Computer Games – JSS3 Computer Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A computer game is a program that lets a player interact with a virtual game environment for recreation, entertainment and fun.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define computer games.
2. List the types of computer games.
3. Give examples of each type of computer game.
4. State the advantages of playing computer games.
5. State the disadvantages of playing computer games.

What are computer games?

Computer games are programs in which a player controls characters or objects on a screen to reach a goal.

• Range: they run from computerised card games to advanced video games such as role-playing and adventure games.
• Player: the person who controls the game and makes the choices.
• Rules: the instructions that tell the player what is allowed.
• Goal: what the player must achieve, such as solving a puzzle or beating an opponent.
• Score: the points or level that show how well the player is doing.
• Value: good games help build fast thinking and logical reasoning.

On what devices can computer games be played?

Computer games can be played on personal computers, game consoles, mobile phones, tablets and arcade machines.

• Personal computers: desktop and laptop computers, where games such as Solitaire and Chess are often installed.
• Game consoles: machines made for games, such as PlayStation and Xbox, usually connected to a television.
• Mobile phones and tablets: small devices that run games downloaded as apps.
• Arcade machines: large coin-operated machines found in game centres.

What are the types of computer games?

There are eight types of computer games: card, board, puzzle, maze, fighting, sports, strategy and role-playing games.

Card games

• Meaning: computerised versions of traditional card games, or games that work like card games.
• Examples: Blackjack, Bridge, Casino, Solitaire and Video Poker.

Board games

• Meaning: computer adaptations of classic board games.
• Examples: Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Scrabble and Monopoly.

Puzzles

• Meaning: games that aim at finding a solution, such as solving riddles, learning to use different tools, and moving or rearranging objects.
• Examples: Mastermind and Tetris.

Maze games

• Meaning: games that require the player to find a way through a maze.
• Overhead view: the player looks down on the maze, as in Pac-Man.
• First-person view: the player sees the maze through the character’s eyes, as in Doom.

Fighting games

• Meaning: games in which characters usually fight hand-to-hand in one-to-one combat.
• Characters: the fighters are usually humans or animated characters.
• Examples: Street Fighter, Avengers and Body Slam.

Sports games

• Meaning: adaptations of real-world sports, or variations of them.
• Examples: American Football, Baseball, Boxing, Fishing, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball and Golf.

Strategy games

• Meaning: games that stress planning and strategy rather than fast action or quick reflexes.
• Examples: Chess, Monopoly and Othello.

Role-playing games

• Meaning: games in which players take on different characters in a virtual world.
• Character details: species, race, gender, occupation and abilities such as strength and dexterity.
• What the player does: goes on quests, fights monsters and improves the character’s capability.
• Examples: Diablo, Dungeons and Dragons, and Ultima.

What are the advantages of playing computer games?

The advantages of computer games are fun, better thinking, stress relief and easier learning, especially when the games are well chosen.

• Fun: games are a source of fun and excitement for children and adults.
• Critical thinking: role-playing games help players solve real-world types of problems.
• Logical reasoning: puzzle games and board games help build it.
• Recreation: card games give players a way to relax.
• Intuition and innovation: sports games and action games help improve them.
• Complex reasoning: strategy games improve it.
• Mental capacity: games improve it because they involve understanding complex concepts.
• Stress relief: playing games as recreation reduces mental stress.
• Easier learning: educational games can be used to teach class-level lessons.
• Quick response: action games and sports games create quick mental response rates because they are fast.

Which types of games build which skills?

Each type of game mainly builds one kind of skill, as the table shows.

What are the disadvantages of playing computer games?

The disadvantages of computer games come mainly from playing too long or choosing unsuitable games.

• Wasted time: long hours of play take time away from study, chores and sleep.
• Addiction: some players find it hard to stop playing.
• Poor school results: too much play can lower performance in class.
• Health problems: long play can cause eye strain, headaches and poor posture.
• Unsuitable content: some games show violence that is not good for children.
• Cost: games, data and electricity can be expensive.

How can students play computer games sensibly?

Students play sensibly when they choose suitable games and limit their playing time.

• Finish homework and study before playing.
• Set a time limit for each play session.
• Choose educational, puzzle and strategy games first.
• Avoid games with violent or unsuitable content.
• Take breaks to rest the eyes and stretch.

Evaluation

1. What are computer games?
2. List five types of computer games.
3. Give two examples each of card games and board games.
4. Which types of games help build logical reasoning?
5. State three advantages of playing computer games.

Assignment

Describe role-playing games and give two examples. Then explain how sports games and action games create quick mental response rates.