Sunday, February 15, 2015

(S6) Video Games


movieposter.jpg    
Many of us spend countless hours playing video games with fancy HD visuals, multi button controllers, online capabilities, and 3D graphics. But, there was a time were all these common features were concepts beyond imagination.
The history of video gaming spans all the way back to the 1940’s, long befor Pong was invented. Take a look that this timeline of the vast history of the concept of virtual gaming.
1. What did you find the most interesting in the timeline? Why?


2. Do you think video games have had an affect on technology in general? Or perhaps the entertainment industry? How? Why video games succeed..

3. Have you played Zynga games? What other video/mobile games charge for powerups, game items or other perks that you know of?  Check out the links below. Comment on your discoveries.

Clash of Clans Cumulative Costs 
(Use the calculator! Yikes!)

4. How else do developers charge for video games, if not in the play? Are there any games that are truly free? How would this be possible?  

Note: Whether you play video games or not, they have a big influence on society and the economics of this industry is astounding. Next week we'll explore platforms and social considerations.

49 comments:

  1. 1. I had first heard about Pong being the first video game in 1972. Then after that, I heard about Spacewar! in 1962. And now that I've seen this, I've learned that the idea of video games actually started back in 1940? What!? That's just baffling to me.
    2. Gaming has affected every industry you can think of. There have been Mario, Zelda, Sonic cartoons, an anime based on the game Dangan Ronpa (both of which are very popular in Japan), a movie based on the popular Hitman franchise, and any number of electronic remixers trying their hand at making their own mixes of tracks from any number of video games. Also, kids are taking more time away from the TV and watching YouTube that big kids' channels have started reaching out to large YouTube personalities such as Toby "Tobuscus" Turner and Benny and Rafi Fine (aka TheFineBros).
    3: Microtransactions, not-quite-free-to-play, freemium, however you want to label it, paying for small little chunks of content (i.e. cosmetics, better weapons, entire new maps, new questlines) which could just as easily be lumped into a "full version" of a game is so rampant throughout the modern games industry nowadays, and (although I've never played any of their games) Zynga and King are some of the worst offenders; they shill out the same exact game, just reskinned, and charge you for the same exact things over again. And the worst part is, PEOPLE BUY IT. If you look under the hood, all of their games are exact carbon copies, just with some altered textures and sprites.
    4. There are three main ways that companies can charge you for a game: microtransactions (far and away the most insidious), subscription (pay for the full game only as long as you want to), and actually BUYING THE GAME OUTRIGHT, NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a free lunch or a free game, and you end up either paying a subscription (RuneScape; I played that game TO DEATH when I was younger), paying money for in-game credits (Warframe; I do it because the game is fantastic and it really does support the developer as it is the most direct way that they currently make money), or actually BUY THE GAME (I distinctly remember a certain Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (I am absolutely unashamed to say that)).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EDIT: When I said "big kids' channels", I meant large, popular kids' channels.

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  2. 1. I've always known Pong to be a popular, yet simple arcade game from the 1970’s, and it doesn't surprise me that the machine had been broken due to being jammed with quarters. I also learned that the Atari 2600 was essentially the first console for home use, and with the best feature including full color games!

    2. Today, Video Games are definitely high on the list in the entertainment industry; they have allowed us to create amazing products such as the Oculus Rift, and others. Video games only succeed, because people play and enjoy them on a daily business.

    3. Personally, the only game I play mainly on my iPod is Clash of Clans, and have played it for almost two years, I believe. There are rumors that Supercell, the maker of Clash, makes millions of dollars a day, and it’s quite possible, considering it’s been the top most grossing app for several months. And I’ll admit to spending well over one hundred dollars on this, because I got to get those gems!

    4. Developers can make money from the video and mobile games they create through several different methods. Lots of free games today that you are able to download on your phone, show ads somewhere on the screen, so they can receive ad cents, an example of this is Flappy Bird, making thousands a day through ads. Other ways are through buying the app or game itself from the online store or in an actual retail store, as well as paying a monthly subscription. There are also micro-transactions from games like Clash of Clans, and Two Dots.

