- The debate about whether computer games are art or not has begun a long time ago and has not subsided until today. Proponents of computer games will tell you a million reasons why this entertainment can be considered art, opponents will refute all this, saying that it is stupid to compare playing video games with painting, literature, music, and movies. Which of the sides is right? The first or the second?
- Video games in the 21st century are art?
Games are an amazing form of art, but few people put them in the first place in their lives. You can love them more than movies or books, but hardly more than relatives loved ones, friends or work. However, even busy people want to start playing. According by the statistics, most single european women play games and enjoy life.
Over the past two decades, game developers have striven for photorealism. Until now, the desire to make virtual reality indistinguishable from the one in which we live has absorbed game producers. And thanks to the development of technology, they have achieved considerable success in this field.
Previously, four triangles were used to depict the heads of human figures. Now, look at the thousands of polygons in 3D space, painted in a variety of colors. Modern games have stepped forward, attempts to make games look like reality are becoming more successful every year.
Vegetation, weapons, clothing and entire cities are placed inside the world with dynamic weather, millions of particles and light effects. But even after this to play a video game is not considered something extra special. If you think about it, you will be surprised at how many elements are needed to create realistic settings in games. Putting the whole picture together is truly contemporary art.
- A guide on how to start playing games. To getstarted games exploration and deciding which one you will choose to play, you, of course, need a device to play on, some knowledge of the modern video gaming trends and having at least a basic level of using the PC.
Smartphones and tablets (on iOS and Android)
Nowadays, playing a “snake” on a smartphone is quite a shame, considering how many games for mobile devices are made and available for download on the App Store and Google Play. At the same time, to start gaming from mobile devices is not a shame, and even, on the contrary, is the most logical thing: a phone or tablet is almost always at hand, which means that to start playing regularly, you do not need to buy any stray, get together or choose a convenient time.
PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS
The next step after you get comfortable in the game space on mobile devices is to think about whether you need a portable game console. Two of the most popular options to date: Sony’s half-tablet – PS Vita and a Nintendo 3DS 3D. Both easily fit in the palm of your hand and are adapted primarily for gaming needs, but just like smartphones, they have cameras (the Nintendo console can take 3D photos) and Wi-Fi support. Games for both consoles can be bought online in company stores – PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop.
Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo You
As soon as there is a clear desire to sit at home in front of a large screen with a joystick in hand and spend a day off in this position, it’s time to go behind one of these consoles. Only the Wii has a fundamental difference – the touch controller, that is, most games on this console will have to be controlled using gestures. PS3 and Xbox 360 differ in a set of games. The only condition for all consoles is that they will have to be connected to a monitor or TV. Games must be bought either in the corresponding online stores or on media. And also PS3 and Xbox can be used as multimedia centers: listen to music, watch and buy movies and TV shows.
PC, Mac
In a good way, those who have already played enough on a smartphone and do not want to spend money on a separate console are the fastest to get to games on a computer. Anyway, a computer is the oldest and most reliable way how to play a game and become a cyber-sportsman at home. Here you can find games for every taste: role-playing, shooters, quests, annadating, races, and ordinary arcades to kill time. You can search and buy them on the Steam website – one of the largest online video game stores. The main advice for those who decided to investigate how to play video games on computers: do not start playing with some MMORPGs (a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, such as World of Warcraft), because, as experts say, this is a digital-analog of heroin.
Play only the best games
There are many games, even too many. Trying all of them does not work in any way. If you get tormented by a thought «what game do I want to play? », you need to choose the best. How to understand this? The advice of friends does not work well here, so you can use something like Metacritic aggregator. It considers the score for the game on a standardized scale from 0 to 100 based on all the reviews in the English press. For many gamers, this assessment very well predicts future feelings about the game. 90+ is a candidate for the title of the game of the year, 80+ is a good, strong game, 70+ is worth paying attention only if you enjoy the genre.
- Can games spoil life?
The main claim attributed to games is cruelty. This mainly concerns the GTA series, Call of Duty and Postal. Typically, these allegations are backed up by nothing more than the controversy of various haters of video games. On the side of gamers are real scientific research conducted by scientists from around the world.
The latest study was conducted at the beginning of 2018 at York University. Two different games were created for the test: in the first, it was necessary to dodge trucks, and in the second, to play for a mouse that escapes from a cat. Then the scientists showed the corresponding pictures and made conclusions based on the reaction of the experimental subjects. So, they tried to find out the effect of games on a person’s worldview. It turned out that the proposed games did not affect the subjects.
Scientists have found that games affect several parts of the brain that are responsible for mindfulness: the parietal and frontal cortex. Tomography showed a high activity of these brain regions in gamers. There are many other tests and they all come down to one thing – games contribute to the development of the brain. Of course, CS: GO will not make you a genius, but it will help to improve concentration and attention, which will be useful in studying sciences.
- Best games for beginners. Although gaming has officially become a sport and you can make it a real job today, some people feel lost because they have zero experience playing and would like to know where to start. If you have recognized yourself in this description, our advice is to stop asking yourself «can I play video games? », choose the one that speaks to you and dive into the world of cybersport.
Crash Bandicoot N.sane Trilogy
Perhaps you need a game that will not burden you with its complex plot and help you adapt to character control on the keyboard or controller. Bright graphics will help you plunge into the atmosphere of the game, and easy controls will quickly get used to the virtual character. There are no complicated mechanics in the game and it is perfect for those who want to get acquainted with video games.
Cuphead
It is made in the style of old cartoons from the Funny Tunes series but does not overload the player with complex mechanics or heavy controls. do you play video games for their visual part? Then this one is for you. The game is perfect for those who want to try switching to the controller. Also, it supports the ability to walk together on the same system. And playing together is always more fun.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The Mario Kart series has long established itself as a vibrant family game that appeals to players of all ages. Everyone can take part in races with the characters of one of the most recognizable franchises. The game will not push you and allow you to progress at your own pace. It also has modes with up to four players and online competitions. Therefore, you can try yourself not only against computer opponents.
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Many believe that over time, interactive cinematographic video gaming will replace films. Although there are many representatives of this genre now, it is worth stopping at Guardians Of The Galaxy. The interactive cinema will perfectly help those who can not remember the location of the main buttons on the keyboard or controller.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Var
The continuation of the hit Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War is perfect for those who are looking for originality in games and for those who love the universe of Tolkien’s books. The game contains the Nemesis system, which randomly generates the enemies and allies of the protagonist, creating a unique story. The game is ideal not only for those who wonder how to get into video games but how to become a pro. Intuitive control is perfect for beginners, and an extensive army control system will allow you to show your creativity.
- The time has come to summarize all of the above. How do you play games? Get a device, a company, sit down, choose a game and dive into the interactive world of this contemporary art.