Is It Still a Computer Game if It is Using VR or Augmented Reality Outside the Computer?

What is the definition of a computer game? Is it a computer game that we play on a computer? What if the computers are hooked up online to other computers in a network? Is it still a computer game, or are you now playing within a gaming community? The difference between a videogame and a computer game is quite obvious, one is played on your TV set using a video, and the other is played on your computer, even if it is the same exact game.

If you're playing on Xbox, are you playing on a computer or are you playing on a gaming console. So far, we believe we are playing on a computer. What if the game on your television set is hooked to your computer, and your Surround-A-Sound system, and a holographic imaging system, and you are immersed in augmented reality playing a computer game which is turns your living room into a gaming platform? Are you still playing a computer game, even in virtual reality?

Is the world of computer games becoming blurred? And what will be the difference between virtual reality, the computer game, and the real reality? And what's real anyway? It's not that I am trying to bring Nietzsche into some philosophical argument concerning the future of gaming, but it's something we should be thinking about as all these technologies merge, and new technologies are added which allow you to use thought to play the game, and the game can incite fear, increased neurological activity, increased heart rate, and even pain.

In fact, there is a very good book I'd like to recommend to you, if you have also been thinking here. This is a book I do own in my own personal library and believe it to be worthwhile because it shows how this technology has progressed over the last couple of decades. The name of the book is:

"Virtual Reality" (part of the Life in the Future Series) by Holly Cefrey, Scholastic Press, New York, NY, (2002), ISBN: 0-516-23919-8.

You see, science fiction authors, and Virtual Reality scientists have been talking about these things for decades now, and all that technology and research is coming to fruition. Welcome to the Matrix. In which will you rather prefer to participate; your real-life or the Virtual Reality you have created where you become one with your avatar? Indeed, I hope you will please think on all this, and send me your comments, predictions, and questions by e-mail.

What is the Best PC For Computer Gaming?

Dell, HP, Alienware, Compaq, Gateway, Falcon Northwest, iBuy Power, and so many more computer manufacturers tout their computers as top of the line. How do you know what is the best PC for computer Gaming? If you make your decision based on the CPU and memory like so many people do you are going to be sorely disappointed. There are many more components that are as important if not more so than the CPU. To get you started here are 3 of the most important components you should evaluate when purchasing a Gaming Computer.

1. The video card

The video card is probably the most important component of a gaming computer. Many lower priced off-the-shelf systems use integrated video cards. What this means is that the graphics are handled by a chip that is integrated into the motherboard. You may wonder what the difference is. To try to use an integrated graphics solution for a gaming computer is like putting a little 4 cylinder engine in a Corvette. It might look great but the performance is going to be extremely disappointing.

You don't need the absolute top of the line video card, but you certainly want to get a card that will perform well. Currently the ATI Radeon HD 5850 is a great choice. It isn't overly expensive but it will give you great performance. Other video cards with similar performance are the Nvidia GTX 280, GTX 285, and the GTX 470. There are many other options at verying price ranges so do a little research. If someone tries to present a computer with an integrated or on-board graphics solution you are getting ripped off. Shop somewhere else.

2. The CPU

As mentioned, don't make your decision based solely on the CPU. With that being said it is very important that we get a PC with a CPU that will not bottleneck our video card. We don't want a budget processor. Look for a Core i5 or Core i7 processor if you are buying an Intel based machine. For AMD platforms look for a Phenom II X3 or X4 processor.

3. Power Supply

If you have a dinky power supply you won't have enough juice to run your components. Symptoms of an inadequate power supply include your computer randomly shutting down and lag during game play. Issues stemming from power supplies are often misdiagnosed as other problems. Make sure your computer has a large enough power supply. You can find power supply calculators online. Enter your components and it will calculate how much power you need. Keep in mind that not all power supplies are created equal. Make sure you purchase from a quality manufacturer such as Antec, Corsair, Silverstone, etc.

If you really want to be sure you get the most computer for your money you may want to consider building your own gaming computer. It's actually not very difficult and it allows you to select all of your own components. One of the problems with off the shelf computers is that you have no way of knowing what they use for some of the components. When you build a gaming computer you choose all of your own hardware. It will allow you to get a higher performing computer for the same price if not less than the name brand computers.

Computer Games and Their Benefits

Computer games come in all shapes and sizes, and they are also available for lots of different consoles and gaming systems. From the Wii to the Xbox and the PlayStation to the PC games that are always being released, you are sure to find something you will enjoy playing time and time again.

But how can computer games be useful for us? Let's look at some of the advantages of playing them.

They can help us learn new skills

How often have you played a computer game that has required you to solve a puzzle or meet a challenge of some kind?

This type of mental game is good for us and helps us learn new skills. For instance we could find maths dull, but when we play a computer game based around this topic it becomes far more challenging and exciting to play.

They can challenge our brains

The best type of game is one that we cannot solve immediately, and yet it is not beyond solving completely. It challenges us to get underneath it and understand how it can be solved.

In this way we can stretch our brains and learn new things and ways of solving problems. They can even keep us mentally fit and young, which is always a good thing as they keep us alert and able to solve problems of all kinds more quickly than we would be able to otherwise.

They can help us get fit and stay fit

Most people have heard about how the Nintendo Wii gaming platform is getting people up out of their armchairs and exercising without even realising it. If you have ever played one of the sports games on this console you will know how tiring it can be.

And with the likes of Wii Fit and various other sporting games available to help you exercise and have fun at the same time, computer games no longer have to mean sitting around and staring at a computer screen. They can mean so much more than this.

As you can see, computer games have lots of advantages. And since some of them have a multi player mode available as well, it is possible to be sociable with them too. They used to be blamed for bringing up a generation of children who did nothing but sit in front of the TV or computer, playing a game on their own.

But now, with the Wii and various other platforms encouraging multi player games to get involved with, there is a sociable element to computer gaming that wasn't really there in the past. These games really can be good for us, and in more ways than we might previously have thought.

Once you have chosen your gaming platform you can look forward to learning and stretching yourself in ways you didn't think you could.