In the future I hope computer technology becomes so advanced that i am able to link my biology with the console itself. I’d like it to be in such a way that i feel pain when my character does and that when i look around the character looks the direction i am looking so that i am almost infused into a 3D world where i can look around 360 degrees. With the increase of understanding of the brain and the increasing abilities of computer gaming i am hoping that the advancement in technology will make this possible.
I’d like to play fantasy games where i could wonder around a world and i could see, smell, hear, taste and feel what it would be like to be there. A game where my senses and abilities are enhanced in the game although i have to make the movements to make the interactions occur.
Thursday 22 October 2009
A History of Computer Games- 2000’s and the future
Contemporary computer games have risen exponentially in cost and time to make. Income from games has increased, however this is due to the amount of games available on the market rather than the income from a single game title.
Games are now mainly funded by publishers who desire a large return on the sales of the games. However, due to this most publishers dismiss many new game ideas in favour of sequels and licensed properties from movies/ comics and TV shows.
The 2000’s saw another major increase in the popularity of computer consoles and PC’s. The 200’s saw the console industry taken over by the 3 major competing companies on today’s console market; Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo. With the release of the ‘Next Generation console’; the PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii came a new marker set in graphics and gameplay quality. The Wii especially, gives the player a more interactive way of playing a game. Nintendo and Sony seem to be the innovators in creating new ways of playing, whereas Microsoft concentrates more on the release of a variety of games rather than the way to play them.
Because of this competition game developers are always seeking to invent the next new way of making and playing games, and this is increasing difficult as publishers decide to mainly fund projects that they know they’ll make a profit on. Because when a new idea is created there is always a risk that it will fail on the market.
Bibliography
http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/hardware/crossplatform.ars/2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_video_games
Games are now mainly funded by publishers who desire a large return on the sales of the games. However, due to this most publishers dismiss many new game ideas in favour of sequels and licensed properties from movies/ comics and TV shows.
The 2000’s saw another major increase in the popularity of computer consoles and PC’s. The 200’s saw the console industry taken over by the 3 major competing companies on today’s console market; Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo. With the release of the ‘Next Generation console’; the PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii came a new marker set in graphics and gameplay quality. The Wii especially, gives the player a more interactive way of playing a game. Nintendo and Sony seem to be the innovators in creating new ways of playing, whereas Microsoft concentrates more on the release of a variety of games rather than the way to play them.
Because of this competition game developers are always seeking to invent the next new way of making and playing games, and this is increasing difficult as publishers decide to mainly fund projects that they know they’ll make a profit on. Because when a new idea is created there is always a risk that it will fail on the market.
Bibliography
http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/hardware/crossplatform.ars/2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_video_games
Thursday 15 October 2009
Computer Game History Part 2 1980's- 1990's
In the 1980’s personal computers were becoming a more common sight in the homes of the general public in developed countries. Businesses started to become more dependent on computer systems and jobs were becoming available that required a knowledge of using a computer.
With the increase in popularity computer games and consoles and the publishing costs so low, more and more computer games were being developed. Although large proportions were based on existing games, new games were being developed. It was at this time that computer games began to fit into different genres including; Adventure games, Beat ‘em up, Interactive movie, Maze games, Platform games, Platform- adventure games, Racing games, Role playing games, Rhythm games, Scrolling shooters, Stealth games, Survival horror and Vehicle simulation games.
The 1980’s continued to revolutionize computers through the creation of newer and more advanced consoles. The Commodore 64 and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum found instant success and quickly became the most popular consoles in the UK and Europe.
This second generation of computer gaming came to an end in 1983 when there was a ‘crash’ in the industry. Many companies were made bankrupt due to huge losses. The ‘crash’ is suspected to have been caused due to the production of poorly designed video games.
In 1985 the video game industry was revived with the arrival of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and so the third age of computer gaming begun. The NES was an instant success and dominated the North American and Japanese markets. It was at this time that the Sega Master System (yay!) became a huge success across Europe, Australia and Brazil. 1986- 1989 saw the release of some of the most successful gaming series today, make their debut. These included Zelda, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear.
