Can Video Games Have Positive Effects?

Many people (particularly parents) often argue that video games are destroying our youth, and games such as Grand Theft Auto are causing people to think that it's okay to murder, steal cars and beat up pedestrians. Others complain that the kids of today are suffering from obesity because they are spending so long sat in front of their televisions playing video games instead of playing outside with their friends.

Despite all of this, there are some obvious and not-so obvious benefits that video games can have. First of all, anyone that might call themselves a hardcore gamer (or even a casual gamer) will almost certainly boast increased hand-eye coordination over someone that plays no games at all. The reason being that your eyes are taking in information from the screen which your hands must then act upon (by pressing buttons on the controller). All of this needs to take place within fractions of a second, as reaction times are very important.
Another more bizarre benefit that most people would never consider is that video games can be used for therapy. A football simulation game called 'Football Manager' seems to attract football fans for lots of different reasons. Of these fans, many say that they play the game to feel better after their team loses.

It is no surprise that a quick look on the Football Manger forums will see more Liverpool, Newcastle and Aston Villa fans all trying to take their teams to the top. It is also no surprise that all of these teams in recent years have been perennial underachievers, and this is why their fans have been drawn to playing the game. From a fans' point of view, Football Manager is a fantasy in which they can act out winning.

How to Make a Career in Video Games

There is a boom in the video games industry. More and more skilled professionals are in demand by game development companies. And there is no dearth of careers in video games. You can choose to become a texture artist, a concept artist, a level designer, a physics programmer, a user interface programmer etc. There are multiple career options waiting for aspiring candidates. But before you step into the video gaming industry to make a career, it is essential to decide which career path you want to choose. Whether you want to choose a programmer's career, a designer's career or an artist's career, it will depend on your interest and skills.

Video game development companies are trying to develop computer games or video games that look 'amazingly real' and excite and engage users. These companies are targeting not only the fans of video games but also those who play games casually. In order to make the gaming environments more and more realistic, game development companies are looking for talented candidates who have a passion for playing as well as making games.

Career Paths That You Can Choose in Gaming Industry
Figure out your interests to pursue a desire career in games industry. Candidates need to have a combination of artistic and technical skills to be successful in their careers. If you really desire to make a profitable career in games, you need to have the knowledge of both the artistic and technical aspects of the games, gaming environments and its multiple elements.

Here's is a list of career paths you can choose when you step into the video gaming industry -

Concept Artists
Texture Artists
Level Designer
Physics Programmer
User Interface (UI) Programmer
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programmer
Sound Programmer
Animator
Tester
Publisher

Video game programmers deal with the technical aspect of the game while designers and work on the artistic aspects. Animators deal with object animation techniques. However, all these professionals work as part of a team to make gaming environments exciting, engaging, user friendly and as realistic as possible. Work environments are mostly very casual and it is quite fulfilling coordinating with others specialists and experts in the field of video or computer games.

Educational Requirements/ Skills
For most of the video games careers, candidates need to posses a degree in computer science, multimedia arts, graphics arts etc. Additionally, candidates can enroll in training programs and courses offered in game related majors. Today, there are hundreds of schools that offer courses and training in game related majors including video game console design, C++ programming for game developers, introduction to robotics, graphics programming, game mathematics, artificial intelligence for game developers, physics for game developers, video game testing etc. A strong passion for playing and making games, however, is the key requirement for taking up any career in video games industry. Interpersonal skills always play an important role to have a successful career. Candidate need to improve their communication skills, team playing skills, ability to change original ideas as per the game development project requirement, ability to abide by the timeline, ability to have a keen eye for details etc.

Video Games - From Stationary to Mobile

Surely you have played at least one video game at one point in your life. Or at least watched someone you know play one. Or if not-and this seems very pathetic, no offense-at least heard about the existence of video games in today's modern world through the news or by word of mouth. If you've played video games (congratulations for keeping up with the times) you may have done so first on a Game Boy or family computer.
And what game, shall we guess. OXO (a virtual tic-tac-toe)? Pong? Spacewar? Asteroids? Pacman? Oh the list could go on and on... Family feud? Lemmings? Solitaire? Mortal Kombat? Super Mario Brothers? The Sims? Yes, that's essentially an overview of the history of video games. From video arcade games to first-generation consoles; from home computer games to the golden age of handheld LCD games during the decline of the video arcade ones; until we come to the rise of cell phone games.
It was Nokia that turned mobile phones -- then just a gadget for calling and texting -- into video game platforms in 1998. The advent of cell phone games began with Snake that already came installed on selected Nokia units, and soon after, every other mobile phone provider had a time-killing game on their products. These games back then could be played for short periods of time, such as waiting for your order at a fast food restaurant; they shorten battery life quickly and would appear ancient when compared to the cell phone games of today because they were monochromatic and very simple in mechanics and graphics (Pairs? Bricks, anyone?).
Nokia again upped the ante for mobile gaming in 2003, five years from the first release of Snake, with the launch of the Nokia N-Gage, a handheld gaming platform. It may not have been a huge success financially but it sure encouraged many game developers to create more games and mobile phone providers to release more advanced products with better color screens, memory and processing capability to improve the gaming experience with them.
Cell phone games continued to increase in popularity as more sophisticated technology was developed for our trusty gadgets. Nokia's N-Series smartphones released in 1995 and Apple Inc.'s iPhone released in 1997 added more allure to the idea of mobile gaming. Apple Inc.'s App Store reportedly sold more games than any other applications in 2008-a sure sign that the appeal of mobile gaming is only getting stronger.

Video Game Testers - Get Paid to Play Video Games

With the complexity of games ever increasing, the need for video game testers is greater than ever. It makes sense for a company to outsource their game tester, as the software programmers can then focus on doing their jobs, instead of trying to sort out every single glitch and bug right from the start.
Becoming a games tester is a huge aspiration for many people, as you can basically get paid to sit at home and play video games all day! When a company is looking to employ video game testers, they usually look for a few things. Firstly, you must be over the age of 18, as some games contain graphic content, which you must be over 18 to play (or test). They are also looking for someone who will treat this as a 'real' job, and is not just looking to get a free ride. Saying that, if you don't see your career in the video game industry, or as games tester, that's fine - they won't discriminate against you for this. Saying that, you do have to remember that you will have deadlines to reach, and you will be asked to do certain things.
Most companies won't expect you to have much experience when they hire you as one of their video game testers, but they will expect you to have a passion for video games, as well as a strong knowledge of the industry (i.e. what new products are coming out). Finally, when going for a job interview, remember that there are many companies, and that you might not get hired first time, so don't worry if you don't get it. Overall, it's important to convey your love of video games, and you should be okay.

Video Game World and the Real World

Children who come from a split up home as the result of divorce often have underlined self-esteem issues. Quite often, these children turn to something else, for comfort and peace. All too often, however this place is the video game world. This is not to say that all children will revert to this and not all video games are bad. It is a bad thing when your child cannot distinguish between the video game world and the real world.

If you have recently been, through the process of divorce and if you have children you must help them. Please talk to your children about the situation. Do not take for granted that the child will understand what is happening or that he or she will simply have to accept the divorce. The child no matter what age younger or older must understand that the divorce is not his or her fault and sometimes two parents are, better off apart.

This is difficult for any child at any age when they are so used to both parents being in the same household. However now dad is in one place and mom is in another. If it is at all humanly possible, the adults should think of only the child's feelings when the two parents meet of any reason. Arguing and disagreement only adds to the already disturbed child. Any disagreements of the parents in the presents of the child may if fact, send them further into the video game world.

After the separation and divorce or even during the process if you notice your child beginning to talk more and more about only the video games or the characters in the games. Alternatively, if your child is only interested in the video games and nothing else this is a real sign of trouble and the child is having difficulties. In this video game world, there are many escapes from what is going on in the real world.

In the video game world, there is violence so the child can lash out at the feelings that they are having or experiencing. The game world also has adventure and some form of security for the child as the game is constantly there where the parents cannot be. Your child may slip into this video game and it could be difficult for him or her to rejoin the real world.

Therefore, even though it is difficult for you to deal with all of these things while in the process of a divorce you must still help your children and you must allow them to talk to you about the situation. You do not want your child to slip into this make believe world with no way out.

