Gaming 101

A game, by definition, is an activity undertaken mostly for enjoyment. However, it can be educational too. There are rules being defined, which participants called players need to follow in order to stay in the game and achieve their objectives.

There are a variety of games that are being played today. These include sports, video games, board games, and the most played games today – computer games.

Personal Computer (PC) games vary according to connectivity. It could be a stand-alone or a network game. Stand-alone refers to the game that can be played independently; most likely, the opponent is a computer or artificial intelligence (AI). Network games refer to those that need connection to a server or with other PC’s; the game is most enjoyed with interaction from other players. It can either be played in a local area network (LAN) or over an internet – these are known as the online games.

Online games have grown its popularity over a stunning rate. It became popular not just to kids but to a number of adults in general. With just an internet connection and downloaded game software, players can start playing games instantly.

Online games are in various forms. They can be simple flash games or intense Role Playing Games (RPG’s).

RPG’s basic function is to let the players take an identity of a character and create avatars; then they play against other players, which are also assuming their identity based on the characters they have chosen. Avatars can allow people to be whomever they want in the virtual world. RPG has now evolved virtually online. A new version called Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) is RPG’s online version.

Game software may require certain hardware and pre-requisite software specifications before it can be installed in the computer system. However, if the computer system cannot meet the requirements specified in the software game, it may cause the install procedure to stall; and even worse, corrupt the system.

Gaming computers need high-end graphic cards – those that are designed for gaming, fast processors, and lots of random access memory (RAM). High-capacity hard disks may also contribute to keep up with the demands of the game software as this will create a virtual memory that simulates an additional RAM. It is also advisable that gaming computers be equipped with numerous ports such as USB’s to make it easy to plug in all gaming peripherals like joysticks and steering wheels.

The things to evaluate when considering a gaming computer are:

• Processor – a fast CPU prevents lags; dual-core and quad-core processors are for available for extreme gaming.
• Memory – a large memory will allow the system to quickly access programs that are frequently used; it is advisable that a gaming PC should have at least 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and enough hard disk.
• Video/audio – graphics card support real-time images display and sound card support clear delivery of sounds as that of the images.
• Input/output (I/O) devices – peripherals such as keyboards, mouse, speakers, and etc. may vary depending on the computer system chosen by the buyer.
• Value or prices – gone were the days where computer devices are out of ordinary person’s budget; many computer systems are now available for a fair price.
• Support or warranty – manufacturers that offer warranty or provide support 24/7.

Based on 2009 comparisons on gaming PC products, Dell made it to the 1^st spot; Alienware made it to the top two; Falcon Northwest made it to number three. Among those that made it up to the top ten are: Alienware Aurora, Gateway, Alienware, Micro Express, CyberPower, ABS M6 Sniper, and Polywell. These manufacturer-termed gaming PCs are called branded PCs.

Aside from branded PCs, there are also those that are termed as cloned PCs. It is a system designed to mimic another system; ergo, Clone. They are those PCs that bear no commercial brands and include those that are assembled at home.

Games are being developed for the enjoyment, they offer to players. Gaming is a good way to unwind after a tough day. This can be a healthy hobby, which is of course normal; but it should be properly monitored such that it will not result to addiction.