Some of the earliest evidence of human civilization includes items that can be identified as games dating back at least five thousand years. As soon as our ancestors could communicate and share ideas, they played together, modeling all kinds of social interactions through the medium of games.
The importance of games cannot be underestimated – not only do they provide a means to learn about everything from gross motor skills to probability and statistics, but they also form a vital social function. Players can demonstrate the values of cooperation and competition, display an understanding of psychology, and showcase respect as players agree to be bound by the same rules in order to maximize the entertainment value,
One of the reasons that games have had such a universal appeal is the fact that shared rules can bring together people from different cultures, speaking different languages, and with completely different life experiences. Play is a form of social interaction, a way of communicating with others, and a way to find common ground even from the most diverse groups.
Computer Gaming
Since the early days of computer gaming, one of the key elements that have made gaming so appealing is the ability to share. The first esports tournament (although the term wouldn’t be coined until a few decades later) was played between people who had been sharing copies of Spacewar! – a game produced in a computer lab at MIT.
The boom in home computing was matched by the advent of video game arcades, which took all the benefits of the latest technology and made it public, social, and visible. Players would engage in distant battles with one another, playing out silent rivalries with one another through the medium of the initials at the top of the leaderboards on their favourite games.
When the world started to go online, games were some of the first things to be developed with the expectation that players from opposite sides of the world would be able to engage in competitions without ever having to be in the same place. This changed the face of gaming, making it even more accessible and forcing it into the mainstream.
As games studios developed better quality games and players were able to choose from a wider range of genres, gaming became something anyone could enjoy. Those who weren’t keen on competition could play collaborative games; those who wanted to be mentally challenged could opt for logic puzzles and games of skill; those who wanted a community could find like-minded players and join them to play even the most obscure games.
Gaming in 2024
With so many innovations and changes to the world of gaming, there is constant competition which has encouraged developers to come up with increasingly popular ways to make gaming great. Some of the games that have already captured fans’ attention in 2024 include:
Fortnite – although it’s been around for a while, Fortnite has 30 million active users a month, so it’s still a popular choice among gamers. The variety of scenarios means that there’s something for everyone and the sheer choice of skins and gaming modes makes it a perennial favourite.
Minecraft – as the most popular game of all time, it’s no surprise that Minecraft is still attracting fans in 2024. Regular updates, player-created content, and the sheer versatility of the gameplay mean that there is plenty to appeal to new players while keeping veterans engaged as well.
Slots – a perpetual favourite, slots have millions of fans worldwide and there are so many different variations that there is a slot to suit everyone’s preferences. Players can find themed slots that appeal to their interests, such as the Immortal Romance slot with a gothic horror theme that will appeal to fans of the darker side of life such as vampires, witches, and more.
Persona 3 – this is the fourth part of a long-running series in which a high school student finds himself able to manifest an alternative persona which he uses to defeat enemies called Shadows. Along with other personas, players have to uncover the mystery of the Dark Hour and fans of the series have been eagerly awaiting this latest installment.
Dragons Dogma 2 – another hotly anticipated sequel, this role-playing game is set in a fantasy world that allows players to explore and discover a range of characters to defend, fight, and interact with in all kinds of ways. There are a number of different quests to complete, some truly impressive bosses to battle with, and plenty of NPCs to guide you through the many different paths that players can take in the game.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – fans of the original game will be delighted to see how it has evolved and adapted for this version to incorporate the very latest in design and graphics. This platform game includes plenty of challenges and players will need to master a variety of skills to complete the challenges they will encounter.