How to Fully Appreciate Video Games

We love video games but we feel that a lot of people we meet just don't know enough about them or take the time to fully appreciate them. Why not, we wondered? For some people, it's not that they don't want to but that they really don't know how.
There are many people today who will even consider video games to be a work of art. There is a great deal of talent and sill that must go into creating a successful, popular video game and it's important that as a player, you learn to fully appreciate each and every one.
Some gamers rush through a game or a review of a game waiting for the good stuff, fast action scenes or exciting levels and give very little attention to the other details that make up the game. Other gamers rely on the word and opinions of reviews and people they play with to help them make decisions regarding which games they play. When you learn to appreciate video games, you can be your own critic and make your own choices about what you play and why. You may find you are pleasantly surprised by some of the games you discover.
It's also encouraged that you try new games or new genres that you may not normally play. Even if you don't end up finding a new favorite game, it's important to appreciate all that the video gaming community has to offer.
Here are some more types to help you fully appreciate video games:
-Watch the intro scenes. -Watch the cut scenes. -Listen to the music/soundtrack of the game. - Listen to the sound effects in the game. -Share the game with someone else or share your experience with the game with a friend or on a forum. - Take time to research the history of the game- who created it, why and who it was intended for. -Take time to look up hints and tips for the game you are playing. -Look up useful advice regarding the game you are playing. Find out what others are saying about it and how to play it. -Don't make a biased decision based on first impressions. Give it some time first before forming an opinion. - Don't avoid a game based only on the opinions and reviews of others. Take time to try it out for yourself.
With these tips, you can learn more about each and every game you play. Even if you try the game only to find you don't like playing it often, you will still know that you have given it a full chance. When you learn to fully appreciate video games, you will be better able to enjoy the games you do play and to understand the industry as a whole. You will find a new love of video games because you will fully appreciate all that encompasses them.

Who Are the Best Video Game Icons?

Videogames culture has never yet made a household name of it's designers, producers or Directors. A famous name is justified by some genuinely game defining work. The list of these industry players is endless but the limelight always goes to the character that has been created in the video game.
Console game designers have changed the actual characters over time. This is done with advancing technology. What is good is that the designers have aimed to preserve the iconography while making the stars of their games more three -dimensional. Who is your favorite game icon? How many of these can you remember?
Pac-man 1980 Once king of the arcade and originally called Puck man. A yellow munching machine that looked like a Pizza with a missing slice.
Sonic the Hedgehog 1991 The spiky blue mascot has been almost prolific as his rival Mario. Sonic was all about one thing, Speed.
Lara Croft 2001 England's favorite pistol firing treasure hunter. The top heavy original was later turned into an elegantly athletic model.
Pikachu 1998 The most famous of all Pokemon. The super fast mascot is still catchable in Pokemon games and has been spotted in other video games.
Console makers are also associated by Mascot characters. Nintendo has Mario who has starred in well over a hundred games. His first appearance was in the platform game Donkey Kong in 1980. PlayStation, Xbox, Gamecube, Gameboy, Wii, and DS, they all have their favorite character
As long as new console games are being invented, more iconic characters will appear. Enjoy your gaming.

Sony Psp – a Versatile Playstation From Sony

The Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a hand-held gaming console that was launched by its Sony on May 11, 2004. Although, the controls of the PSP are meant specifically for gaming, this gaming console from Sony is capable of effectively playing video and audio files. The default battery life of the PSP is different for different applications. If you are accessing wireless network & the brightness of the screen is set to the maximum level, the battery life would be less than 3 hours. However the battery will last for more than 11 hours if the MP3 mode is used without turning the screen light on. If you wish to extend the life of your battery you can keep the PlayStation in sleep mode, as minimum amount of battery power is used this way. Not only does the PlayStation offer a longer battery life, but also provides you with a sophisticated and user-friendly interface. The XrossMediaBar (also called XMB) is the main-menu interface. The same interface was used by Sony in its TVs, the PlayStation3, and PSX hardware. The main menu options consist of horizontally arranged icons for Settings, Music, Network Game, Video, and Photo. A sequence of vertically arranged sub icons is displayed under these options. You can also adjust the settings of the XMB. Enjoy surfing the internet, playing audio, video & games, or simply connect it to your home PC. The interface is easy to access; you don’t need to work hard for it. All that you need to do is simply press the ‘Home’ button. The default background tints of this PlayStation from Sony keep changing every month. However, if you want you can set the colour manually also or set an image at the background. Currently, there are about 10 official themes i.e. Wipeout, Lemmings, Cookies, etc.To conclude, right from a user-friendly and attractive interface to gaming & audio-video features, the Sony PSP has got almost the best set of tools and features that one can seek in a multipurpose gaming console.

Professional Video Game Testing - Reasons You'll Be Denied

Professional video game testing isn't really that tough. In fact, you could even go as far as to say that it's an easy job that does NOT require too much effort. All you have to do is put the game in, play through it, write down the game's problems, then collect a paycheck after you're all done. Seriously, does that sound like a difficult job to you?
You Need NOT Apply For This Simple Job If...
- You don't have at least 5 years gaming experience. In all seriousness, you don't have to be a gaming guru who has mastered every video game out there. However, you do need to have basic knowledge of the gaming industry and how game development works. More experience and knowledge you have, the better off you'll be.
- You aren't at least 18 years old. Some companies have been known to hire (with limitations) gamers who are 16 years old. Then again, this is usually a rare occurrence in the world of professional video game testing.
- You don't have a next-gen system and/or a high-end PC. Having both is better, but one or the other will do. If you're not current with gaming technology, you don't stand a chance.
- You don't have a video game testing resume. No resume, no consideration of any kind, period. Being a game tester means having to do actual work which MUST be taken seriously. This isn't a hobby you do on the weekends.
- You have poor grammar skills. Video game testers fill out a great many reports & forms that are used by game programmers to repair & improve video games. If the reports aren't well detailed and easily understood, the programmers can't do their job. If a programmer is unable to do his job, it means the tester has failed to do his.
If the 5 things listed above aren't a problem for you, then you are indeed a candidate for professional video game testing. All that's left for you to do is to start searching for game tester jobs in your area -- and if you no where to look, that won't take you more than a week or two!
Do you think you've got what it takes to be a video game tester? Are you ready to test games and not just play them? If you honestly think you're ready, then visit http://Gamer-Testing-Ground.com right now to learn how you can get started testing video games today!

Swapping Video Games As a Route to Cheap Gaming

Video gaming is an expensive hobby, but, as this article will demonstrate, it need not be! Most of the expense is due to the price tag of new video games and the fact that many video games have a short life span - be it a great but quick to complete Xbox 360 title or a PlayStation 3 game that simply loses its appeal quickly. This article will consider video game swapping as an alternative to purchasing new video games out right.
When you think of swapping video games, you might think of temporarily swapping your video games with friends. But, there are online communities which consist of like minded gamers who want to swap their games with other members, for keeps. A community forum enables gamers to talk with one another other to decide which games will be swapped. Once an agreement is made, the postal service is used to send the video games.
Video game swapping has several advantages over simply selling your current completed game to a local game store or via a sale such as on eBay. A brand new game will cost you up to around £40, but after a week (you could complete a game in that time!), a game store might only offer you £20 for that game and sell it on for £35! Or if sold on eBay, they will take an 8.5% cut (an additional 4% cut for taking payments via PayPal) on the final sale price. You're not even guaranteed a price on eBay and your game may actually go for significantly less than you would like. By swapping your video game, you avoid the loss in value of that game and you don't have to contribute any more money to get a new game. You get a game, for a game (or several depending on what was agreed!) After all, your game is in mint condition and some other gamer will be happy to make the swap with you. It's a great way to get new games without costing a fortune!
John Dunne has been an avid gamer for over 20 years and has setup the video game swapping website TheGameCollective.co.uk to help gamers swap and sell their video games free of charge to help us get the most out of gaming.

Video Game Kill Screens

If you've ever experienced a dreaded kill screen in your favorite video game, you may already know what it is even if you didn't know the proper name for it. A kill screen is a major error in your video game that will typically freeze or crash the game. Further progress in the game will be held up by the game kill screen, hence its name.
The errors that cause these screens can vary. Often it happens due to a programming error or some type of design oversight that causes the game to become unplayable. It may freeze and continue to freeze at that particular point every time you play the game, making it impossible to move past that point in the game.
Sometimes video game kill screens will cause the game to crash or just suddenly stop playing and then never work again. If you ever played any of the old, classic video games like Donkey Kong or Pac-Man and even some early Nintendo games, you've probably experienced video game kill screens.
Arcade games are famous for their video game kill screens. If you've ever experienced the frustration of beating your score and getting to a high level of your favorite arcade, only to have it crash or freeze up, you know how difficult this can be. Newer games try to avoid these video game kill screens but they do still occur sometimes.
Sometimes kill screens are caused by something called integer overload. This is why they were so common in arcade games. For example, in an 8-bit level counter, there can only be 255 distinct values. When you go over this, such as to the 256th level of the game, there will be integer overflow which causes the game to crash.
However, integer overflow isn't the only cause of the dreaded screens. Sometimes design oversight by the programmers or a computer bug can cause the problem. Many video game kill screens can be repaired with a patch to the game. If you are bothered by a video game kill screen, this should always be your first option to see if it is available.
Games like Donkey Kong, Dunk Hunt and Frogger were famous for their kill screens and in some games where the kill screen happens at a particular high point in the game, they are treated as a goal to be achieved. Players looked at the kill screen as the end of the game, therefore meaning they've beaten the game once they achieve it.

