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Jan 1, 2024
Discover what video games are with this 2025 guide. Learn about genres, how to play, and the benefits of gaming, all explained for beginners
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Back in the 60s, video games were something new and exciting, but today, almost nobody wonders, “what are video games?”
Today, the video game industry is a pillar of the economy and entertainment for both adults and kids.
Video games have revolutionized our relationship with computers, and many professions have emerged alongside them, even AI professionals.
We could have never imagined how far they would go, from raising millions of dollars in funding to being present on every smartphone while breaking the mold.
But what are they really?
Video games are interactive digital experiences that engage players through gameplay mechanics, narratives, and visual artistry.
They can be anything from basic mobile apps to complex video games for consoles or computers.
From AAA blockbusters like The Legend of Zelda to indie gems, and from nostalgic arcade video game classics to futuristic blockchain games, the world of gaming is incredibly diverse.
If you're interested in exploring the world of video games, this article provides an overview of gaming culture and everything you need to know about it.
The story of the earliest video games began in the mid-20th century with experimental digital simulations.
The first video game idea, called the "cathode-ray tube amusement device," was created in 1947.
In the 1950s, simple games like Bertie the Brain and Tennis for Two were made, and in 1962, Spacewar! became one of the first widely shared computer games.
The commercial gaming era began in 1971 with the first arcade game, Computer Space.
In 1972, the Magnavox Odyssey was released as the first home console, followed by Atari's Pong, which made arcade gaming very popular.
The arcade video game boom of the 1970s introduced classics like Pong and Space Invaders.
The 1980s brought famous games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, but the market crashed in 1983 because of too many games.
By the 1980s and 1990s, home video game consoles like the NES and PlayStation revolutionized entertainment.
Nintendo helped bring the industry back to business in 1985 with the NES, introducing popular games like Super Mario Bros.
But in the 1990s, 3D graphics changed gaming with consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64.
The 2000s saw the growth of online gaming with games like World of Warcraft and the rise of independent developers and games like Minecraft.
Today, games are everywhere, and millions play every day. You just need your phone to play thousands of games… completely free!
Video games are divided into popular genres, each offering unique gameplay experiences.
You can enjoy multiple genres and always try a different story thanks to the vast pool of video games available.
In 2025, gamers have more choices than ever when selecting their next game.
Action games are the most common genre.
These fast-paced games are all about fun and physical challenges that need quick reflexes.
As a player, you control a character—usually a hero or avatar—who runs through levels, avoids obstacles, fights enemies, and collects items.
The action game genre includes thrilling types like fast shooters, energetic fighting games, and classic platformers.
Games like Call of Duty and Super Mario Bros. belong to the genre.
RPGs, or role-playing games, are exciting video games where players take on the roles of characters in a made-up world.
These games let players dive into interesting stories and see things through their character's eyes.
In RPGs, players usually explore large worlds, complete quests, and fight enemies either in turn-based or real-time battles.
They also interact with non-player characters (NPCs) and make choices that can change the story and how the game ends.
Some popular RPGs include The Witcher 3, Final Fantasy VII, and Elden Ring.
Adventure games are full of exciting journeys!
In these games, you become a hero who explores while solving tricky puzzles and enjoying interesting stories that take you into colorful worlds filled with mystery and fun.
Players explore different places, meet characters, and solve puzzles to move the story forward.
This genre is inspired by books and movies, creating a special mix of storytelling and gameplay.
Some great adventure games include The Legend of Zelda, Monkey Island, and Life is Strange.
Simulation Games let players experience real-life activities.
You can do things like run a city, manage a farm, fly an airplane, or cook.
For example, in The Sims, you create and control characters and manage their lives.
Strategy Games, on the other hand, focus on planning and making smart decisions.
Players need to think carefully to reach their goals.
Classic examples include chess, which requires careful planning, and video games like Civilization, where players build empires and manage resources over time.
In sports games, players can experience real-life sports and the excitement of competition.
These games include popular sports like football, basketball, soccer, and baseball, where players can control real teams or athletes.
In games like FIFA or NBA 2K, players can manage teams, join tournaments, and create their own players.
Racing Games are all about speed, where players race against each other or the clock.
These games can use different vehicles, like cars, motorcycles, or boats.
Games like Need for Speed are exciting, with great graphics and realistic driving.
These games are made for quick play sessions and focus on solving problems.
They are easy to understand and attract many players.
Puzzle and casual games are often found on smartphones, with some becoming very popular, like Candy Crush and Tetris.
Video games can be sorted in a few ways: By genre, video game platforms, or technology.
Another way is by the style of video game development.
Here are some of the main types:
AAA games are huge projects with top-notch production values.
Examples include popular video games like Skyrim and Call of Duty.
These are created by well-known video game developers such as Ubisoft, requiring years of work and multimillion-dollar budgets.
Indie games are made by small teams or individual video game creators.
Even with smaller budgets, these games can be really creative with gameplay and storytelling.
Games like Hades or Celeste show how independent video game development can disrupt the market.
MOBAs, or Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas, are team games like League of Legends and Dota 2.
These video games are played across video game platforms worldwide and have become a significant part of esports, generating billions through in-game purchases.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs) immerse players in expansive worlds.
Titles like The Witcher 3 and Final Fantasy are among the most popular video games globally.
Their success attracts investors because there are lots of ways to make money, like through expansions and streaming.
MMOs, or Massively Multiplayer Online games, let thousands of players connect in ongoing worlds.
