
- Dark Souls
- Minecraft
- Fortnite
- Grand Theft Auto V
- Half-Life 2
- Portal 2
- Celeste
Quick Glossary
NPC — Non-player character.
HUD — Heads-up display; on-screen player info.
FPS — First-person shooter or frames per second (context matters!).
Loot — Items gained during play.