June Video Games Sales Drop

Video Game Sales fall a fourth straight month as of June. This 4 month decrease in sales within the video game market makes largest year to date decline the industry as seen in nearly nine years.
According to market researcher NPD Group sales of computer game hardware, software and accessories dropped 31 percent from the same month as last year.
This decline marketed the fourth straight month to see a decline in sales this year, even though the gaming industry promoted its products as a cheap form of entertainment. However because of the recession consumers are cutting back on spending, which as a result has also seen less hit game launches in recent months verses the corresponding period in 2008.
Even though sales have declined, the video game audience has grown. But many of these audience members are playing games online for free.
Hardware sales in June tumbled 38 percent to $382.6 million from $617.3 million. The Nintendo Wii not surprisingly was the month's best-selling console system with 361,700 units sold, and the Nintendo DS was the top selling handheld gaming system with 766,500 sold.
Video game sales dropped 29 percent to $625.8 million from 4875.8 million. The best selling video games included Prototype for the Xbox 360, fighting game UFC 2009 for the Xbox and the fitness game EA Sports Active for the Nintendo Wii.
So in all industry sales are down 12 percent in a year to date comparison of last year. According to researchers a strong performance in the back half of the year could create a break even to a higher sales increase from last year.

How to Save Money on Video Games For Any Console

Whatever system you play video games they all have one thing in common - the games themselves are far from cheap. The average hot new title for a video game for any of the major systems - PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, costs over $50.00. Even older titles can rarely be found for under about $25. That means that building up a great game collection can be a very expensive process, and in today's economy who can really afford it?
There are some ways around the dilemma though. The first solution to the problem is to rent games. Some offline video stores offer game rentals. The difficulty there however is that the selection of games available is often very limited, and keeping the title for more than a day or so can prove to be very costly. An alternative is an online game rental site such as Gamefly, which, for a monthly fee, allows you to keep between 1-3 games out at a time and keep them until you have "beaten" the game. This works very well for two main reasons; just because a game review says a certain title is a great game does not necessarily mean it will suit your tastes. Renting means you do not have to lose $50 to find out that a certain title is just not what it was cracked up to be. In addition you have the time to beat the game at your leisure; you do not have to return it half way through a mission or campaign. Gamefly has a massive selection of titles for all systems and you can reserve a copy of a particular game well ahead of its release date.
There are many gamers though who like to own their own collection of video games. Many titles are absorbing enough that you want to keep them around to play them again and again. There are economical ways to make that desire a reality too. Several "game swap" websites have popped too, which provide a forum for gamers to swap titles they are finished with for new games. One does have to make sure that the site they are signing up for is reputable though to ensure that they will be taking in part in fair swaps. Game Swap is probably the most reliable and well managed site on the Internet for game swapping.

Copy Any Video Game - The Easiest Way Possible

Are you looking to copy your own console games so that they don't get badly damaged? Then welcome to this article, because I am going to teach you how to copy any video game you would like to in the easiest way possible, after all who would like to use outdated methods that can destroy not only your game but your game console to, I know I wouldn't.
So if you're like me and you would like to know how you can safely and easily copy and video game you would like then please keep reading. First of all if you want to copy a computer game you will need specialist software that will allow you to do so, if you don't have this don't worry there's many affordable ones available that work amazingly. You will also need some blank disks with enough memory to store a video game on and you will also need a computer and the original game disk, which I'm willing to guess you already have otherwise you wouldn't be able to read this article.
Once you have all of the above you will need to install the video game copying software, you can do this by installing the software on your computer by either installing it via disk or if you downloaded it from online by clicking on it. Once the program is installed you just have to double click on the icon which should be placed on the desktop.
Once you have done this you are nearly complete and you will only have to click another two or three buttons. The computer will then do the rest of the work. Within minutes you would have successfully copied a video game, in the easiest way possible.

5 Tips to Purchase Video Games

The Video games industry is one of the fastest going markets in the USA. In USA people are more conscious about the selection of the games.
The games are available online as well as from the local retailers. You must have to follow the steps to select the games of your choice.
1. There are local Video games store provide various types of games available like Video games and PC games for different age of the customers. You must have the wider choices to get game of your choice and at discounted prices. It is believe that the video games available online are overprices. The main benefit for purchasing the local video games from the stores are if you have any difficulty in video game set than you can easily replace.
2. You must see the demo of the video game so that you have better idea about the video game is customer friendly or not.
3. The video game company provides online stores for purchase online games. There are many video game companies as well as major online customer stores like eBay and other stores. You get wider choices of thousands on games as well as game demo and review available so that it is the best choice to select the video game from the online stores. The online video game stores and online customer websites offer different payment options like Pay pal, credit card etc.
4. There are many sites offer reviews of the latest released video games and rankings. It will give you perfect idea about purchase of the video game.
5. You must have to review the prices of the games online so that you can get the proper idea of the prices.
There are many company offers various discounts.

Video Game Testing - The Actual Work

Testing video games and making money off of it sounds like an awesome jobs doesn't it? It is, if you really like video games. I've been testing games for a couple of years and I can honestly tell you this, testing video games is not for everyone!
What most people tend to think when testing games comes to mind is that they'll be playing video games all day.
People this is far from true!
Let's be real people, it wouldn't be a job if it was just playing video games. Video game testers have to go through a lot of boring, repetitive, similar work to test for bugs.
These tasks can be such a pain in the you-know-what. But it beats working at a restaurant or a retail store :D.
The tasks they give you are set up daily by the project leader. So everyday you have a different bug to look for. For example, you may have to go around through the whole game and write down any curse words and how many times they say it. (This is such a pain for Gears Of War)
One thing that most game testers have to do no matter what is play through the game, make sure all the weapons and items work properly, with no glitches. You also have to test the limits of the game, walk around to places you normally wouldn't think of going.
You need to get the mindset that, hardcore gamers will try to reach every part of every level, and so should you. If you can manage to get this through your head every time you test, you'll find so many bugs, putting you in a good place with the boss.
Video game testing isn't all just fun and games, it's a real job so there are it's downsides. I've been doing this for a while and it's been a dream job for me.
I just love playing video games, but from my experiences I wouldn't advice anyone to go into this without knowing what they're getting into. If you want to know more video game testing or if this job is for you visit http://www.squidoo.com/gametester-atwork.

The Art Of Video Game Design

Beginning in 1979, video games slowly started to invade homes and occupy young children and adults alike. The first video game was created in Japan and it has evolved greatly over the years. Video games have not only become a hobby for young children, but they have become an obsession for young adults. Individuals are constantly in competition with one another to have the latest and greatest video game. They also race one another to conquer all the levels of the most challenging games. With individuals constantly looking for new challenges, the area of video game design has increased in popularity.Children are becoming fascinated with video games at a younger age. To prevent them from becoming zombies in front of the television, video game design companies are incorporation education, as well as physical activity to most of their video games. Games such as V-tech and Leap Frog use colors, numbers and words to educate young children on how to read and count. One recent game that has revolutionized the video game industry is Nintendo's Wii. This game console uses video games to incorporate physical activity. Game users are required to use their physical skills to complete tasks such as fishing, bowling and tennis. While these games aim to educate and increase physical activity among youth, there are still traditional games on the market that simply aim to entertain.What once started as a recreational activity, video gaming has now become a sport to some people. There are actually tournaments around the world where individuals compete against one another in the latest video games. Individuals also create teams to compete against individuals from all different countries. While most people think individuals play these games for fun, it is actually a very competitive sport. Individuals train for months, even years to master the skills need to conquer a game. They study each video game design and try to learn all the tricks and special features of each game. Individuals are not competing for bragging rights. Some tournaments offer prizes in excess of $500,000, proving that these games are not to be taken lightly.With the increased popularity of video game tournaments and leisure activities, the career field of video game design is in high demand of qualified candidates. Colleges all over the country offer programs to teach students about video games and how to design them. Courses include work in graphic design, script writing and drawing. Classes are also offered in a variety of different specialties aimed to make individuals marketable in a variety of different fields. Students learn essential computer skills such as Photoshop, animation and cinematography. However, these computer skills are also important skills in different career fields, therefore opening numerous opportunities to graduates in this specific programUpon completion of a video game design program, students can work for numerous different companies. Design companies are constantly looking for fresh thinkers and creative individuals to take their video games to new levels. Students in design programs learn how to conceptualize, design and plan animations and video games. They also learn how to produce and evolve character models and design levels in video games. Along with these important video game skills, students also learn marketing, business and entertainment law to make them a well-rounded candidate.With a video game design degree, students can not only use their imaginations to create games, but they can also manage the production of games or be a critic with the skills they learn through this particular program. What was once thought of as simply entertainment has become an increasing popular industry.