    ReplyDelete
  3. 1)In 1961 Raytheon Company made a Cold War simulation that was very realistic.
    2)Video games are changing the world around us with youtube full of videos of Youtubers playing video games, the creators of movies sell video games about their games and the players play the games. People buy thousands of millions of dollars each year on video games and it is a major portion of sales.
    3)I have not played any Zynga games, but the are free-ish games, because anyone who plays them often are likely to spend money on it. I have played Clash of Clans for a while and I have not payed anything, but many of the top players in the game have bought thousands of dollars to have the maxed bases and it is almost outrageous that they have spent so much.
    4)If you do not pay for the game it is free. Simple as that.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1. I found how micro-transactions bring in millions from games from League of Legends to Kim Kardashian. The fact that we need to have more from a free to play game like skins which only change models but feels like the best thing ever is outstanding.
    2. Gaming has had a huge effect on technology. It has brought devices made just for gaming that have upgraded for more than you can think of. For example Xbox was a gaming system but brought us apps that arnt gaming like Netflix, Google, Youtube, Crackle, and so much more.
    3. Yes i have played some games like these. I have also spent money on apps and games such as League of Legends, Injustice, Smite, and Clash of Clans. Micro-transaction are smart developments because you say to yourself that you only spending $5 but it adds up because you thin its a small amount but you continue to pay.
    4. Well games like League of Legends, Smite, and Dota 2 are free but the gamers see it as free to play, but pay to win. Most things people buy dont change the game much or make them better but just makes it look better. Saying truly free means that there is no way to purchase anything because if there is than someone somewhere will buy it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The most interesting had to be the fact that games had existed in the 1940s. Up until now, i had believed that space wars was the first game but it turns out i was wrong.I was sure that calculators were the only computers and radar were the only computer tech at the time.
    2.It has pushed the demand for more powerful processors and stronger hardware and has changed the entertainment business with the ability to control the hero instead of watching.
    3.never played them but i know they are crazy popular and gain money from microtransactions, in game purchases which many people do
    4.Games like Team fortress 2 and counter strike:global offensive use in game transactions where you can buy and sell weapons and vanity items, whether it be with other players or the actual supplier

    ReplyDelete
  6. 1.The most interesting that in 1940s through the 60's, that chess and checkers were a computer game and so was tennis. After a couple of years that tennis turn into pong on a gaming machine, after that pong became a home TV video game.
    2.I really think it didn't affect on technology in general. There are lot of technology that is that is affecting technology in general. But video games are affecting the entertainment industry. Kids and teens love playing video games on there off days.
    3 No I haven't played Zynga games. The games that i know that will charge your for powerups are Clash of Clans they charge you for extra gems. GTA online charges you for GTA money/ GTA credit card. Thats all the games that i know that charges you.
    4. I don't think that there are any games that are for free. There is always a catch with some type of game.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 4.Really nothing is free in the world you could say. Unless you can count some of the free online computer games on the internet.

      Delete
    2. 4.Really nothing is free in the world you could say. Unless you can count some of the free online computer games on the internet.

      Delete
    3. Unless you count the free online games on the computer. There are not any free video games for any console in the USA or world.

      Delete
  7. 1. I found it interesting that there are so many technologies developed for gaming and some of which I've never heard of until now. I'm also surprised at how young the gaming industry is and how far it has come in development.
    2. I think that gaming has only affected the entertainment industry, how could it affect other technologies?
    3. will be continued-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 3. I personally have never played Zynga games but another game that offers in app purchases is Surgeon Simulator 3. In this game there are some levels where the patient might lose too much blood and you'd fail unless you revive him which can only be done if you buy a revive otherwise you'd have to restart the level.
      4. Another way you might be charged for a game is getting software that helps the game run or a certain update with a hidden fee, I believe that most games are not actually free, some but not many, there's always a catch with games whether it be buying a power up, an extra life, bonus content, or just certain software to actually be able to run the game.

      Delete
  8. 1) What I find interesting about the timeline is that one of the very first video games the computer had a 90% of winning each game. Another interesting fact is that in the same lab where the atomic bomb was made someone made the first online blackjack game.

    2) Everyone who has bought a game ever has made a change in the electronics industry. By supporting a game company you help them thrive.

    3) I have payed similar games such as clash of clans. These games make it really hard to do well unless you spend money. Mobile game companies make a lot of money off of games like these by forcing the player to pay to win.

    4) Developers charge players in many ways. This can be done by offering cool dlc's or a season pass for exclusive content. Another popular way to get consumers to spend money is by making a game pay to win. Such as games where you are supposed to pay money to be as good as other players.

