Video+Games

The Xbox 360, the Wii, and the Playsation 3, all revolutionary in both graphics and design, came into the world with millions clamering to buy them. Few people realize how video games have evolved from simple 8-bit designs to popular games such as Halo 3. In 1958 Will Hignbotham created the first video game. The game called "Tennis for Two" started the video game phenomanon that developed into multi-million dollar corporations, culture idols, and new technology that the world follows in a cult-like fashion. Mario and Luigi, Nintendo's famous charactor duo, exemplify this. Video games allow the player to interact with friends around the world, take on a completely different persona, and have countless hours of entertainment.
 * Video Games**

//Pong, one of the first games ever created.//

Even before the internet, people felt connected to those who played the same games they did, and many people go to conventions or other events based on video games. The newest age of video games often come with internet capability, only adding to the mutual feeling of connection. This allows a child in America play with a child in Japan. Some Japanese people learn English through games like World of Warcraft when they interact with people from America. Many games cannot conquered the first time they is played; however, the game will always allow you to try again, so in a way you can never completely fail. Also in a video game, people can play as anyone, whether it is Master Chief in Halo, or a character you made up yourself. With the range of different games currently at our fingertips, the characters you can play reach toward infinity. Having the identity of some all-powerful being gives the player of the game a feeling of power that you would not normally have in real life. Not only that, but many games heve multiple modes of play, so that, even though someone may have beaten the game once, they will not throw it aside until they have beaten it in all of the modes. (easy, medium, hard, insane, etc.). However, when someone does end up bored with the main storyline, other games provide multiplayer gameplay so that people can test their skills against their friends. Even after you have beaten the game, this can still provide enough challenge to keep you interested and immersed in the gameplay.

//The Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii (left to right).//

Providing entertainment to the masses, video games challenge people with too much free time on their hands and people who need something to lighten up an otherwise boring day. Even though they can't be called the most active of pastimes, video games still provide amost all of the exitement of a good book. With witty lines, deaths of beloved characters, and monstrous enemies, they have become a symbol of our current and future culture.