A computer game is a computer-controlled interactive multimedia entertainment game whereby the
players have their specific control subject to the confines of the virtual universe. Commonly known as "Personal Computer(PC) games",
it has its own goals and various objectives set out for its players to indulge in. The players gain control
of the game via input devices such as the keyboard, mouse or trackball, joystick, gamepad, touchpad
etc. Most modern games these days require a combination of two or more input devices such as keyboard
and mouse. In such, this enables higher order sophisticated games playable in real life.
Computer games have significantly evolved for the past years, due to technological advancement in computers.
Hence, computer games have individual specific requirements in order to run. Presently, majority of games would
have similar requirements, for example at the back of a PC game case would display something like this:
General requirements:
- Microsoft Windows operating system
- DirectX graphical platforms
- Processor speed of 500Mhz or more
- 8x or faster CD/DVD Drive
- 32MB or more video card memory
- 400MB or more hard disk space
- etc..
Computer games are often distributed in the form of CD or DVD. Consumers may wish to purchase their PC games from any computer
and electronic retail outlets close to them. In Australia, a PC game would cost approximately $89.95 (GST inclusive). A computer
game package would include a manual or handbook, installation CD(s) and a play CD. A new bought game must be installed into the computer's
local hard drive prior to play. Often, a serial-number or CD-key is required during installation to verify that the product installed is
original. Such verification is to prevent piracy and copyright material. After installation and setup, the user may then play his game.
The user may wish to remove the PC game from his computer some time in the future. He or she may then use the uninstall feature either
through Microsoft Windows, or the game menu itself.