    ReplyDelete
  9. 1. I found it really interesting that a significant amount of video game history occurred while in war. I would think that video games were made by geniuses who have lots of free time.

    2. I think that video games have impacted technology. One influence may be the gamers' desires for new video games that hard-press game designers to find new ways to make video games. I believe that video games signified the time when technology did not have to be used for everyday life, but could instead be used for one's pleasure.

    3. No, I have not played Zynga games. However, any MMORPG game may cost money for membership.

    Clash of Clans link: HOLY SUPERCELL! About 800 gems is about 10 dollars. Assuming that these gems would last one month, one year of gems would cost 120 dollars!

    4. Besides in-game perks and memberships, video game companies may sell merchandise such as apparel. Having a friend let you play video games would be free, but if you think about everyone besides yourself, no video game is absolutely free.

    ReplyDelete
  10. 1.) I found it very interesting that, a the beginning, video games started out with simple game like chess and checkers on computers.
    2.) Yes I do think that video games have had an affect on technology because you can walk into a normal house nowadays and find a console of some sort. Most people play video games for entertainment, or for competition such as the eSports industry.
    3.) I have multiple games on my tablet, such as Clash of Clans, which I keep on deleting, and then someone talks me into downloading it again. I have not bought anything, however, microtransactions are a large part of many free games, especially mobile games.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 4.) Most free games charge with microtransactions if not the play. There are some free games that are truly free. Clash of Clans can be free, along with many other mobile games and a large portion of free to play games on the computer... if you don't give in to the microtransactions and grind hours upon hours to earn items with in-game currency.

      Delete
  11. 1. The topic of how video games have evolved over the years is massive. There have been millions of games created in the 50 years since creation of 1962’s Spacewar!, the first true video game. So the best way to approach this topic briefly is to select a genre and survey the main trends.

    2. video game history has not been a straight line towards larger, more complicated, more graphics-heavy games. Text-based adventure games have not disappeared. For instance, the company Infocom developed and released text-based adventures throughout the 1980s.

    3. Clash of clans must make bank.

    4. Developers charge players in many ways. This can be done by offering cool dlc's or a season pass for exclusive content. Another popular way to get consumers to spend money is by making a game pay to win. Such as games where you are supposed to pay money to be as good as other players.

    ReplyDelete
  12. 1.) I found that the beginning of the timeline was very interesting on how video games progress through time with the tiniest of baby steps.

    2.) Yes, because some games are entirely centered around intelligence, such as math games.

    3.) Sadly, I've played FarmVille at one point.

    (TO BE CONTINUED {{DUN DUN DUNNNNN}})

    ReplyDelete
  13. 1) The chess playing computer that was made. It's interesting that in the 1950s, there were already things being made to more or less make multiplayer only games singleplayer while challenging yourself to a difficult level of skill.

    2) Video games have had an extreme impact on technology. It has allowed for a new market in the economy and entertainment worldwide. People love to be entertained by things they deem fun and that revolve around both their personalities. So video games are very effective towards the industry.

    3)I briefly played those, now I play Warframe which has currency that can only be gained by trading or with real money. Many people have spent a large sum of funds to Clash of Clans

    ReplyDelete
  14. 1) I found most interesting that the the first games are based on chess and checkers, but that one of the games was even created by the U.S. Military. Also that the first video game was created during WW2 during intense hardship.
    2) Yes video games have had a large affect on technology, thats not even a question, of course they have. Sensor technology, virtual reality mechanics, computer programming

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 3) No I have not played zynga games, I know that COD will give you better weapons and new maps for a price, also battlefield willaward weapons and maps if you buy premium.
      4) For fancy paintings of ships or cars or guns or gear in game. An most free games include spams of ads after about 2 or 3 minute of gameplay.

      Delete
  15. 1.) I think Pong might be the most interesting one simply because it is mostly what seemed to bring attention to video games before the more popular ones.
    2.) I think that video games have had a huge impact on technology, since there are so much different ways to play games from so many different consoles, along with the fact that they get upgraded to surpass themselves every couple of years.
    3.) I have not played any Zynga game before, although most if not all games that are played online charge money for special perks. It seems kind of funny how much people spend on some of the smaller games, like the mobile ones, along with some of the other things, and as the link describing how much it would take to buy everything in League, I am very sure that there are some people who do own everything in games like that.
    4.) The only games that I can think of that are truly free to play are simply ones that are so old that the idea wasn’t thought of, such as games for like, the PS1 or Nintendo 64, among other things.