The 1990’s saw the rapid increase in home consoles as the fourth and fifth generations of consoles were released. Consoles became more popular due to the transition from pixels to 3D graphics. Games came in the form of CD ROM’s instead of cartridges. Major success came to Sega’s Megadrive, Nintendo’s N64 and Sony’s newly created Playstation. Video gaming success was increased with the creation of handheld consoles and the ability to play games on a mobile phone.
This did however have a devastating effect on arcades as less and less people went to arcades to play games now they had access to a console at home.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Revolution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_video_games
http://www.computerhope.com/history/198090.htm
With the increase in popularity computer games and consoles and the publishing costs so low, more and more computer games were being developed. Although large proportions were based on existing games, new games were being developed. It was at this time that computer games began to fit into different genres including; Adventure games, Beat ‘em up, Interactive movie, Maze games, Platform games, Platform- adventure games, Racing games, Role playing games, Rhythm games, Scrolling shooters, Stealth games, Survival horror and Vehicle simulation games.
The 1980’s continued to revolutionize computers through the creation of newer and more advanced consoles. The Commodore 64 and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum found instant success and quickly became the most popular consoles in the UK and Europe.
This second generation of computer gaming came to an end in 1983 when there was a ‘crash’ in the industry. Many companies were made bankrupt due to huge losses. The ‘crash’ is suspected to have been caused due to the production of poorly designed video games.
In 1985 the video game industry was revived with the arrival of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and so the third age of computer gaming begun. The NES was an instant success and dominated the North American and Japanese markets. It was at this time that the Sega Master System (yay!) became a huge success across Europe, Australia and Brazil. 1986- 1989 saw the release of some of the most successful gaming series today, make their debut. These included Zelda, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear.
The 1990’s saw the rapid increase in home consoles as the fourth and fifth generations of consoles were released. Consoles became more popular due to the transition from pixels to 3D graphics. Games came in the form of CD ROM’s instead of cartridges. Major success came to Sega’s Megadrive, Nintendo’s N64 and Sony’s newly created Playstation. Video gaming success was increased with the creation of handheld consoles and the ability to play games on a mobile phone.
This did however have a devastating effect on arcades as less and less people went to arcades to play games now they had access to a console at home.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Revolution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_video_games
http://www.computerhope.com/history/198090.htm
Thursday 8 October 2009
Computer Games History Part 1
A Review of the early history of computer games
The ultimate beginning of computer games happened in 1947. It was in 1947, that the Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement Device was filed for patent. The device was used in missile defence systems using eight vacuum tubes to simulate a missile being fired. The missile speed and curve were controlled using a series of knobs. However, this was not designed for entertainment purposes only. 1952 saw A.S. Douglas create a graphic Tic-Tac-Toe game to illustrate his thesis on Human-Computer interaction. Tennis for Two was the next computer based game to be created in 1958. This was played using an oscilloscope. It allowed two players to compete against each other using hand controls.
For many, the game ‘Spacewar!’ is considered the very first video game. However, as it did not use a video display it cannot be counted as the first video game. It was created in 1962 and consists of two players controlling a spaceship each and trying to destroy each other before their opponent.
So it is believed that the very first video game is indeed ‘Chase’ as it was played on a television set. Created in 1967 by Ralph Baer, the game consisted of two squares chasing each other. Baer came up with the concept of playing a computer game on a Television set in 1966; he had the idea of having an alternative and interactive use for the television in millions of homes.
In the 1970’s video games began to become more popular as arcade versions of games were created for the general public to play worldwide. The first game to have major success was ‘Pong’ created by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in 1972. ‘Pong’ was a simple table tennis game, but it a global phenomenon that led to successors including ‘Space Raiders’ and ‘Asteroids’ becoming available as arcade games. This popularity was increased as the first consoles were being created around this time. Ralph Baer and his associates created the very first console in 1972; it was called the ‘Magnavox Odyssey’. This allowed the people to play video games on a console for the first time ever. Throughout the 1970’s more games and consoles were created with added improvements to each one as they were released.
After researching the history of video games, it seems to me that the creation of video games was almost by accident. The birth of the video game came out of the need to display the way a missile defence system could work and as a result one of the most popular form of modern entertainment was born.