Who Plays Video Games?

With the great number of video games for sale and the huge variety of video games that are downloadable through the internet, it probably will not surprise you to learn that 60 percent of the American population has played some kind of video game. They are rivalling baseball as the great American pastime. Indeed, there are versions of baseball and NFL available as video games. Video games grew out of our fascination with computers and they are played by young and old alike. Video game playing is not limited to kids and teenagers, although children are starting to play video games at younger and more tender ages. Nearly half of all American children aged 4 to 6 are estimated to have played video games, and a new market has sprung up to develop video games to involve toddlers and make computers more attractive for them to use. More attractive to children! Kids take to computers better than ducks to water, and stay connected for life. As of 2005, a quarter of the children in the aged four to six age group who have played computer games say it is a regular habit. The toddler, of course, cannot yet talk about their video game habits. But their parents report that children, especially boys have lost interest in playing with their traditional toys like action figures, Legos, and puzzles and prefer video games. However, kids are not the primary users of video games. Their parents played video games as children and teenagers. We are now experiencing the phenomenon of second-generation video game players. Video games have been around since the 1970's, clearly enough time for some third generation players to come upon the scene. Side to side, mouse to mouse with the kids are the adults who have never stopped playing or who began playing as adults. Adults represent the largest group of video game players and the average age of video gamers is 29. Certainly, the older generation has the good sense to avoid this costly, time consuming habit, you may think. Think again - 17 percent of gamers are 50 years of age and older. If this keeps up, retirement communities are no longer able to offer Bingo and Cribbage as recreational bonuses. The baby boom generation will head into its twilight years amid Dungeons and Dragons competitions.The joy of mindlessly zoning out in virtual reality instead of actually doing something or speaking to someone is so compelling that video games are now a multibillion-dollar business. The video game companies often rival the stock exchange earnings of energy corporations and pharmaceutical companies. Nintendo often beats the earnings of major Hollywood studios. In 2004, 9.9 billion dollars was spent on video games, on consoles like PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, and on hand-held systems like Game Boy and Nintendo DS in the U.S. alone. Of course, America is the leader in video game retail but the rest of the world is far behind, making video game stocks a hot commodity. But no one is interested in "playing " the stock market anymore; they're all to busy playing video games.

7 Easy Ways to Teach Your Children to be Grateful for What They Have by

Here are some easy ways to incorporate instilling the virtue of gratitude in your children. As you go through your day, show them, the wonderful events going on behind the scenes that we all most usually take for granted.
1. Set the Right Example.
It is best if you teach your children, by using the appropriate words (like thank you and please), at the right times yourself. It is through example that kids learn best, and teaching gratitude is no different than anything else in that respect. Children earn what they live - or rather what you live.
2. Teach It Through Role Playing.
You can play games with your children that implement the virtue of gratitude. Play the second chair and practice showing them how it feels to be on the receiving end of an unexpected, "Thank You!"
3. Teach by Showing Them How to Be of Service to Others.
Even simple things, such as holding a door for an elderly person, are small ways we can show children how others appreciate us and our actions. It is also a way to put a smile and a lift into a stranger's day, which always creates a good feeling within the person who is doing the kind act as well.
4. Make a List.
An easy way for teach gratitude is to get your children to make lists of what they are thankful for. Let them pick out a notebook that expresses their personality and maybe buy them a special pencil for it. Making the process of gratitude a sacred event from the beginning will create lifelong habits.
5. Teach Gratitude While Going Without Things.
A power outage, caused by a wind storm, is an ideal opportunity for us to teach our children what they have to be thankful for that they normally take for granted. Simple things like, lights, heat, and being able to watch TV, are just a few that quickly came to mind.
6. Show them How to Be Thankful for the Little Things in Life.
Simple examples could include; having food to eat all the time, friends to play with, and having plenty of toys and school supplies. Showing them examples of third world country children who go without these things is a way of teaching them appreciation for what they have, too.
7. Teach them to see the good in someone they don't like.
When I think of this, immediately what comes to mind is the Walt Disney movie, "PollyAnna" where she played the "Glad" game and found many things to be grateful for in every situation she encountered. Renting this video, watching and discussing it with them would be a great, gratitude building quality time family activity.
As you go through your day, show your children the wonderful events going on behind the scenes that we all most usually take for granted. Things like the police, who protect us, the firemen who are there for those who need them, and the clerk at the grocery store doing her job to help us get our food. Taking a moment to say a simple thank you for all of these daily activities is the easiest way to role model appreciation that your children will learn from and emulate.

Live Roulette Online

Big wheels keep on turnin' all over the UK both online and off much to the delight of those anxious to bet on their favourite numbers. Roulette, invented in 17th Century France, has long been a European casino fave. This type of betting is in fact the basis on which most betting games draw their influence.
For those who are new to betting, live online Roulette is the perfect game to segue into the world of online gambling. It has it's rules, of course, but takes less skill and strategy than say Poker.
Roulette online is colourful, filled with excitement and gets the blood pumping with it's live video feed of the dealer and the casino, putting you virtually on the floor in the action. With a few clicks of your mouse, you place your bets and the game is on! You can quite easily add funds to your account and at the end of play, off you go with your winnings tidily in one place!
The experience of live online Roulette is especially thrilling for novices. Especially those who have never ventured into online gaming rooms before. The live online Roulette rooms are structures to give the players a real feel for the game, allowing them to feel as much a part of an actual live game as possible. So, someone new to online gambling can be more comfortable in the virtual atmosphere with Roulette as they settle into more familiar surroundings.
The convenience of live online Roulette draws more people to the tables than many other online games. Fans of Roulette may enjoy several games of Roulette while at the pub for lunch, while the opportunity for Poker or other games might not be a great. Live online Roulette lends itself nicely to any time of day, a short break, sleepless nights; anywhere you have an internet connection and some time on your hands, your Roulette table awaits.

About the Author
Like most internet games, onlineroulette.co.uk there are opportunities for welcome bonuses, loyalty rewards and other perks, so check out the roulette sites well and comparison shop! Then spin the wheel, mates and have fun!

Subtracting the Story

I'm a sucker for a good story, and I have been for as long as I can remember. It started when I was very young, watching Disney movies on my VCR. I would watch the same one over and over again, there was a certain magic about them that I just couldn't describe. As I grew older, and started to read, I realized that the magic was in the story. The characters were loveable, the worlds were amazing, and the plots were captivating to the very end.
Video games were simply the next step, allowing me to take part in the story myself, play the lead role, and join in the adventure. Of course, I could never shape the story, and I had no control over the outcome. Dungeons and Dragons (the pen and paper version) was a godsend for me after playing so many Final Fantasy games. I not only shaped the story, but I created the characters and the worlds in which they lived too. I played D&D for many years, but nothing could have prepared me for my first MMO.
Lineage 2 - the game that changed my life forever - was my first MMO experience. It's funny when I look back, because even though the point I will come to make later in this article revolves around the lack of storyline in today's MMORPGs, Lineage 2 also had none. Instead, we made our own story. Our characters may as well have been real people - they had friends and enemies, strengths and weaknesses - but most importantly, they had a story. My friend and I, who played Lineage 2 together, have since written a book (three actually) on our adventures playing as these characters. It really was the most important part of the entire game for us, and still remains that way now.
The problem now though, is that the MMORPG scene has changed drastically since that time. Back then the whole 'online world' idea was still quite new, and as such, people respected it a great deal more. Now days, people don't create stories in an MMORPG, they rush to the finish as fast as possible, and try endlessly to kill each other for no apparent reason at all. People can't create their own stories anymore even when they want to; there are too many distractions to break the immersion. We need to take a step back, we need to look at the past - we need a storyline.
We need developers to make an MMORPG that has a solid and involving storyline, one that develops with further updates and patches. Sure, WoW does this quite well, but we need to start seeing it in the F2P area quite a lot more. Free MMORPGs like Shaiya and Last Chaos are perfect examples of games that while they include a back-story, don't continue it as the game progresses. We need quests that make sense, missions that make a difference, and weapons that have been passed down through generations. We need a reason to play these games again other than simply becoming the best. I'm tired of endlessly trying to achieve that goal; I want to start playing games again that allow me to escape to another place, another time - and another world. I want games that have a story.