    ReplyDelete
  16. 1. I was surprised to find out the InteleVision came out after the release of the Atari. I always assumed it was a predecessor due to its simple control scheme (think TV remote).It was interesting to find out that Madden football game have been being produced since 1988...

    2. Video games are the next advancement in entertainment (and have been). Video games and player are expanding their respective communities by ridiculous numbers. Games have just one advantage over visual entertainment; video games are interactive. Games become movies that you can take part in. It adds to the depth and detail to a entertainment experience.

    3. Almost every free game today contains some form of micro transaction. Developers have been able to release free content to a large amount of people and make money from it. I myself do not like the change. This new system encourages developers too short-sell their product. Many game developers today restrict their own content for the sake of making larger profit. Too often now do we see "day one DLC" (A full priced game offering addition payments for 'additional content' that could have been included during it's release).

    4. The three ways developers make content are through either advertisements(very little profit), micro transaction (varying profit) and retail price (guaranteed amount). Sadly, it is unlikely a game will be truly free. People need and should be able to make money for a successful or enjoyable product. I just wished that making a profit would come after making a quality product. When games encourage people (usually through addiction, marketing or psychological tricks) to spend hundreds of dollars or more, that's when they have gone too far.

    ReplyDelete
  17. 1. The timeline had many interesting characteristics that show how common misconceptions as to where the origins of virtual gaming began. The major starting point came from the Atari, when Pong was released, but it stems back much further than that. Games had been around since the 1940s, even well known games such as Oregon Trial. The order has been modified by the influence of new technology over the course of time, and it was interesting to see a definitive order to the releases.

    2. Video games can be seen as one of the leading factors towards producing an electronically dependent society. Movies and music provide entertainment, but lack the ability to captivate uses as much as a game device would. The intractability and replay value of video games has brought forth the populations increased addiction towards them. Everybody strives for a more graphically appealing game than their competitors, forcing companies to work towards producing efficient and reliable products with the latest software. The effect that it has on the gaming industry effects the entire technological force as a whole, providing even more for other devices.

    3. Portable gaming has attached itself to the phones used within the average person's daily commute, providing a way for companies to take advantage of the value in gaming. Free to play games are never truly free, often times being laced with obstacles that are near impossible unless money is spent. More recent developments have even taken towards using popular and cherished names from other devices, such as Dungeon Keeper, or Roller Coaster Tycoon. The system has been entirely abused by companies, and falls further into chaos as time progresses.

    4. While there are some games that can be considered free, the majority of them will have a price attached, even if you don't realize it. Developers can produce great content, but they still need the money to continue working, so they turn to advertisements. Many smaller games found on portable devices can be filled with advertisements that are placed in strategic spots that cause the user to press them, being highly effective, but also annoying. The major choice that many companies follow is outright payment, often times causing little to no hassle, with the consumer being done with payments. If games don't collect money outright, they can produce obstacles in the game that take large amounts of time to overcome, essentially giving free advertisement to the developers on leaderboards and reviews. There are many different ways to play games, but the only way for it to truly be free is if the developer is using money from a separate income to produce it as a fun project, but it rarely happens.

    ReplyDelete
  18. 1. There were quite a lot of things on the timeline but what really stood out to me are the larger steps forward in gaming that happened as time moved forward, with innovation moving at a more accelerated pace in more recent years than in previous.

    2. I do believe that in recent years video games have had their influence on evolving technology. Games become increasingly intensive on hardware, so hardware often receive massive boosts in power and optimization. The Oculus Rift was designed to be an experimental experience in virtual reality gaming, and entertainment and film industries have also been taking interest in this emerging technology.

    3. I have played Words With Friends and Hanging With Friends, but my experience with Zynga just about ends there. Just about every free mobile game does the same, the most notorious in my mind being Clash of Clans and Candy Crush (ugh... Candy Crush...). Candy Crush REALLY gets on my nerves. King is like the devil of gaming and a plague on the name. They make an insanely addicting game that isn't necessarily their own original game, which is why I decided to buy Bejeweled out of spite and to support Popcap. Then there are micro transactions for every and anything, and yet not a single full game option as an escape route, except, of course, Bejeweled. Then King has the nerve to attempt trademarking the words "candy" and "saga" for a whole bunch of random BS, taking down games that have existed before it among other things. Then they become a public IPO and tried to value themselves at $7.6 billion for developing a single successful title, to which I believe I can happily say flopped spectacularly. Long story short: King is evil, the government is lizards.