Classics like World of Warcraft prove that multiplayer games can stick around and keep people engaged for a long time.
Idle games, like clickers, and the old-school Flash games kicked off casual online gaming.
Even though Flash is gone, idle games are still going strong on mobile with their “freemium” model.
Blockchain games bring fresh ideas like true ownership and play-to-earn features.
They represent one of the most innovative frontiers in modern video games
Playing video games can be fun and exciting, especially for beginners.
First, choose where to play.
Popular options are PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, which are easy to use and come with a gamepad.
PC gaming offers many games and ways to customize your setup. You can use a keyboard and mouse or connect a gamepad.
You can also play on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, which are great for casual gaming with touch controls.
Next, learn the controls for the game you are playing. Many games have tutorials or settings where you can see or change the controls.
Here are some extra tips:
A good video game has exciting gameplay, a strong story, unique visuals, balanced challenges, easy controls, and great sound design.
Each part is important for making the game enjoyable and keeping players interested.
Today, we have amazing video games that are changing the industry with the help of AI and virtual reality.
Are you wondering what game is best for a beginner like you?
First, think about what game genre interests you.
Trust your instincts when choosing a genre.
Next, look for the best games in that genre and pick one that catches your attention.
Many games have different difficulty levels. If you're a beginner, find games that offer an easy mode or tutorials to help you learn gradually.
Before buying a game, read reviews from trusted sites like IGN, Metacritic, or GameSpot.
These reviews talk about gameplay, story, graphics, and overall fun.
Many games also have demos or free trials, so you can try them out before buying.
Finally, make sure your gaming platform (like PC or console) meets the game's requirements, such as RAM, storage space, and graphics capabilities.
Video games are often seen just as fun, but they can also provide many benefits for your mind, social life, and emotions.
Video games have changed from a small hobby to a popular form of entertainment that impacts our culture.
We can see this in how famous characters and franchises have appeared in movies and merchandise, with successful adaptations like The Witcher and Super Mario Bros leading the way.
As video games gain popularity, they increasingly feature diverse characters and narratives that address significant social issues.
Titles like *Life is Strange* and *The Last of Us* delve into themes of identity and morality, sparking meaningful conversations.
The rise of competitive gaming has also turned esports into a worldwide industry that competes with traditional sports for fans and viewers.
Video games challenge players to think strategically and make quick decisions, which helps improve problem-solving skills and logical thinking.
They can also boost attention, spatial awareness, and memory.
Action games, in particular, can enhance hand-eye coordination, which is important for daily tasks.
Video games are also being seen as valuable educational tools.
Many games include problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning, making them useful for learning.
For example, Minecraft: Education Edition is used in classrooms to engage students in interactive learning.
Many people play video games to relax and relieve stress. In fact, playing games can improve mental health.
Engaging with video game stories and worlds can also boost creativity while you have fun.
Some games, especially those that use VR or motion sensors, are great for getting physical activity. This means you can relax while also getting some exercise.
Spending too much time on video games can sometimes lead to an excessive focus on gaming, making it easier to overlook other responsibilities or relationships.
Additionally, excessive gaming may reduce in-person social interactions, which could increase feelings of loneliness or social anxiety for some people.
As with any activity, maintaining a healthy balance in gaming is essential.
These days, major companies like Nintendo and Sony control video game hardware, exclusive content, and distribution through their own video game consoles.
In short: All of the video game industry.
This vertical integration ensures higher profits and brand dominance.
However, the business side also includes significant mergers and acquisitions.
For example, Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard changed video game production at scale.
On the other hand, you can see that the video game industry is also driven by video game creators, publishers, developers, platforms, and investors.
So, from video game production to marketing, everything is connected.
Konvoy’s guide on investing in gaming suggests several ways to get started:
1. Stocks: Buy shares in video game companies like Sony, Epic Games, or Ubisoft.
2. ETFs: Invest in gaming funds that include a variety of companies to lower risk.
3. Venture Capital: Consider high-risk investments in game studios and platforms for potentially high rewards.
4. Infrastructure: Invest in video game hardware, game engines like Unity, or cloud gaming platforms.
5. Crowdfunding: Support independent video game creators through platforms like Kickstarter.
However, from our point of view, it's important not to just follow trends without thinking.
New trends, such as VR, crypto, or AI-driven games, may sound exciting, but not every innovation has a lasting impact.
Instead, focus on keeping players engaged over the long haul and think about how developers can really connect with their audience.
Venture capital plays a huge role in the gaming world today, giving money to everyone from indie developers to the latest gaming platforms.
So, why is VC such a big deal?
Traditional banks tend to steer clear of funding games because they see them as too risky.
That’s where venture capital like Konvoy steps in, supporting startups that are changing the entertainment game.
It’s important to note that venture capital is different from hedge funds and private equity.
Hedge funds typically hunt for quick returns, while private equity tends to buy established companies.
Venture capitalists, like Konvoy, focus on backing game developers from the ground up and stick around for the long haul.
If you’re curious to learn more, check out Konvoy’s guide on the stages of venture capital and the best books about it.
Video games began as simple projects and, for years, were viewed primarily as children's entertainment.
Today, however, they have evolved into a thriving industry that shapes our culture, economy, and future in profound ways.
Incorporating video games into everyday life offers a range of benefits, and venture capital firms like Konvoy are eager to support innovative projects that will drive this industry forward, making it safer, more engaging, and exciting for future generations of gamers.
We encourage you to try a new game on your favorite platform and experience the immediate benefits that gaming can bring.
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