The Realism Of Video Games

Remember the good old days of video games? Where cute, harmless and completely unbelievable and mythical characters would tackle zany adventure in make-believe worlds far away from our own? Those days are long gone, now. Because a great amount of video games now use real world places, events and people as their storylines and settings. Whereas before, video games were a tool used to escape reality through diversion, they are now extensions of the reality in which we live in. And depending on the game and the person playing it, that can be a good thing, or a very bad thing.Take a look at one of the most popular video game franchises in history: Super Mario Bros. A plumber falls through a pipe and enters a world where he must rescue a princess, defeat and evil monster and navigate a world full of mushrooms, blocks, question marks and goombas. No matter how imaginative one's imagination could be, there is simply no way that such an occurrence could happen in this world, like, for real. So, the illusion of the game remains intact.Now, if you look at today's video games for popular systems like the Microsoft Xbox 360 or the Sony Playstation Portable, you can clearly see that video games are now using real world issues as their premise. Of course, there are also a plethora of fantasy based video games and characters. But, more and more games are using Iraq as their setting rather than a mushroom kingdom. Now, if you look at video games through the past, and place yourself at the dawn of the home video game explosion - the early 1980s - it would be hard to imagine a video game dealing with, say for example, the Iran hostage crisis or the invasion of the Falkland Islands. But, today, there are many video games using current events as a fantasy gaming world.There are many theories as to the dearth of reality-based video games. The improvement of video game graphics can makes it easier to make real world wars, conflicts and issues appear that much, more, real, on the screen. It could be that developing a video game based on the battle in Afghanistan is easier to develop than starting a game from scratch with new characters, settings, storylines, etc. Perhaps it's a calculated effort to hone in on frustrated individuals who can't really join the fight: battle those terrorist creeps that you hate so much from the comfort of your own home. In the latter instance, at least, it can make for a quick way to make a quick dollar.Before, video games used to be an easily defined line between escape and realism. On one side, was life and the real world with all its problems and ailments, most of which you can't control. On the other side was the gaming universe, where you are the ultimate master and are in total control. Idea: why not combine the two, and give a video game player the complete control that video games provide into a real world situation in which otherwise, they feel powerless? It seems that today, a gamer can watch the news, get upset and then do something about it in the real world that exists inside their Playstation or Xbox. Now, whether or not that contributes anything of substance at all is a subject for another debate altogether.

Playing Video Games With A Wireless Controller

One of the best video gaming system accessory on the market today has to be the wireless controller, which is available for most video gaming systems no matter which one you own. With a wireless controller, video gamers no long have to worry with troublesome wires getting in their way during game play.Most wireless controllers have an off and on switch built right in, which enables the gamer to turn their video gaming system off and on where ever their controller is. The majority of the wireless controllers being produced have a range of thirty foot so that gamers can move away from the console to answer the door or phone if needed. Also, the majority of these wireless controllers require two AA batteries in order to work and will last for up to forty hours. The advanced hardcore gamer really needs to be prepared to either buy extra batteries or to go ahead and put the extra money into their effort and purchase rechargeable batteries. One great feature with most of these wireless controllers is that they have a built in feature to let gamers know when the batteries are getting low, which allows the gamer time to pause the game they are playing and change out the batteries.These wireless controllers are designed to fit the gamers hands much more comfortably and the buttons are easier to use as well. Most wireless controllers have the capability to plug in a headset, which allows the gamer to communicate vocally with other gamers throughout the world. Most video gaming systems have the capability to allow up to four wireless controllers to be connected to one gaming console at one time. When gamers get together and play each other in a video game battle, most the time they get in a big mess with their wires getting tangled up together. However, the advantage of using wireless controllers is that gamers never have to worry with getting their wires tangled up together again.Some wireless controllers that are being produced may seem bulky and heavier than others due to having to put batteries into the controller itself. When gamers decide to purchase a wireless controller there are several on the market to choose from. Some wireless controllers have vibration feedback that the gamer can adjust, which can give the batteries a longer life time. When the vibration is adjusted the gamer will have the ability to feel a car as it slides across the track or flips over and over. These wireless controllers can be purchased at any local video gaming supply store, most toy stores, and on-line at a variety of web sites.With a wireless controller, gamers no longer have to worry about getting too excited while playing their video games and pulling their video gaming console system off the shelf or the controller itself out of the video gaming console. Now gamers will have the ability to sit down, lay down, stand up, or jump up and down if they desire while playing their video games and never ever have to worry again about damaging their video gaming console system when getting overly excited.

Purchasing A Video Game System

Consumers have realized since the first video game system was released onto the market that with the introduction of each new system comes improvements. Prior to purchasing your own video game system consumers need to compare each video game system with each other to ensure they get the best deal for their money.Consumers need to consider the quality of the hardware that is included within the video game system as well as its capacity for on-line game play. While one system may have impressive hardware functions they be lacking when it comes to on-line game play. Then again, another system may have excellent on-line game play while their processing power is lacking. Each manufacturer of video game systems does its best to offer the consumers the best it can in video game performance and enhancement, but some systems really seem to out do other systems.Manufacturers even tempt consumers with additional accessories that they offer to go along with their video game systems such as controllers. The manufacturers even try to keep the designs of items like their controllers and their functions secret from their competition until they are released onto the market. With the advancement of technology today, there is no wonder why consumers are not able to get the very most out any video gaming system.These astonishing video game systems offer consumers the option of a variety of multi-player video games. With the video game systems that offer the on-line play, gamers are capable of playing gamers from around the world. Since there are only three major video gaming systems currently being manufactured and sold on the market today, consumers need to weigh the pros and cons of each system prior to making that final purchasing decision.While one system may be priced lower than the other two, the visual effects may not hold the same high quality as the others either. Another thing that consumers need to check into is the variety of games being offered and how their graphics outperform each other. Consumers need to be aware of the amount of memory each video game system offers as well as any options in memory given with each system. Some of these video game systems also offer the option of being able to purchase a variety of downloads that will help the consumer to utilize their fantastic technology being offered within their system. Consumers need to figure out what each video game system has in regards to their disk space, technology, and on-line plans as well.These video gaming systems have to latest and most updated features that are available to date and they seem to continue to give your video gaming lasting experience. Once a consumer has decided on the video game system of their choice, then they will want to find the lowest price for that system. There is a whirlpool of action surrounding the pricing of these video game systems on every market all over the world, so consumers should take the time to search for the best price available.

All About Video Games

Many kids across the country are enthralled with their new video games that they received as Christmas presents from family and friends. These children need very little instruction to help them get started playing fun and exciting video games that focus on sports events, fantasy thrillers and cartoon characters to provide hours of uninterrupted entertainment opportunities.Some of these video games can be used on home computer systems but for the most part, these video games are operated on handheld game consoles, multimedia consoles or multimedia platforms. There are a variety of handheld controllers that are attached to the gaming consoles using cords or are powered with wireless networking technologies that allow children to play a video game from anywhere in the room.The Xbox 360 multimedia platform is one of the latest operating systems for playing video games on. It features a game playing environment that allows the user to rotate their viewpoint in a 360 degree radius, and the visual aspects in each video game is very realistic for even the most seasoned of video game players.Some video games are compatible for use on other gaming systems. The Nintendo Wii game system will play single or double-layered optical discs or 8-centimeter Nintendo GameCube video games too. The Game Boy Micro will play all video games that are made for the Game Boy Advance SP models.The Nintendo DS has the capability to allow up to 16 players to network together and enjoy the same video game action and chat with each other as they enjoy their video games. The Nintendo DS will also play all games currently used by the Game Boy Advance and those made specifically for the Nintendo DS game system.The Sony PlayStation Portable is commonly called a PSP by video gamers all over the world. This handheld video game system serves double duty as a video game player and one that will serve as a portable video and photo viewer. MP3-encoded songs can also be played when they are stored on the Memory Stick Duo that comes with all game consoles.The Xbox features unbelievable graphics and an amazingly powerful hard drive system that some people compare to the hard drives found in their own personal computer systems that they have at home. Many of the XBOX video games are suitably rated for Teen and Mature audiences, and some of them may contain very graphic violence and adult themes that are not suitable for viewing by children. The Xbox can be used as a home entertainment system too. The Xbox is well equipped to play many musical compact disks that are sold at major retailers around the country with brilliant sound qualities that might be found in more expensive home entertainment systems. The family can enjoy DVDs of their favorite movies and build a home library that is second to none.Many of these game systems are equipped with wireless technologies and feature USB 2.0 connectivity. Video games can be played with surround sound features or through built-in speakers on many of the video gaming consoles. These video games will be shown in vivid digital screen colors and in sizes that are perfect for traveling, or for use by many players when attached to a home television unit.