    4. Well, one way developers charge for games is by charging for games. Another model that has had success for some is the subscription based model, which has been doing World of Warcraft wonders for years. Ad revenue has also been a good source of mobile game developers making money, and this route could make for truly free games. Flappy Bird was a stunning example of this, not offering to charge for a single thing, and yet living proudly and effectively on ads.

    ReplyDelete
  19. 1 I found it interesting how the video game timeline starts off slow and then around 1981 it changed alot. evryone started to make more games and really saw the potential.

    2. video games have had a affect on technology because they are entertaining to play and they kinda set like a standard of what you can do. at least with the new games.

    3. yes i have played Zynga games before mostly farm ville if any of there games. i think piano tiles is good.

    4. phone apps that are free get there money from the ads that come up on there

    ReplyDelete
  20. 1.) I find it so neat that the 20 or so years before the NES and Pong, how it all started. It seems so primitive, but without these revolutionary technological innovations we wouldn't have a lot of the things we think of as "normal". We'd all be reading books and poking dead things with sticks if it weren't for these genius innovators.

    2.) Video Games are the new way of entertainment. I think this is the next step in technological evolution. Once we get so used to having electronics in our every day lives with games, phones, businesses, etc, then the world will grow into one mongoloid electronic device. Everything will start connecting to each other, talking to each other.

    3.) Freemium games really disgust me. I hate the thought of "HEY THERE,THIS GAME IS FREE!" but then "Sorry, but if you want to have fun, put your credit card number here!___________" Id rather pay for a game that I would enjoy to no end, without having to keep paying for it over and over again to keep having fun.
    South Park i think did an episode on this.

    I feel that "How much does it cost to play League" thing is a bit ridiculous, this just shows how much money you would have to spend to get every item, but using money. You earn points just playing the game, and using those points you can buy champions. The only things that require money are skins. They make you look cooler, but don't change the way the game is played.

    4.) Most developers I think need to make an upfront payment. World of Warcraft has a subscription based payment method, where you have to pay every year or month (or whatever you set it to) to keep playing the game.
    Games themselves can be free. Such as Team Fortress 2, League Of Legends, etc. These games are free to play, and to keep playing. Using money doesn't make you automatically the best at the game, just gives you a cool little hat that says "I SPEND MONEY".

    ReplyDelete
  21. 1. I found the Nintendo's Game Boy the most interesting because as a child I used these devices and it was interesting to see facts about the tech I used as a kid.

    2. Today, Video Games are in many cases the pinnacle of technological advances and thanks to the MILLIONS of people that have bought these games we have been able to advance quickly due to the massive funding. Movies and music provide entertainment, but lack the ability to captivate uses as much as a game device would. Video games only succeed, because people play and enjoy them on a daily business and these games only get played because of the visually pleasing aesthetics.

    3. I have not played any Zynga games, but they are free-ish games, because anyone who plays them often are likely to spend money on it. I have played a very common game called Clash Of Clans this game while it is free to play it is more you kind of have to pay to advance otherwise you will spend like 3 years on walls alone.

    4. Game developers also put ads into their apps as to make money that they don't make from in-app purchases or from having to buy the app itself. So their are some really free games but in most cases they aren't that great, I mean the ones without ads or anything else.

    ReplyDelete
  22. 1. i found that pong was a very popular game for many years unlike the video games of this generation that only last a year or two before its not played anymore.
    2. Yess because video games are no longer just on a console to play on a tv now video games are everywhere in computers cellphones and tablets
    3.Almost every game now in mobile or console have the option to buy your way up in the game
    4. the developers get paid by thier total downloads and video games are never truly free unless you hack the game

    ReplyDelete
  23. 1. i found that pong was a very popular game for many years unlike the video games of this generation that only last a year or two before its not played anymore.
    2. Yess because video games are no longer just on a console to play on a tv now video games are everywhere in computers cellphones and tablets
    3.Almost every game now in mobile or console have the option to buy your way up in the game
    4. the developers get paid by thier total downloads and video games are never truly free unless you hack the game

