In this article, we will tell you why games are not just children’s amusements, but a full-fledged art form that often outstrips cinema and literature. These are separate unique universes where everyone can live thousands of different lives. Here you can become the hero of your adventure, discover unknown worlds, or just relax after a hard day. But what really makes video games so special?
This form of entertainment has a history, starting with simple 1970s arcade games like Pong, where players controlled two sticks to bat a virtual ball. From these humble beginnings, video games have come a long way to modern 3D worlds with impressive graphics and complex plots.
There is a huge variety of genres, for example, some of them are listed below, and we will also add a small list of games that fit a specific genre for your clarity:
Adventure games: here, players immerse themselves in exciting stories, solve puzzles, and explore new worlds.
“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”
“Uncharted”
“The Last of Us”
A series of popular “Grand Theft Auto”
Strategies: These games develop strategic thinking by requiring players to plan their actions to achieve victory.
Civilization
StarCraft
Total War
Sports games: they give you the opportunity to feel part of your favorite sport, manage teams or individual athletes.
FIFA 23
NBA 2K23
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
UFC 5
Racing: speed, adrenaline, and driving skills are the main elements of these dynamic games.
“Forza Horizon”
“Gran Turismo”
“Need for Speed”
Shooters: they focus on action, shooting, and survival, offering players an intense gaming experience.
“S.T.A.L.K.E.R.”
“Call of Duty”
“Counter-Strike”
“Resident Evil”
RPG: players immerse themselves in the role of a specific character, developing their skills and interacting with other characters and the game world.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Skyrim
Dark Souls III
Cyberpunk 2077
Puzzles and arcades: these games test the reaction, logic, and speed of thinking of players.
Limbo
Inside
Cuphead
Technological innovations play an important role in the development of video games. Modern games use advanced technologies to create realistic graphics and sound, including virtual and augmented reality, which make the gaming experience even more immersive.
The social aspect of video games is no less important. Many games offer a multiplayer mode where players can interact with other people from all over the world. It’s not just fun, but also a way to make new friends and become part of a large gaming community.
Video games are often referred to as a new art form because they combine elements of different art forms to create unique worlds that can tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire. It is an art that allows players not only to observe the story but also to be a part of it.
In addition to entertainment, they also contribute to the development of many skills, such as strategic planning, teamwork, problem solving, and creativity. They open up new opportunities for learning and personal development.
Games and learning: how they become an educational tool
Video games, traditionally considered a means of entertainment, are now playing an important role in education, turning into a powerful tool. Thanks to their interactivity and engagement, they open up new opportunities for learning and development.
One of the key advantages of video games is their ability to attract and hold the attention of players, especially young people. This is achieved through interactivity, which prevails over traditional teaching methods. Video games create an immersive learning environment where players can interact with the content directly, which contributes to better learning.
For example, games have become an effective way to learn languages. They provide an opportunity to learn new words and phrases in a contextual environment, making the learning process more natural and intuitive. Players learn the language in the process of playing, which significantly increases the efficiency of learning.
The development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills is one of the key benefits of video games. Many of them require strategic planning and solving complex puzzles, which stimulates the development of all these important skills.
Some games immerse players in historical events, providing a unique and engaging way to learn about history and culture. This not only teaches, but also makes the learning process more interesting and emotionally engaging.
Undoubtedly, they also contribute to the development of social skills and emotional intelligence. Games that focus on social interactions help players develop communication, empathy, and teamwork skills, which is especially important for young users.
Many games have built-in assessment and progress tracking systems, allowing teachers and parents to see how children are learning and developing. This helps to assess the effectiveness of training and make the necessary adjustments to the process.
Video games as an educational tool turn learning from a compulsory activity into an exciting adventure, making the process of education more effective and enjoyable.