Gaming is the physical action of playing computer games or online role playing games (RPG) typically via a personal computer and Internet connection. A game is generally a computer game or video game, which entails interaction with a user interface / input device – for example, a mouse, joystick, keyboard, or wireless motion sensing device – to produce visual output on the screen. In computer games, graphics include textured images, animations, or 3D effects. Often, computer games contain virtual worlds or ‘environments’, which the gamer controls through the actions or expressions recognized by the game’s artificial intelligence or ‘bot’ software. In this sense, a game is a digital form of art or hobby, and players interact with the computer via its hardware or software program to create a representation of the world in which they are living.

Video gaming involves sitting down in a chair, putting on headphones, and playing a video game through one’s PC, game console, or Internet connected computer. Most people associate video gaming with consoles such as Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, and Nintendo Wii; however, there are PCs that can also support gaming, such as laptops. Often called ‘VR’ or ‘MRM’ (rooms within monitors), modern high definition gaming consoles can deliver rich, realistic graphics that really do feel like you are in the game. Many of these high definition consoles are connected to high speed Internet connections so that players can engage in online role playing games (gathering and fighting with other players) from anywhere in the world.

PCs are also used to play online games through specialized browser software. These gaming browsers allow players to visit pre-approved web pages, complete web applications, and access other websites. Through this method, PC owners can have the advantages of online gaming without having to use additional hardware and software installed in their computers. In fact, some of these browser based systems require no special hardware installed on the computer.

The rise of multiplayer online gaming brought about a new and larger market for PCs and the growth of the personal computer market. Competition between PC manufacturers forced them to introduce more innovative features and specifications in their systems to keep up with the competition. By the end of the 1980s, the gaming industry had expanded to include other peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and joysticks. Joystick was the first piece of hardware that added to the benefits of gaming. A joystick can be used to control the movements of the player character in the game, just as in a video arcade game.

In response to rising demands from the gaming public, many companies started offering a variety of accessories, such as keyboards, mice, and joysticks. At first, however, these accessories were relatively expensive and some gamers felt they took away from the video games experience. Fortunately, Valve Corporation listened to its gamers by introducing the’Valve Stream Engine’into their system. This streamlined interface streamlined the process of inputting data and information, and also provided for game profiles, allowing players to save and load settings. This function became extremely popular with players who were used to playing with an attached keyboard. As a result, many gaming enthusiasts now prefer to play with controls that are much more similar to those of a traditional console.

The rise of consoles like the Xbox and Gamecube, and the subsequent popularity of online gaming platforms like Valve’s Steam has led to an even greater expansion of online interaction options. Developers have introduced chat programs to communicate with players, to create communities, and to provide challenges and rewards for players that demonstrate a level of competence relative to their peers. Furthermore, players can now create and play private matches that can extend their interaction beyond the boundaries of their individual consoles. With the introduction of gaming safety settings, players are now able to interact with each other in a safe environment.