    ReplyDelete
  24. 1. I found it interesting that many of the “video games” before the Odyssey appeared in home livingrooms, many of them were only war simulations. It was a time when the Cold War was a very serious and very scary thing, and they used these programs to simulate the outcomes and different routes that the war could take if it were to happen.
    2. I think videogames today have some of the largest influence in our technology world today. Videogames are so innovative and able to grab people and pull them into a new world, that it’s hard not to think they have a big influence. One example would be one that everyone brings up, the Oculus Rift. This piece of technology simulates virtual reality by having the user look at two separate screens by wearing a pair of goggles. Now the Oculus Rift has been seen by professionals as a way to train surgeons and help simulate environments for the Army.
    3. I haven’t played any of the Zynga games, just because I feel that isn’t the direction video games should head in. Why should I have to pay to keep playing a game I own? That’s like buying food at a restaurant, and after every bite, the waiter would take away your sandwich and stick out his hand asking “money?” and then you have to pay to have one more bite. It just doesn’t appeal to me. I know other games like League and Clash of Clans have this sort of system, just like some other games today have. One of the biggest one that people fall victim to is the infamous Candy Crush.
    4. Other ways developers can get money is to offer DLC inside of the game. Now this is different than “Pay to Play” games. DLC is extra content that can be downloaded to the game to add to it. This can range anywhere to extra levels, maps, characters, anything. It can even be entirely new stories to the game or bonus quests. This in my opinion is a neat way to add more to any game, although when a game somewhat forces you to buy it to progress, that’s where it becomes a problem to me. It should only be there as an option to have more fun after the game.
    4 (Part 2). There are “Free to Play” games, usually on apps and such. They don’t have “Pay to Play’ options, so how do they make money? Most of the time it’s the use through ads. Ads are a good source of getting extra little money for the developers, and may also even lead to downloads of other great apps. Another way developers can gain money is the number of times their app is downloaded. Sometimes app-stores offer developers a small amount of money is their app is downloaded a certain amount of times.

    ReplyDelete
  25. 1. Pong was really the game that started it all. It simply said we need more entertainment and video games are they way to go.
    2. Videos games are so entertaining that now videos games are in every device you use today such as cell phones, tablets, computers, and consoles.
    3.I have not played Zynga games before. I simply only play Clash of Clans on my cell phone. In order for you to advance you need to simply play the game.
    4. There are not games that are totally free players pay for perks or costumes no game is free. The developers need to earn some money out of their game. For example League of Legend a game that is said to be free but many players buy costumes to look cool.

    ReplyDelete
  26. 1: What I found most interesting about the video game blog was just how far back the history of video games goes. I thought it started back in the late 70's, not half a century before that. It also made me realize just how long it took for the idea of games like that to catch on.

    2: I think that video games have had a major impact on technology because it pushed people to make the best possible video game, and to do that you need to have better technology. People got fixed on updating graphics, making new types of controllers, consuls ect. They did whatever was necessary to achieve that next level of technology.

    3: no I have never played a Zynga game. I find games like clash of clans just crappy remakes of classics like Age Of Empires. Micro-transactions are annoyingly large nowadays, because at the time, 99 cents does not seem like a lot, plus in most games, it is super nessicary in order to continue on in the game.

    4: There are no totally free games with no Micro-transactions or general cost. Other ways than in-game for people to pay for games is simply the price tag on a game, like if I wanted to play Portal 2, I would have to pay the $20 in order to get the game.

    ReplyDelete
  27. 1: What I found most interesting about the video game blog was just how far back the history of video games goes. I thought it started back in the late 70's, not half a century before that. It also made me realize just how long it took for the idea of games like that to catch on.

    2: I think that video games have had a major impact on technology because it pushed people to make the best possible video game, and to do that you need to have better technology. People got fixed on updating graphics, making new types of controllers, consuls ect. They did whatever was necessary to achieve that next level of technology.

    3: no I have never played a Zynga game. I find games like clash of clans just crappy remakes of classics like Age Of Empires. Micro-transactions are annoyingly large nowadays, because at the time, 99 cents does not seem like a lot, plus in most games, it is super nessicary in order to continue on in the game.

    4: There are no totally free games with no Micro-transactions or general cost. Other ways than in-game for people to pay for games is simply the price tag on a game, like if I wanted to play Portal 2, I would have to pay the $20 in order to get the game.