How to prevent long-term

constantly bored sitting at home doing nothing can really bored quickly. Perhaps it is time to get out of bed and begin to participate in some activities. Here are some ways to spice things up and keep busy .
Read books, get out of the house to watch a movie or play video games on a friend's house instead of yourself. Do something different from your normal routine .
Get a part-time employment. This will broaden your portfolio and give you something to do .
List any goals you want to achieve and pursuse them. For example, begin the exercise, participate in league sports or start writing that book. Write a timetable for reaching its goals to increase motivation .
Find friends with different interests and more often. Can turn for new ideas and activities .
Take an impromptu road trip. Just get up and go without much planning. Take a mini-vacation in improvising an adventure on the road, stop and stay where you can. Bring a friend to double the fun .
start a new hobby like coin collecting, rock climbing or boating. Expanding the repertoire of activities you can choose from when you're bored.

Who Plays Video Games?

With the great number of video games for sale and the huge variety of video games that are downloadable through the internet, it probably will not surprise you to learn that 60 percent of the American population has played some kind of video game. They are rivalling baseball as the great American pastime. Indeed, there are versions of baseball and NFL available as video games. Video games grew out of our fascination with computers and they are played by young and old alike. Video game playing is not limited to kids and teenagers, although children are starting to play video games at younger and more tender ages. Nearly half of all American children aged 4 to 6 are estimated to have played video games, and a new market has sprung up to develop video games to involve toddlers and make computers more attractive for them to use. More attractive to children! Kids take to computers better than ducks to water, and stay connected for life. As of 2005, a quarter of the children in the aged four to six age group who have played computer games say it is a regular habit. The toddler, of course, cannot yet talk about their video game habits. But their parents report that children, especially boys have lost interest in playing with their traditional toys like action figures, Legos, and puzzles and prefer video games. However, kids are not the primary users of video games. Their parents played video games as children and teenagers. We are now experiencing the phenomenon of second-generation video game players. Video games have been around since the 1970's, clearly enough time for some third generation players to come upon the scene. Side to side, mouse to mouse with the kids are the adults who have never stopped playing or who began playing as adults. Adults represent the largest group of video game players and the average age of video gamers is 29. Certainly, the older generation has the good sense to avoid this costly, time consuming habit, you may think. Think again - 17 percent of gamers are 50 years of age and older. If this keeps up, retirement communities are no longer able to offer Bingo and Cribbage as recreational bonuses. The baby boom generation will head into its twilight years amid Dungeons and Dragons competitions.The joy of mindlessly zoning out in virtual reality instead of actually doing something or speaking to someone is so compelling that video games are now a multibillion-dollar business. The video game companies often rival the stock exchange earnings of energy corporations and pharmaceutical companies. Nintendo often beats the earnings of major Hollywood studios. In 2004, 9.9 billion dollars was spent on video games, on consoles like PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, and on hand-held systems like Game Boy and Nintendo DS in the U.S. alone. Of course, America is the leader in video game retail but the rest of the world is far behind, making video game stocks a hot commodity. But no one is interested in "playing " the stock market anymore; they're all to busy playing video games.

The Video Game World Generation

Through the virtual world of video games a new generation of youth are growing while their minds are being developed around these intense worlds. The virtual world of video games creates an atmosphere for this generation as their minds are challenged, which enables them in the ability to problem solve and how to be creative as well.During the early 90s, the virtual world of video games were not as magical and sophisticated. However, with the beginning of the new millennium video games have reached new technological levels that are so advanced that the virtual world seems almost like real life to the youth of today. This new generation of youth has the ability to become race car drivers where they can actually feel the car as it slides or bumps into another car. These video games that are being produced are so technologically advanced that this new generation of youth often find it hard to distinguish from the virtual world from reality.The video gaming experience is only continuing to become more technologically advanced and more realistic with the design, production, and manufacturing of each new video game. The video game generation enjoy spending hours while battling evil or discovering the excitement surrounding them when they defeat their rivals and enjoy the thrill of winning. This new generation youth are capable of becoming part of the game instead of simply the individual operating the controls and this is due to the wonderful advancements in technology.Video games are no longer a black screen filled with a select white areas that were known to be the actual game during those first prehistoric video games that were produced. The video games of today have entire cities within the background that have been detailed with complete wall structure down to the window dressings. Before these background buildings were seen as fuzzy images, but now these buildings can be viewed completely and clearly. In fact, players are able to see the flower pots sitting on the open window sills while a light breeze gently blows the curtains in and out across the frame of the window.This new generation of youth have the most futuristic video games available right at their fingertips. Designers of video games today are only limited as far as their imagination allow them to be carried and with the constant advancements in technology gamers are sure to be entertained for years to come. Often times video games are used as an escape for these youthful minds, especially when their normal every day life may often seem painfully dull or even troublesome at times. Their minds can be filled with constant streams of excitement and action as they become engulfed within these virtual worlds while battling other players either at home or in on-line battles.With the introduction of on-line connection abilities video games have become more of a group experience instead of a the one-player games of yesterday. This new generation has the best of video games, computers, and the Internet in the palm of their hand where they have to make friendships with other players all of the world. The virtual world is constantly increasing with more intense detail while hundreds of thousands of youth across the world battle head-to-head.

The Realism Of Video Games

Remember the good old days of video games? Where cute, harmless and completely unbelievable and mythical characters would tackle zany adventure in make-believe worlds far away from our own? Those days are long gone, now. Because a great amount of video games now use real world places, events and people as their storylines and settings. Whereas before, video games were a tool used to escape reality through diversion, they are now extensions of the reality in which we live in. And depending on the game and the person playing it, that can be a good thing, or a very bad thing.Take a look at one of the most popular video game franchises in history: Super Mario Bros. A plumber falls through a pipe and enters a world where he must rescue a princess, defeat and evil monster and navigate a world full of mushrooms, blocks, question marks and goombas. No matter how imaginative one's imagination could be, there is simply no way that such an occurrence could happen in this world, like, for real. So, the illusion of the game remains intact.Now, if you look at today's video games for popular systems like the Microsoft Xbox 360 or the Sony Playstation Portable, you can clearly see that video games are now using real world issues as their premise. Of course, there are also a plethora of fantasy based video games and characters. But, more and more games are using Iraq as their setting rather than a mushroom kingdom. Now, if you look at video games through the past, and place yourself at the dawn of the home video game explosion - the early 1980s - it would be hard to imagine a video game dealing with, say for example, the Iran hostage crisis or the invasion of the Falkland Islands. But, today, there are many video games using current events as a fantasy gaming world.There are many theories as to the dearth of reality-based video games. The improvement of video game graphics can makes it easier to make real world wars, conflicts and issues appear that much, more, real, on the screen. It could be that developing a video game based on the battle in Afghanistan is easier to develop than starting a game from scratch with new characters, settings, storylines, etc. Perhaps it's a calculated effort to hone in on frustrated individuals who can't really join the fight: battle those terrorist creeps that you hate so much from the comfort of your own home. In the latter instance, at least, it can make for a quick way to make a quick dollar.Before, video games used to be an easily defined line between escape and realism. On one side, was life and the real world with all its problems and ailments, most of which you can't control. On the other side was the gaming universe, where you are the ultimate master and are in total control. Idea: why not combine the two, and give a video game player the complete control that video games provide into a real world situation in which otherwise, they feel powerless? It seems that today, a gamer can watch the news, get upset and then do something about it in the real world that exists inside their Playstation or Xbox. Now, whether or not that contributes anything of substance at all is a subject for another debate altogether.

Cool Playstation 2 Games

Do you remember the really cool video games that started it all? I'm talking about those classics from the 80s. We had the ever-popular Pac-Man, Asteroids, and Centipede. Those things were really fun to play in cutting-edge technology to be sure. I thought playing pitfall on my Atari was about as cool as it can get. Man, was I wrong. It's got a whole lot better.
The quality of PlayStation 2 games that are available now are mind blowing. The storylines and graphics are incompatible. It's nonstop adventure. For example, check out some of the more recent playstation 2 games. Wow, what a difference from the old-school Atari. I mean, the game depths alone are amazing. People around the world enjoy these new-age playstation 2 games on a daily basis. Do you have the latest ones?
Do you have PS2? It's incredible how popular it has become, but it doesn't surprise me. I was astounded when this console came out. The big pitch didn't only concern the playstation 2 games, but also the DVD option. Your PS2 can also be used as a DVD player to play any of your favorite movies. Folks loved this convenient option. Suddenly they didn't need to purchase a DVD player. It was an all-in-one deal. Not a bad deal at all.
I can remember being at my uncle's house to check out his PS2 and his new playstation 2 games. I hadn't really paid much attention to video games since my days with Nintendo so I was really blown away at the realistic graphics and hot sound effects. These new playstation 2 games are incredibly lifelike. It's so far removed from those simple Atari figures that we cut our teeth with. No more stick men. There was everything from martial arts games to sports games to adventure games. I fell in love with the playstation 2 games.
Millions of children across America fire up their playstation 2 games every day and escape into their fantasy world. They can even compete with other players had to head, and battle the bad guys for as long as their parents will let them.
One of the great benefits of the PS2 is the versatility. Regardless if you had a PS1, you can play all those old games on your PS2 as well. How cool is that? If you're on the lookout for new playstation 2 games, you can browse your local Best Buy and Target stores, or just go online and have them delivered right to your door. On the Internet you can buy used PlayStation 2 games for a fraction of their original costs. With the world at your fingertips, you will surely find that playstation 2 game that will keep you on the edge of your seat for many hours to come.

