Comment Re:From the GP comments: My Post! (Score 1) 220
(SUNOVA... I got to remember to change the format to Plain Old Text when I copy/paste my work!)
Change video games to "Entertainment Software"? To HELL with that! I like the name as it is, and here's why:
1. "Entertainment Software" is too broad of a definition and can NOT be used to solely define video games alone. Entertainment software can come in the form of movies on DVD, software that builds entertainment (video and 3D editors), and basically anything digital that can be utilized for the purpose of entertainment. Even software that operates the lights and special effects of a concert would be "Entertainment Software".
2. "Adult Games" would not work as a way of separating "mature" games from the rest. Why you ask? Because "Adult" makes the games sound pornographic in nature, and while some games do have sexual content, they are not always sexual in nature. Take Halo and Halo 2 for example. They are M rated, but no one would say they are for "adults" alone. The story and characters are highly develop and the situations and scenarios require a mature mind to understand and comprehend (except in online multiplayer :P ) Calling a game like Halo "Adult" is an insult to the game since it makes Halo seem like porn when it isn't.
3. People seem to assume that games are only played by children. This is NOT true! If it were, then why are men often fascinated by football and sports? Aren't those types of "games" as well? Do people think football, basketball, baseball, hockey, etc. are only for children? And what about those who play board and card games? Men and women all over the country get together to play games like poker, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, and more! And let's not forget gambling! Gambling is considered gaming as well (Nevada Gaming Commission if you want proof), and many adults want to play these games as well. This should be enough proof to show that there are games for all ages!
4. Games can be educational and can teach, even those that are highly action based. Games such as Psychonauts, God of War, or Halo have lots of action, but also stories that entertain and keep the player moving through, WANTING to see the end of the game. Other games like Tetris, Bejeweled, Bust A Move, and more help build mental reaction times and complex spatial thinking (there are two kinds of thinking, quantitive and spatial [I think that's right]) Even the most mature of games like GTA:SA have a deep underlying story beneath them that makes it worth the while to see the end.
5. Video Games are games played on a video screen, yes? Electronic games would be games that are electronic in nature, but do not require a video screen, correct? Games such as Simon would fit into this category. :) Video Game seems to be an adequate definition for the medium that people play.
6. Finally, the only other possible name that could be changed to would be "Interactive Media", but even so I have a problem with this name. This lies in the Narrativism vs. Ludology argument. What if a movie was just that; a linear movie? But what if you could choose how the movie ends? Make decisions for the characters that swing the movie one way or another? Like a Choose Your Own Adventure book? It's "Interactive Media", yes, BUT... ...is it also a video game? Would a movie like that really be a game? What about the lack of game mechanics and game rules that make games, well... games!
So to me, "Video Games" is an adequate name based on this definition:
Video Game: a form of digital entertainment that encompasses pre-programmed rules of game play, contains a story, purpose, or goal which keeps the game player playing, and utilizes a video screen for output.
Those that think "Video Game" contains too much of a youth stigmatism for it need to just get over it, because the only people that think games are for kids are those that never played. Give it 20 more years, and the any changes made now will just seem stupid.
~Steve B.
Change video games to "Entertainment Software"? To HELL with that! I like the name as it is, and here's why:
1. "Entertainment Software" is too broad of a definition and can NOT be used to solely define video games alone. Entertainment software can come in the form of movies on DVD, software that builds entertainment (video and 3D editors), and basically anything digital that can be utilized for the purpose of entertainment. Even software that operates the lights and special effects of a concert would be "Entertainment Software".
2. "Adult Games" would not work as a way of separating "mature" games from the rest. Why you ask? Because "Adult" makes the games sound pornographic in nature, and while some games do have sexual content, they are not always sexual in nature. Take Halo and Halo 2 for example. They are M rated, but no one would say they are for "adults" alone. The story and characters are highly develop and the situations and scenarios require a mature mind to understand and comprehend (except in online multiplayer
3. People seem to assume that games are only played by children. This is NOT true! If it were, then why are men often fascinated by football and sports? Aren't those types of "games" as well? Do people think football, basketball, baseball, hockey, etc. are only for children? And what about those who play board and card games? Men and women all over the country get together to play games like poker, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, and more! And let's not forget gambling! Gambling is considered gaming as well (Nevada Gaming Commission if you want proof), and many adults want to play these games as well. This should be enough proof to show that there are games for all ages!
4. Games can be educational and can teach, even those that are highly action based. Games such as Psychonauts, God of War, or Halo have lots of action, but also stories that entertain and keep the player moving through, WANTING to see the end of the game. Other games like Tetris, Bejeweled, Bust A Move, and more help build mental reaction times and complex spatial thinking (there are two kinds of thinking, quantitive and spatial [I think that's right]) Even the most mature of games like GTA:SA have a deep underlying story beneath them that makes it worth the while to see the end.
5. Video Games are games played on a video screen, yes? Electronic games would be games that are electronic in nature, but do not require a video screen, correct? Games such as Simon would fit into this category.
6. Finally, the only other possible name that could be changed to would be "Interactive Media", but even so I have a problem with this name. This lies in the Narrativism vs. Ludology argument. What if a movie was just that; a linear movie? But what if you could choose how the movie ends? Make decisions for the characters that swing the movie one way or another? Like a Choose Your Own Adventure book? It's "Interactive Media", yes, BUT...
So to me, "Video Games" is an adequate name based on this definition:
Video Game: a form of digital entertainment that encompasses pre-programmed rules of game play, contains a story, purpose, or goal which keeps the game player playing, and utilizes a video screen for output.
Those that think "Video Game" contains too much of a youth stigmatism for it need to just get over it, because the only people that think games are for kids are those that never played. Give it 20 more years, and the any changes made now will just seem stupid.
~Steve B.