    ReplyDelete
  28. 1. What i found most interesting is how it started, in 1940 with the Westinghouse display that was the first video game ever! but when you look at it doesnt even look like a video game more like a old time printer in a way.
    2. Actually not really to me at least because you would have more active people to today, and saving more trees because of money issues.
    3. Nope, and never will because i know people talk about it alot and this and that but it gets boring, and then you lose interest even though you never played it. Other games are like rock band, tap hero, or bejeweled.
    4. If you think about it these games are truely not free, when you look into it because there are certain items you would need to get onto the next game and if you didnt have those things then people will be complainging and then you would get your money back

    ReplyDelete
  29. 1. I found the fact that they use games as training for military personal, and they still do today. I just think as a country that thinks games are for kids we wouldn't use them for military training.

    2. Games have a very important part in technology. With Giants like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft fighting it out in the Console world and AMD, Evga/Nvidia, and MSI fighting in the PC race. Games keep the world pushing to make pretty more high definition graphics and scenery for gamers to enjoy. With this push comes a sweep of games which look nice and are Free To Play.

    3. I don't play Zynga games but I have found many games that charge for things like power - ups (TO BE CONTINUED)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Paying for things in games is stupid mainly because you can for the most part play with out it. If you need to pay to advance I don't keep the game, it is a sink pit for money.

      4. Lots of places make you pay to continue the game (which is stupid). They also make you pay to get in to clubs which is the worst thing you can do for a game. For a game to be Free To Play it should be 100% free all unlockable and no paying for extra stuff. If you work hard at the game to get a weapon that is cool is it really fair that a noob can go and buy it day one?

      Delete
  30. 4. For me, playing a game that is truly free-to-play is playing a game that I can achieve the maximum level, unlock all of the items, or become the best without using any of my own money. Many games that are "free-to-play" have a separate currency, other than the main currency that one may earn by playing the game, that is unlocked with real money to enhance game play. Whether that is by giving your character a new decoration, or granting bonuses in combat, it can be found in many games. Some games that I consider to be free-to-play, though, can be "beaten" without paying money- yet it is much more difficult to do so.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. Personally, I found the first game, showcased at the 1940 World Fair, to be most interesting. I was always aware of games such as Pong or Space Invaders, but I never knew that the very first "computer game" was not programmed by lines of code, but by circuits.

      Delete
  31. 1. How it wasn't until the 1940's we had a computer ( a bad one compared to today) but in just 70 years we had video games on mini computer we can carry in our pockets.

    2. It can affect technology in general. They can help inspire new ideas or get past a problem with a certain technology. Games also pulls in billions of dollars in the entertainment industry.

    3. No I haven't played a Zynga game. Though there are many games like that and these are just a few. Warframe, Planetside 2, Dota 2, Titian Quest, EVE, and many more.

    4. They charge in upgrades or accessories to either make you look cooler or make the game easier for people that buy that stuff. Games that say free-to-play are free-to-play because you are allowed to play the game for free. It doesn't always mean that it wouldn't be easier to buy stuff to get you through the game.

    ReplyDelete
  32. 1.) What I found interesting was how early back video games existed, I thought that pong was the first. What I also found interesting was how many games involved wars with the US against other countries.

    2.) Video games are just for the entertainment industry, they can help with education, mental therapy, health. Video games are like fun, strategic, entertainment which can improve brain function and make it more agile. They can help with stress and depression (making you happier). Video games are an escape from reality,and too much reality can be overwhelming.

    3.) I haven't played Zynga games but I have play Clash of Clans which is an ok game especially for a phone/Ipod touch. It can be tempting to spend real USD on the game just to get that extra advantage over your enemies but I honestly wouldn't spend my money on that game. I'd rather spend my money on some DLC for Fallout or something. I think that boom beach (also made by the makers of clash of clans) can let you spend real money for more loot.

    4.) Games can make money lots of ways like ad's, making you pay a subscription, micro transactions, having to pay to go to a new area in the game. I mean if you made a game that required lots of time and work would you want to not get anything in return? Of course not, money talks. The only thing that's truly free is oxygen and salt water.

    ReplyDelete
  33. 1.) I found that something interesting was in Donkey Kong country where they made 3d models and turned them 3d using techniques to make the game better and more immersive.

    2.) Video Games have had one of the biggest effects on technology right behind the military. The whole idea that we want better video games pushes us to make better technology to push the limits of video games so our technology gets better as a whole.

    3.) I have played Zynga games but I don't find them fun or immersive just boring and repetitive.

    4.) Games make money in every way shape or form in things like ads subscriptions and micro transactions there isn't a single game that is free there is always something that ties it to costing you money. No one want to work on a game and not get anything in return.

    ReplyDelete
  34. 1. I thought the fact that Playstation 3 or Playstation 2 isn't mentioned on that timeline is salty, you player haters, and fyi no one cares about Playstation 1, it's all about that 2 and 3. 4 doesn't count because that date wasn't even on there. Anyways something that was interesting is how they mentioned card games on windows on there. I thought computer card games were really entertaining back in the day, but now not so much, still I thought people didn't recognize computer card games.

    2. Video games have effected technology because for most children in our time, video games are the main source of entertainment, and have been for years. Games succeed because people manage to make video games into a book that is in motion. They make it interesting enough to blow the minds of adults today, who had arcade game when they were children.

    3. I know I have played Zynga games, but for some reason I can't remember which. All I remember is they weren't to fun and can be very pushy when it comes to entertainment. This doesn't go for all Zynga games, but for some this may be true.

    4. There are many free games, but most free games always have micro transactions.In my opinion I think these transactions are dumb, but for the people that abuse them to become the most overpowered play in the game think otherwise. They can think what they want, but I know the truth folks. In the end no matter if games are free or not, they still intend to entertain our very lives, and will keep doing so in till the end of days (which I have no clue when that is).

    ReplyDelete
  35. 1. The thing I found most interesting is that in 1972 Pong was made. I head that pong was one of the first video games but I didnt realize that it came out all the way back in the seventys. I had also heard it was one of the most popular video game. So the fact that it came out that long ago really give some perspective to the change in games.
    2. I think that video games have had a very big impact on technology in general. Many advances in technology like televisions and other very popular media devices came from the innovation that came with video game technology becoming more advanced. Because of how popular video games are, people create new technology all the time to improve the way that video games are played.
    3. I have played a couple of Zynga games in the past but not a lot. I know a lot of people that play both clash of clans and league of legends and its not surprising that they make a lot of money. It is surprising that they were able to grow so much considering how little people played those games at first.
    4. Games make money in a lot of different ways. The games that say they are free use ads and your time instead of actual costs. And some of those games charge you for things in the game with real life money. This makes it seem like they are free but they actually are not. I dont games could be really free. The people who make the games need to make money to live somehow and the money form the games helps that.

    ReplyDelete
  36. 1. What I found interesting was the fact that the timeline included games like warcraft: Orcs and Humans, but neglected revolutionary games like The Elderscrolls and RTS games like AOE and Dune II. The other stuff about the earliest games was not interesting because the games were too simple. What is interesting though is how people were interested enough to play the original boring games enough to spawn the evolution of games into the incredible things we see today.
    2. Video games have most definitely helped us expand our capabilities in the comfort and efficiency in programs, visual appeasement, and artistic expression. Graphic and visual arts have come such a long way, even in things like movies and presentations because of video games.
    3. I’ve played a little bit of Zynga games but not much because I don’t have a smartphone or a phancy iPod. Minecraft servers like the Hive are full of mini games that offer cosmetic improvements for your character if you donate or use in-game currency.
    4. I would say a game is truly free even if they offer cosmetic enhancements for money. League of Legends is truly free because nobody can actually gain and advantage by spending more money on it.

    ReplyDelete
  37. 1. What I found interesting was the fact that the timeline included games like warcraft: Orcs and Humans, but neglected revolutionary games like The Elderscrolls and RTS games like AOE and Dune II. The other stuff about the earliest games was not interesting because the games were too simple. What is interesting though is how people were interested enough to play the original boring games enough to spawn the evolution of games into the incredible things we see today.
    2. Video games have most definitely helped us expand our capabilities in the comfort and efficiency in programs, visual appeasement, and artistic expression. Graphic and visual arts have come such a long way, even in things like movies and presentations because of video games.
    3. I’ve played a little bit of Zynga games but not much because I don’t have a smartphone or a phancy iPod. Minecraft servers like the Hive are full of mini games that offer cosmetic improvements for your character if you donate or use in-game currency.
    4. I would say a game is truly free even if they offer cosmetic enhancements for money. League of Legends is truly free because nobody can actually gain and advantage by spending more money on it.

    ReplyDelete

Humor is great. Always please be appropriate.

On posts where you are asked to state an opinion, thoroughly support your stand. Number your responses!