Video Game Testers Wanted Today!

We live in an age where it is not unusual to see signs online saying VIDEO GAME TESTERS WANTED. We are fortunate to have opportunities to work from home and get paid great money to do what we love doing. If you love gaming and want to answer one of these game tester wanted ads, then this article is for you.
I saw a video game testers wanted ad over a year ago and as you can probably imagine I could not believe it, it was like a dream coming true! And as it turned out it was NOT true and the dream quickly turned into a nightmare. I got scammed big time!
The video game testers wanted ad I saw was for a free program claiming to be able to get me contracts with the biggest names in the gaming industry such as Microsoft, they did not want any money (at first) just my usual details, after about a week they started telling me they need $20 to file my application with Microsoft, then $10 to register me with the international gaming community, this went on and on, I ended up spending over $100 and wasted about a month of my time!
Eventually, after a lot of research I realised that I had to join a PROFESSIONAL video game testing community. When you join you are helped step by step to set up your video game testing career, the $40 membership fee is a small fee to pay to start a new career where you will be making a minimum of $20-$150 from home an hour. Video game testers wanted is for real, just make sure you join a Professional Membership Program to avoid being scammed like I was.
I hope you found this article on 'Video Game Testers Wanted Today!' helpful, if you want to find out more info on membership with a professional games testing community then I would advise you to visit here, Novogamers these guys only deal with verified professional games tester membership programs and usually feature great discounts & wicked bonuses!
Happy Gaming

Mental Health From Video Games

New computer video games used to improve self-esteem and reduce stress.
A group of computer video game developers where impress by the success of Nintendo's "Brain Age" and felt they should produce a stream of games that help with the psychological growth of the mind.
The are planning creating a game called "DS Therapy" for the Nintendo DS that goes through asking question that range from money to your love life to stimulate your mind and measure it on a daily bases.
Another game "Mind Habits Booster" is designed to help people feel good about themselves. It help to address insecurity and stress by having player picking repeatedly smiling, approving face from a list of frowning faces to help people look for acceptance and ignore rejection.
"A study conducted by West Virginia University and supported by Konami Digital Entertainment claimed that consistent usage of the “Dance Dance Revolution” game “improved the health, attitudes and behaviors of participating children.”"
Researcher at Rochester University conducted a survey which they found that many children play computer video games for basic psychological needs such as achievement, freedom and a connection to others.
An example of the positive results from computer game play is Mary Jane Zamora, 50 from Redondo Beach, California whom is recovering from a fight with breast cancer. She uses such games as virtual golf, bowling and tennis on Nintendo's Wii console system to help build up her strength and agility.
So not all computer video games are focused on violence and destruction, some actually do help the human physce and build self-esteem in its players.

Cool Playstation 2 Games

Do you remember the really cool video games that started it all? I'm talking about those classics from the 80s. We had the ever-popular Pac-Man, Asteroids, and Centipede. Those things were really fun to play in cutting-edge technology to be sure. I thought playing pitfall on my Atari was about as cool as it can get. Man, was I wrong. It's got a whole lot better.
The quality of PlayStation 2 games that are available now are mind blowing. The storylines and graphics are incompatible. It's nonstop adventure. For example, check out some of the more recent playstation 2 games. Wow, what a difference from the old-school Atari. I mean, the game depths alone are amazing. People around the world enjoy these new-age playstation 2 games on a daily basis. Do you have the latest ones?
Do you have PS2? It's incredible how popular it has become, but it doesn't surprise me. I was astounded when this console came out. The big pitch didn't only concern the playstation 2 games, but also the DVD option. Your PS2 can also be used as a DVD player to play any of your favorite movies. Folks loved this convenient option. Suddenly they didn't need to purchase a DVD player. It was an all-in-one deal. Not a bad deal at all.
I can remember being at my uncle's house to check out his PS2 and his new playstation 2 games. I hadn't really paid much attention to video games since my days with Nintendo so I was really blown away at the realistic graphics and hot sound effects. These new playstation 2 games are incredibly lifelike. It's so far removed from those simple Atari figures that we cut our teeth with. No more stick men. There was everything from martial arts games to sports games to adventure games. I fell in love with the playstation 2 games.
Millions of children across America fire up their playstation 2 games every day and escape into their fantasy world. They can even compete with other players had to head, and battle the bad guys for as long as their parents will let them.
One of the great benefits of the PS2 is the versatility. Regardless if you had a PS1, you can play all those old games on your PS2 as well. How cool is that? If you're on the lookout for new playstation 2 games, you can browse your local Best Buy and Target stores, or just go online and have them delivered right to your door. On the Internet you can buy used PlayStation 2 games for a fraction of their original costs. With the world at your fingertips, you will surely find that playstation 2 game that will keep you on the edge of your seat for many hours to come.

The Art Of Video Game Design

Beginning in 1979, video games slowly started to invade homes and occupy young children and adults alike. The first video game was created in Japan and it has evolved greatly over the years. Video games have not only become a hobby for young children, but they have become an obsession for young adults. Individuals are constantly in competition with one another to have the latest and greatest video game. They also race one another to conquer all the levels of the most challenging games. With individuals constantly looking for new challenges, the area of video game design has increased in popularity.Children are becoming fascinated with video games at a younger age. To prevent them from becoming zombies in front of the television, video game design companies are incorporation education, as well as physical activity to most of their video games. Games such as V-tech and Leap Frog use colors, numbers and words to educate young children on how to read and count. One recent game that has revolutionized the video game industry is Nintendo's Wii. This game console uses video games to incorporate physical activity. Game users are required to use their physical skills to complete tasks such as fishing, bowling and tennis. While these games aim to educate and increase physical activity among youth, there are still traditional games on the market that simply aim to entertain.What once started as a recreational activity, video gaming has now become a sport to some people. There are actually tournaments around the world where individuals compete against one another in the latest video games. Individuals also create teams to compete against individuals from all different countries. While most people think individuals play these games for fun, it is actually a very competitive sport. Individuals train for months, even years to master the skills need to conquer a game. They study each video game design and try to learn all the tricks and special features of each game. Individuals are not competing for bragging rights. Some tournaments offer prizes in excess of $500,000, proving that these games are not to be taken lightly.With the increased popularity of video game tournaments and leisure activities, the career field of video game design is in high demand of qualified candidates. Colleges all over the country offer programs to teach students about video games and how to design them. Courses include work in graphic design, script writing and drawing. Classes are also offered in a variety of different specialties aimed to make individuals marketable in a variety of different fields. Students learn essential computer skills such as Photoshop, animation and cinematography. However, these computer skills are also important skills in different career fields, therefore opening numerous opportunities to graduates in this specific programUpon completion of a video game design program, students can work for numerous different companies. Design companies are constantly looking for fresh thinkers and creative individuals to take their video games to new levels. Students in design programs learn how to conceptualize, design and plan animations and video games. They also learn how to produce and evolve character models and design levels in video games. Along with these important video game skills, students also learn marketing, business and entertainment law to make them a well-rounded candidate.With a video game design degree, students can not only use their imaginations to create games, but they can also manage the production of games or be a critic with the skills they learn through this particular program. What was once thought of as simply entertainment has become an increasing popular industry.

