A game is a systematic, repeated form of play, normally undertaken for fun or entertainment, and at times used as a teaching tool. Games are very different from work, which are often carried out primarily for remuneration, and in comparison to art, which almost always is an expression of personal or aesthetic factors. Many people would argue that games are more fun than work because you are not paying someone to perform some form of labour. It could equally be argued that work is more fun than playing. So which is the right question?
The answer depends on whom you ask. Critics of popular games, such as those produced by Electronic Arts, often point out that the majority of popular multiplayer games available today, such as EA Sports Active, FarmVille and Bejeweled, fall into the ‘action’ or ‘choose your own adventure’ genre. These games involve a great deal of in-game effort in order to become better at the various challenges the game poses. They therefore require different types of expertise, skill and knowledge in order to succeed.
Critics of casual gaming, however, point out that much of the fun fact of these games is the customization of gameplay. This is not, they say, because the game mechanics are difficult, but rather, because the players are given more options and capabilities than is usual in a multiplayer game. This allows for a greater degree of customisation, and also, significantly lowers the skill ceiling. Also, it has been argued that players often feel that they have more control over the outcome of their game experience, which helps them achieve a sense of accomplishment. These gamers typically enjoy the freedom of expression associated with the different types of genres.
A third category of games fall between the two extremes, and are often called ‘adventure games.’ These are typically more narrative-driven and are popular among gamers who enjoy narrative-based video game play. However, this doesn’t mean that they are not interactive. In many cases, they are, in fact, as involved in the narrative as the player. The key difference is that the player has a very specific objective in adventure games, and that often influences the way they play the game.
For example, there are action-adventure games that revolve around a single plot, whereas others are much more open in how the player controls the gameplay. A perfect example of an action-adventure game is Tomb Raider Anniversary. Here, the player is faced with a variety of puzzles, combat, inventory, and inventory management, as well as fighting against evil. The gameplay is more action-oriented than other adventure games, but it still involves a significant amount of thought behind the decisions the player makes throughout the game.
Finally, there is another major sub-genre of video gaming that is often overlooked. This is the game that combines elements of both adventure and puzzle gaming. This sub-genre is often referred to as simulation, because it attempts to provide as much interactivity as possible between the game and the player, especially in the form of choices. In most cases, a game in this genre is set in a realistic setting, but the aim is still to provide as much interaction as possible between the game and the player. This type of game can be challenging, but most importantly it can be very fun to play!
