PC GAMES Media Technologies Theodoros Nikitopoulos Chamilothoris

Definition  PC games, also known as computer games, are video games played on a general-purpose personal computer rather than a dedicated video game console or arcade machine.  Their defining characteristics include a lack of any centralized controlling authority and greater capacity in input, processing, and output.

Early Growth  The first generation of computer games were often text adventures or interactive fiction, in which the player communicated with the computer by entering commands through a keyboard.  As with second-generation video game consoles at the time, early home computer game companies capitalized on successful arcade games. Ex; Space Invaders, Pac- Man, Donkey Kong etc. (1981)

Industry Crush  In 1983, consumer interest in console video games dwindled to historical lows, as interest in computer games rose.  Conversely, the home computer market boomed, as sales of low-cost color computers such as the Commodore 64 rose to record highs.  Increasing adoption of the computer mouse and high resolution bitmap displays allowed the industry to include increasingly high- quality graphical interfaces in new releases.

New Genres  By 1988 further improvements to game graphics and artwork led to the success of adventure games. Ex; King’s Quest  In 1992Wolfenstein 3D, an early first-person shooter was produced, which helped to popularize the genre, kick-starting a genre that would become one of the highest-selling in modern times.  The 1993 release of Doom on the PC was a breakthrough in 3D graphics, and was soon ported to various game consoles in a general shift toward greater realism.

Contemporary Gaming  The faster graphics accelerators and improving CPU technology resulted in increasing levels of realism in computer games.  Online multiplayer games have achieved popularity largely as a result of increasing broadband adoption among consumers.  Affordable high-bandwidth Internet connections allow large numbers of players to play together, and thus have found particular use in massively multiplayer online role-playing games.

Platform Characteristics  Fidelity  Openness  Reduced software cost  Increased flexibility  Increased innovation  Increased complexity  Increased hardware cost  Reduced security

Top Selling PC Games of All Time TitleTotal copies sold SeriesRelease date GenreDeveloperPublisher The Sims 220 millionThe Sims14/9/2004SimulationMaxisElectronic Arts The Sims16 millionThe Sims4/2/2000SimulationMaxisElectronic Arts Minecraft12 millionMinecraft17/5/2009Sandbox/ Construction Mojang Diablo III12 millionDiablo15/5/2012Action RPGBlizzard Entertainment Activision Blizzard Half-Life 211 millionHalf-Life16/11/2004First-person shooter Valve corporation Battlefield 211 millionBattlefield21/6/2005Squad based FPS Digitals IllusionsCE EA Games StarCraft11 millionStarcraft31/3/1998Real-time strategy Blizzard Entertainment

Controversy  PC games have long been a source of controversy, particularly related to the violence that has become commonly associated with video gaming in general. The debate surrounds the influence of objectionable content on the social development of minors.  Video game addiction is another cultural aspect of gaming to draw criticism as it can have a negative influence on health and on social relations.

Percentage of Students Involved in Physical Fights

Average Daily Time Playing PC Games (Americans 15+ years)

Percentage of American Youth between 8 and 18 years old

Brief History of PC Gaming

Brief History of PC Games (video)  click me! click me!