Video Games

The term video games refers to hardware and software programmed to foster competition among players. Initially, the term video games referred to electronic games played on dedicated computer systems comprising a central processing unit (usually known as a console), an operating system, the game software, input devices, and a display. However, in the contemporary context, video games are often played on online platforms. After briefly reviewing the history of video games, this entry provides more detail about video game principles and genres as well as their relation to other media such as films.