My Computer Game History
My history of playing computer games started with ‘Alex the Kid in Miracle World’ for the Sega Master system. I regard it still as one of the most legendary games ever as it just gave me so many hours of fun as a kid. And if anyone can suggest a more random way to beat a boss than rock, paper, scissors, I’ll be keen to hear how. From then on I have never been without a computer console. The games always presented a challenge and could always infuse emotions in me. I was always interested and amazed through each generation by the quality of the graphics. Even now I still admire the graphics and quality in computer games. The most memorable games in my history include Sonic the Hedgehog (mega drive), Crash Bandicoot (Playstation 1), Grand Theft Auto(PC), Jade Cocoon(Playstation 1), The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers(Game Cube), Halo 1 & 2(Xbox), Ninja Gaiden(Xbox), Guitar Hero 2(Xbox 360) and Assassin’s Creed(Xbox 360). The most recent game I have played to date is Bioshock for the Xbox 360. I am enjoying the game so far as I find it incredible how games are able to infuse fear and suspense into the player.
Bibliography
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blcomputer_videogames.htm
http://www.jesperjuul.net/thesis/2-historyofthecomputergame.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_computer_and_video_games
http://www.designboom.com/eng/education/pong.html
http://www.pong-story.com/
The ultimate beginning of computer games happened in 1947. It was in 1947, that the Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement Device was filed for patent. The device was used in missile defence systems using eight vacuum tubes to simulate a missile being fired. The missile speed and curve were controlled using a series of knobs. However, this was not designed for entertainment purposes only. 1952 saw A.S. Douglas create a graphic Tic-Tac-Toe game to illustrate his thesis on Human-Computer interaction. Tennis for Two was the next computer based game to be created in 1958. This was played using an oscilloscope. It allowed two players to compete against each other using hand controls.
For many, the game ‘Spacewar!’ is considered the very first video game. However, as it did not use a video display it cannot be counted as the first video game. It was created in 1962 and consists of two players controlling a spaceship each and trying to destroy each other before their opponent.
So it is believed that the very first video game is indeed ‘Chase’ as it was played on a television set. Created in 1967 by Ralph Baer, the game consisted of two squares chasing each other. Baer came up with the concept of playing a computer game on a Television set in 1966; he had the idea of having an alternative and interactive use for the television in millions of homes.
In the 1970’s video games began to become more popular as arcade versions of games were created for the general public to play worldwide. The first game to have major success was ‘Pong’ created by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in 1972. ‘Pong’ was a simple table tennis game, but it a global phenomenon that led to successors including ‘Space Raiders’ and ‘Asteroids’ becoming available as arcade games. This popularity was increased as the first consoles were being created around this time. Ralph Baer and his associates created the very first console in 1972; it was called the ‘Magnavox Odyssey’. This allowed the people to play video games on a console for the first time ever. Throughout the 1970’s more games and consoles were created with added improvements to each one as they were released.
After researching the history of video games, it seems to me that the creation of video games was almost by accident. The birth of the video game came out of the need to display the way a missile defence system could work and as a result one of the most popular form of modern entertainment was born.
My Computer Game History
My history of playing computer games started with ‘Alex the Kid in Miracle World’ for the Sega Master system. I regard it still as one of the most legendary games ever as it just gave me so many hours of fun as a kid. And if anyone can suggest a more random way to beat a boss than rock, paper, scissors, I’ll be keen to hear how. From then on I have never been without a computer console. The games always presented a challenge and could always infuse emotions in me. I was always interested and amazed through each generation by the quality of the graphics. Even now I still admire the graphics and quality in computer games. The most memorable games in my history include Sonic the Hedgehog (mega drive), Crash Bandicoot (Playstation 1), Grand Theft Auto(PC), Jade Cocoon(Playstation 1), The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers(Game Cube), Halo 1 & 2(Xbox), Ninja Gaiden(Xbox), Guitar Hero 2(Xbox 360) and Assassin’s Creed(Xbox 360). The most recent game I have played to date is Bioshock for the Xbox 360. I am enjoying the game so far as I find it incredible how games are able to infuse fear and suspense into the player.
Bibliography
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blcomputer_videogames.htm
http://www.jesperjuul.net/thesis/2-historyofthecomputergame.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_computer_and_video_games
http://www.designboom.com/eng/education/pong.html
http://www.pong-story.com/
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