Games Are The Future

In October 1958, something came intro creation that would change the way we viewed entertainment forever. Physicist William Higinbotham created the world’s first video game, Pong. Pong was a simple idea. It was based on Tennis and pit players against each other or a computer program in a virtual rally. This concept has spiralled into a ever-growing industry of Gaming & Virtual Reality. From what we know of Higinbotham, he probably didn’t intend to have such a lasting effect with this game, but here in 2018, his idea has proved to be revolutionary.

Video games come in all shapes and sizes, being heavily popularized by platform games like Mario, where the player’s focus on dexterity and reflexes to overcome obstacles. There are puzzle games that involve abstract thinking and ask players to find different solutions to many difficult situations. We even have role-playing and real-life simulation games that are intended to make us experience an entire lifetime within a single run-through of the said game.

Much like television programs or books, video games have moral lessons to teach us. They make us ask questions, view the world from a different perspective and are the physical representation of someone’s creative expression. The sharing of ideas, stories, and philosophy is the recipe for human growth.

This “entertainment format”, has now turned into a concept with limitless applications. This includes academic and creative education, where learners can pick up new information through puzzle and simulation games, making the learning fun and interactive. Doctors can now even practice surgery through virtual reality and hone their skills.

With so much diversity and variety in the video-game industry, it’s no surprise that they do have their share of pitfalls and weaknesses. Games can have an influence on us, affecting our thoughts and behaviour, and they can be addictive and consume a large portion of our time. As with every form of media, moderation is important. Yet, that does not mean we should remove this innovation from our lives. Just look at what you can gain:

• Enhanced Motor Skills and Reflexes – From all that button mashing.
• Problem-Solving and Tactical Mindset – From those obscure and vague puzzles.
• Developing Persistence – From the countless losses.
• Comfort in Social Exchanges – Because people who play together stay together.
• Becoming a Gracious Winner – Since you don’t want to rub it in too much.
• Learning from Your Mistakes – Because if it didn’t work one way, there has to be another.
• Experiencing Unique and Amazing Stories – Games have so much to say.

You get all this and so much more. The possibilities are endless and the gaming era is just beginning. Pong was the very first game, and in just a few decades we’ve gone from dots bouncing across a screen to life-like movement and graphics on-screen. So if you haven’t tried your hand at gaming, it might be time to pick up a controller.