A video game is simply a structured type of outdoor, usually played for fun or entertainment, and occasionally used as an educational device. Video games are quite different from work, which normally is carried out only for profit, and from literature, which is primarily an expression of social or aesthetic elements. In video games the player is usually supposed to perform some action in order to advance the game’s storyline. A typical platform game includes jumping puzzles, shooting attacks, racing, puzzle games, card games, etc. The object of the game is to achieve a set goal by means of techniques learned during gameplay.

The most popular game genres are adventure, action, sports, simulation, puzzle, racing, puzzle, dress up, and word games. Adventure game genres include such favorite genres as hidden object, hidden princess, fairy tale, medieval, slant, etc. A good example of a hidden object game is Cave Story. An adventure game includes such favorites as Zelda, Brain Academy, Prince of Persia, Carmen Sandiego, Golden Compass, Jade Empire, Secret of Solitude, etc.

For teens who love speed, racing games are ideal. Top selling games for teens are Max and Chloe, F-14, Serious Sam, Trials HD, etc. Puzzle game genres include such popular games as Candyland, Sudoku, X-Com: UFO Defense, etc.

Educational games for lower-income teens are popular too. The Nintendo Wii is a popular system for this. Other options include certain board games that use skill sets like chess, Scrabble, etc. For lower-income families, board games can be purchased from second-hand stores or flea markets. For higher-earning families, renting movies and games from digital media companies like Netflix and Hulu are more likely.

Video games for consoles also provide a variety of choices for higher-earning families. Advanced consoles offer many exclusive video game genres including action, sports, first person shooters, role-playing games, racing games, etc. In general, games that involve the active engagement of the player require more skill and attention than games with passive entertainment. Sports games require more physical fitness than other casual games. For example, it takes longer to master a sport such as golf than it does to play tennis or baseball.

Role-playing video games, on the other hand, require more thought than action games because role-playing video games require the player to advance through the game using various tools such as skills, inventory, weapons, etc. A notable exception to this is the Lord of the Rings video game series. A majority of people who play such action games do not read books because they have a large number of books to read before reaching the level where they can begin playing a game. In fact, many people who play these video games are avid readers.