Playstation 2 Video Games - Top 3 Games For Children

How many times has your children come home from school talking about a new video game he/she heard about from their friends? We are in a generation where things like Playstation 2 video games have never been bigger, but where do you draw the line? When do you tell your kids, "No, you can't play that game." It's a hard decision to make, especially when they are influenced in school by others.
It makes it even harder on us to give you reviews because different ages constitute certain games that can be tolerated. Think of it as taking your kids to the movies. If they are 5-10 years old are you going to take them to see a rated R movie? Most likely not, and the same discipline should be set for Playstation 2 video games.
So we decided to give you some of the top Playstation 2 video games in each category so you can get better control on your children's games at home. Some even go as far as sitting down and talking with their kids about the situation. It is a good idea, especially if they go to a friends house, where the availability of inappropriate games for their age can be played.
For those of you who are new to Playstation 2 video games, they have ratings for each game with a letter on the box. E is for Everyone, T is for Teen, and M is for Mature. Common sense will show you what is and what isn't appropriate for your children's ages. However, the categories here make it a little easier.
The E rated games doesn't just mean they are Sponge Bob Square Pants Playstation 2 video games or Dora the Explorer. It could mean Madden 08' or any other sports games. The best for the age appropriate games are those that go from the movie screen to your game consoles. Ones like Madagascar, Cars, Meet the Robinsons, and other movies where adults have already seen the outcomes.
T for Teen movies revolve games that have a little more graphic details like WWE Smackdown vs. RAW where hurting someone else, and less clothing is more evident. Then things where death comes into play, without the graphic gore. Games like the Final Fantasy collection that takes months to complete, but magic and sword fighting is required to reach the end of the game.
M for Mature are those games that only adults can really understand with a lot more gore and sexual narratives. The killing is graphic in games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas where shooting police officers and picking up prostitutes is the way the game is played. Other popular games like Metal Gear and the God of War series are also rated M for the way people are killed and the overall strategy of the game.
Hopefully, now you realize that finding Playstation 2 video games suitable for your children depends on several factors. How old they are and what you want them to be able to view are the most important aspects of purchasing video games for them. It may not completely fix an ongoing issue of children playing inappropriate games, but you have to start somewhere to try to control it.

Are Video Games Good For You?

Oh of course, most kids would much rather play video games than go outside and of course, do their homework and perhaps that is why children are becoming smarter in this day and age. Believe it or not, video games build your intelligence, it's a proven fact. When a child or anyone else plays a video game, they are giving their brain a pretty good workout and at the same time, they are exercising their thumbs with the joystick.
Children are navigating their way through a virtual world that is mysterious. In video games, kids have to figure out the rules of the game and the goals they need to achieve to learn. For hours, the kids work at solving puzzles that are nested within these games. Yep, today's culture is defiantly making us smarter. "Telescoping" it is called. Gamers have to deal with their immediate problems while they keep their long-term goals in their mind. "Probing." Probing is referring to the strategic thinking and complex problem solving of video games.
Playing a video game is a parallel to working on a science problem. Gamers are just like students in a laboratory, they must come up with that hypothesis. For example, they have to find the quest in WoW." With this, they engage in action by hunting for that quest and completing it. The gamers will be discovering if their hypothesis is true or false. If they are not able to complete this quest, then they will be revising their hypothesis. Playing video games is a fundamental to learning.
In conclusion...there is nothing wrong with playing video games. We could just go back to the old days, take video games and all that away and stop using your brain. Think about it: Run around in a park or exercise the brain...

Are Video Games Good For You?

Oh of course, most kids would much rather play video games than go outside and of course, do their homework and perhaps that is why children are becoming smarter in this day and age. Believe it or not, video games build your intelligence, it's a proven fact. When a child or anyone else plays a video game, they are giving their brain a pretty good workout and at the same time, they are exercising their thumbs with the joystick.
Children are navigating their way through a virtual world that is mysterious. In video games, kids have to figure out the rules of the game and the goals they need to achieve to learn. For hours, the kids work at solving puzzles that are nested within these games. Yep, today's culture is defiantly making us smarter. "Telescoping" it is called. Gamers have to deal with their immediate problems while they keep their long-term goals in their mind. "Probing." Probing is referring to the strategic thinking and complex problem solving of video games.
Playing a video game is a parallel to working on a science problem. Gamers are just like students in a laboratory, they must come up with that hypothesis. For example, they have to find the quest in WoW." With this, they engage in action by hunting for that quest and completing it. The gamers will be discovering if their hypothesis is true or false. If they are not able to complete this quest, then they will be revising their hypothesis. Playing video games is a fundamental to learning.
In conclusion...there is nothing wrong with playing video games. We could just go back to the old days, take video games and all that away and stop using your brain. Think about it: Run around in a park or exercise the brain...
The Author of this article would like for you to check this site out http://gamersrevenue.webs.com/ as you will be able to watch videos of games. Also, check out the blog that is on the site as the moderator will be able to ask any questions you may have. If you have a question, then feel free to ask.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?

Video Game Demographics

Video game demographics involve the study of video gaming habits of people of various ages. It requires a variety of primary and secondary research techniques such as telephone and personal interviews, analysis of market surveys, trade journals, and company literature.
The demographics of video game players and the related studies reveal that video gaming is mainly an adult-oriented form of entertainment! Video games are played extensively by both men and women too. Almost 60% of the Americans play video games.
Demographic is the common name for population studies. Video game demographics involve the analysis of different demographic variables such as how many people are playing video games, age of the average gamer, gender of the gamers, what they play and how video gaming affects television viewing. Recent studies show that people have accepted video games as an important entertainment medium.
According to video game demographics, 39% of people who play computer and video games are women. Forty percent of online gamers are also women. Thirty five percent of game players are usually under eighteen years, and 65% of game players are over eighteen years old. The average age of a video game player is 18 years old. Video games are widely used by 18 to 34 year old people. People in this age range spend more time in playing video games than watching the television.
Video game industries make the most of video game demographics. They identify the characteristics of their customers using this. The information provided by video game demographics can be used to enhance the quality of their service.

Wandering Willows Game Review

Most of the time when seasoned casual gamers hear of the company called PlayFirst, the name is always associated with time management "Dash" games. But aside from this, they are also known for bringing very innovative games like Chocolatier and Dream Chronicles into the casual gaming scene. Wandering Willows is one such innovation. And this time, PlayFirst again offers a gameplay never before seen on their roster of recent casual offerings.
The story of the game starts with the hero riding a hot air balloon above a vast expanse of sea. Unfortunately, the balloon blew up and he found himself stranded on an island filled with weird looking creatures and a few normal looking citizens. The people are happily striving and the animals are tame, and the island almost looks like heaven on earth. However, he still longs to go back home, and that's where you come in as you help him find a way to fix his balloon with the help of his new island friends.
In Wandering Willows, you'll soon learn that you won't be getting any help for free. You have many goals in the game but the main idea is for you to help other people with their predicaments until such time that you'll be able to take one step closer into repairing your balloon. All the time, you'll be accompanied with your very own pet as you command it to dig mounds, climb trees and charm other animals in order to collect your supplies.
Not all of the tasks are given to your pet though, since all of the more complicated stuff like planting crops, cooking food and making outfits remain to be your own responsibility. Of course, you'll also have to keep in mind the feeding of your pet as well as training and leveling his abilities in order to fulfill more challenging tasks on later levels. And if you don't want your initial pet anymore, you can always exchange him for a better one by breeding other species in the pet stable.

What Contributes To A Popular Video Game?

Video games are a phenomenon that reflects our computer based society. They are played by young and old alike and are now offered by nearly every browser, many websites and many cell phones. No longer does one have to buy specialized equipment for games, such as a Nintendo player or Game boy. Nearly every video game is offered downloadable, and usually free, on the Internet. Video games had their inception decades ago when parents bought their children video games to keep them quit and because the kids needed for them since all of their friends already had them. Perhaps this didn't quite work out since the games themselves are noisy and the kids' reactions can be ear splitting. Also, games were designed and replaced each other in rapid succession, so no amount of cash invested in an inventory of video games was sufficient to keep abreast of the movement. Parents also purchased video games with a naïve hope that the kids would stick to the game boy and leave the family computer alone. Of course, no self respecting child video game player is immune to the fact that family computer was a bigger better vehicle for playing video games. The graphics are awesome on a Mac and the sound levels can be truly awe inspiring as well. So not only did this parental ploy result in junior taking over the family computer but demanding his own. Finally parents invited the devilish video games into their kids' lives in an attempt to familiarize their kids with computer use, make them comfortable with this new technology and integrate this tool into their lives. Finally parents almost got it right and kids and computers bonded immediately and formed a bond that has resulted in Nerds becoming as large a population segment as any ethnicity. But Nerdism is not restricted to any ethnicity, sex, or occupation.Video games have grown in accessibility and popularity so that they and the playing of them represent a true subculture in our modern day world. Not only children and teenagers but also an ever-increasing number of adults partake in playing video games. Video games have become a respectable hobby for collecting as well as for playing. No longer does the hip young executive collect sports cars, James Bond memorabilia or Single Malt Scotch bottles, he showcases his collection of video games and impresses his dates with it. There are, of course, video game clubs where members can meet face to face to discuss the pros and cons or their favorite games and winning techniques. But more popular that these are the online chat rooms devoted to video games. Here the members can interact with their favorite item, a computer, but share opinions with other humans anyway. There are several magazines and dozens of websites aimed at the consumer of video games that spotlight new games, complete with reviews and commentaries. Focus groups chart the use of video games and try to spot trends for the development of new video games. Game developers often recruit children to test their products and point out defects or areas that need improvement. Video games have become a billion dollar industry, a subculture and a virtual way of life for many.