Response to "The Changing Face of Video Games"

This is a response post to "The Changing Face of Video Games" @ http://mwardmediaarts.blogspot.com/

The post has some startling facts. I mean think about it, in 28 years ago (in 1982), the first video game was released - which was pong (otherwise known as table tennis) and consisted of a black background with two white strips on each side and a ball. Then came the adventures of Mario and Luigi and that was ultimately what made video games mainstream... but that was just 2D. Now, if you look back and look at gaming today, you will notice drastic changes in both content and quality.

Almost every game is now 3D and cool new genres have been evolved into, such as horror, sci-fi, strategy, and most popularly action/shooter. Most importantly, games now have a great capability: multiplayer - this is how millions of gamers online play together in the same game as if you were sitting right beside them. Graphics and sound effects have become so advanced that it is hard not to get addicted to a game after playing it for a while (or even once!).

And along with all this comes the great hardware. Technology has made it possible for different consoles to be made by different companies, all competing for the best features and capabilities. For example, the Microsoft Xbox 360 was released in 2006 and is still extremely popular today. The Sony PlayStation 3 is also a very popular console with its integrated Blu-Ray DVD player and free online gameplay connectivity.

You can check out the timeline of video game consoles and games in the following links:

Part 1 (1958-1972)

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/gamestimeline1.html

Part 2 (1975-1984)

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/gamestimeline2.html

Part 3 (1985-1995)

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/gamestimeline3.html

Part 4 (1996-present)

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/gamestimeline4.html

Along with the consoles, the controllers have also developed as well. At first, they were wired boxes that you would put on the table with one big joystick and two buttons, but now they're wireless with two small joysticks, four buttons, four triggers, and have headset/microphone and keypad ports. Amazing isn't it! Take a look at this picture...

The Nintendo Wii was released in 2006 and is revolutionary gaming console. It has controllers just like any other system, but they have sensors on them and you interact with the games by pointing at the screen and moving the controller in any direction. There have been many more add-ons to the Wii, such as the Wii Fit. Instead of controllers it's a sensitive pad - now you can play video games and workout at the same time!

Some people may argue that the traditional way of playing video games (sitting on the couch with a controller) needs to be replaced because it is harming everyone's physical and sometimes mental health. But like millions of other gamers worldwide, I prefer the good old way of playing! In my opinion video games should be kept video games, and they shouldn't be forced into evolving into something ridiculously different. Although the Wii is a great console, it takes away the traditional fun of just sitting there and jabbing away at the controller with your fingers!