Even though some of us may not have played video games and/or computer games, we have all heard of them and seen people (especially children) play them. The two terms video and computers are used interchangeably and they refer to the same thing. Typically there is a screen (television, monitor, LCD display) through which the game is viewed. Input devices vary depending on the game and hardware, but usually involve a controller, joystick, keyboard or keypad.

Such a game is:

• Playable using a television set. The game software is accessed via a games console, to which input devices such as joysticks or controllers are attached; or
• Playable using a television set, with the game being accessible or downloadable through a satellite or digital subscription-based system; or
• Playable on a PC or Macintosh; or
• Housed inside a cabinet with a built-in screen and input device such as a joystick. These are typically found in arcades; or
• Found on small, portable games machines, among one of the most well-known is the Game Boy; or
• Increasingly found in consumer electronic devices, such as mobile and smart phones and tablet devices.

Most video games are simulations of some form, applying extensively the theories of visual learning with graphics and very engaging story lines. Realism-based simulations include contemporary car racing games, business simulations, sports, combat and civilisation development games. More abstract simulations involve adventure, fantasy, and space battle games, although realistic graphics and physics-based effects are used in many of these games. Other simulations include puzzle games such as Tetris, and conversions of traditional games such as Scrabble, Monopoly and crosswords.

Games are not restricted to the entertainment sector. The airline industry is well known for the use of simulation to train its pilots especially when they are introducing new aircraft to their fleets or preparing to land in a new airport. The business sector has long used games and simulations to train staff in developing fiscal, economic and trading skills. The military sector uses simulation-based games in combat training, while the health/medical sector are increasingly using similar realism techniques and technologies to those used in games. Some of the commonly used consoles used today include Playstation2, Xbox and GameCube through personal computers or via a handheld games console such as the Game Boy Advance.

Notwithstanding these standard platforms the users of games have been changing and the game industry has been responding to this in many different ways. In their report titled "Moving Learning Games Forward" Dr. Klopfer and his co-authors describe this changing nature of the platforms either currently in vogue or coming to the market soon. I would like you to read pages 8-14 of their report and answer the questions below: