Video games are electronic games that involve interactions between the user and input devices and user interfaces such as a joystick, keyboard, controller, or a motion sensing device that generate visual feedback. This feedback is shown on devices such as televisions, monitors, touchscreens, and virtual reality headsets. Video games can also give audio feedback through speakers and headphones. Video games come in different platforms which include arcade games, console games, and personal computer or PC games. Some of the more recent video games have evolved into mobile gaming through smartphones, tablet computers, reality systems, and cloud gaming.
Console games are video games with images and sounds generated by video game consoles, usually displayed on a television or a similar video and audio system. These games are the most common and are usually controlled by a handheld device that is connected to the console called a controller. Game controllers contain buttons, directional control buttons, or joysticks for the purpose of the user interacting with and controlling images and characters on the screen. These days console games usually come in the form of optical disc, ROM cartridge, digital download, or dedicated consoles with built in video games. The three main console manufacturers in today's market are Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony and the market value for console games today is estimated to be over 25 billion dollars.
PC games are types of video games that are played on personal computers. These games are known for their diverse and user determined gaming hardware and software and their high quality of video and audio output. Users rely on keyboards and a mouse connected to the computer for interaction and control of these games. Many computer games today rely on sound cards and graphics processing units (GPUs) for better quality of audio, graphics and response time for users. Computer games also rely on third party software such as device drivers and libraries to run and today the majority of them are designed to run on Microsoft Windows operating system. Mobile games are games that are played on any mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Mobile games today can usually be downloaded from an app store or they can be preloaded in the devices by the mobile operator. Today the most supported and known platforms for mobile games are Apple's iOS and Google's Android. Todat revenue for the mobile gaming market is estimated to be over 50 billion dollars.
Arcade games are entertainment machines operated by coins and can usually be found in public businesses such as arcades, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, and even homes. Arcade games are operated with computerized circuitry that take input from their players and then displayed electronically on screens similar to huge monitors or televisions. There are other versions of arcade games which are carnival games where players play for tickets and prizes, merchandiser games such as claw crane games where the player attempts win a prize by pulling it up with the claw crane, and pinball machines. Pinball machines allow a player to score as many points as possible by keeping a steel ball in play with flippers. Arcade video games have declined considerably since the 2000s, however they remain a popular option for entertainment and fun.