Have computer games benefited the real world?

[ex_reven]

I have to present a 20 minute seminar to my design faculty regarding computer games. I have political, social, and design bases down pat, but I have one lingering question.

Does anyone know if there are any substantial inventions (eg new technologies, ideas, etc) influenced by video games?

My question to you, how have video games garnered real world benefits for us? (Apart from stress relief and entertainment of course )

 

[Widjaja]

For people new to PCs one of the main things of PC gaming is also knowing your PC.
If I didn't start playing games on PCs I would not have learn't to build my own PCs.

 

[ex_reven]

Thats a good point.
Increased computer literacy is quite a benefit.

 

[newconroer]

Most likely you're only substantial proof of beneficial will be based on military and space program uses.

This isn't to suggest that by sitting around playing Rainbow Six, that SEALs get better, but the increase in virtual technology has probably allowed better simulation programs, whether it be combat, flight, space shuttle etc.

Other than that, no I can't see how video games have done anything beneficial for society.

Thats a good point.
Increased computer literacy is quite a benefit.

This is borderline opinionated. One could easily say that computer literacy is a moot point, when the bigger questions looms: Do we really need such intrusiveness by computers in modern day life? And furthering that, there's a large difference between computers that manage stock marketing and banking procedures vs. computers that provide entertainment. An architect does not play one of the Tycoon series games, in order to know how to build a structure in a virtual environment. A 3d modeler/programmer does not need to be a WoW junkie, in order to have passion for his work. You don't have to play games in order to be interested in and/or learn how to build computers. etc.

 

[ex_reven]

Basically, im addressing the issue mainly by demonstrating how video gaming is reflexive of contextual info.

Burnout - example of political advertising (barack obama campaign)
Numerous games that captured the modern day context of the Iraq/middle eastern conflicts (eg Battlefield 2)
Americas Army - recruiting tool for the army to try and increase troop numbers
simulators - realistic representation of environments (flight, etc)

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Does anyone know if there are any substantial inventions (eg new technologies, ideas, etc) influenced by video games?

Realtime 3D rendering (points at Wolfenstein 3D, 3DFX, NVIDIA, and ATI). It's not an invention per say but without games, there really is no need to do 3D rendering in realtime.

My question to you, how have video games garnered real world benefits for us?

Considering it is a multi-billion dollar industry, the entertainment value of it cannot be underestimated. I good game can really take the edge off a bad day.


Edit: Modern games are basically story books with simulator undertones. Take any FPS, for instance. You might be killing freaky lookin' aliens but notice how they almost always behave in a way that can be likened to something here on Earth? I literally can't come up with something a computer does that is not a simulation of some part of reality. All games do is put the operator in control of a simulation, basically. Some do it in a way that is amusing, some don't.

 

[RadeonX2]

to interact w/ different people from around the world
to develop skills and team work

this looks like a 13 year old answer

 

[ex_reven]

This is borderline opinionated. One could easily say that computer literacy is a moot point, when the bigger questions looms: Do we really need such intrusiveness by computers in modern day life? And furthering that, there's a large difference between computers that manage stock marketing and banking procedures vs. computers that provide entertainment. An architect does not play one of the Tycoon series games, in order to know how to build a structure in a virtual environment. A 3d modeler/programmer does not need to be a WoW junkie, in order to have passion for his work. You don't have to play games in order to be interested in and/or learn how to build computers. etc.

I agree with you on those points. Im not trying to say these things however (unless actual real world proof is obtainable). Im not trying to say that people need or are influenced by games, im more trying to state actual products/technologies that have evolved out of the rapid state of development involved in game development. Hopefully that makes more sense.

Computer literacy is perhaps too much of an umbrella term. One way of putting it would be that computer games revolve around a repetitive (yet probably entertaining) element. This repetiton might be seen as the development of the way in which we interact with computers, becoming more familiarised with the repetitive elements of the machine and learning the multiplicity of available inputs/outcomes that are associated with computers. This of course wont even form more than a short statement in my discussion, it will just be an open comment for consideration by the audience rather than literal fact.

All the same its helpful.

 

[ex_reven]

Sorry for double post, wanted to escape from a big block of text haha.

FordGT90's statement about rendering technologies comes to mind as an ideal technology emerging (hopefully) from or as a result of gaming.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

I agree with you on those points. Im not trying to say these things however (unless actual real world proof is obtainable). Im not trying to say that people need or are influenced by games, im more trying to state actual products/technologies that have evolved out of the rapid state of development involved in game development. Hopefully that makes more sense.

I would stick to realtime 3D and physics processing then. The keyword is "realtime."

Another keyword is "affordability." The majority of people will not spend extreme amounts of money on entertainment. Gaming basically created a demand for realtime processing hardware and the demand was in the form of bang for the buck. If gaming never did exist on computers, the Radeon and GeForce lines of cards would not exist and Ageia would have never created a dedicated physics processor.

I would also say that gaming has driven the need for better audio cards too--specifically environment emulation like EAX.

 

[Kursah]

Well the movie industry is happy to have titles to pump out without too much creativity on most fronts when things go from games-to-movies, but hey the industry makes a ton of cash so I suppose that's one real-life impact. Jobs are created to make the movie, we spend money to see it.

I know quite a few guys in the military that are gamers, some are damn good...only a few play FPS games, those that haven't generally been stuck in infantry or special units...but none-the-less a lot say it's kind of a nice stress reducer when they get the time and chance to game...that's a damn good positive impact on real life to me.

Figured I'd toss a couple in for ya...whether or not they do any good for your cause..

 

[ex_reven]

I would stick to realtime 3D and physics processing then. The keyword is "realtime."

Another keyword is "affordability." The majority of people will not spend extreme amounts of money on entertainment. Gaming basically created a demand for realtime processing hardware and the demand was in the form of bang for the buck. If gaming never did exist on computers, the Radeon and GeForce lines of cards would not exist and Ageia would have never created a dedicated physics processor.

I would also say that gaming has driven the need for better audio cards too--specifically environment emulation like EAX.

This also drives the point that perhaps gaming has enhanced AI and other game features that make up part of other activities involving interactivity whether computer based or not.

Well the movie industry is happy to have titles to pump out without too much creativity on most fronts when things go from games-to-movies, but hey the industry makes a ton of cash so I suppose that's one real-life impact. Jobs are created to make the movie, we spend money to see it.

I know quite a few guys in the military that are gamers, some are damn good...only a few play FPS games, those that haven't generally been stuck in infantry or special units...but none-the-less a lot say it's kind of a nice stress reducer when they get the time and chance to game...that's a damn good positive impact on real life to me.

Figured I'd toss a couple in for ya...whether or not they do any good for your cause..

The movie industry is an interesting point. If I can find sources pointing to the fact that CGI was originally developed or achieved breakthroughs within gaming purposes then perhaps I can link CGI success in movies to that.

Edit - damn just checked, CGI was originally used in animation

 

[Triprift]

Americas army is used by the American government as a public relations recruiting mecanism for the us army.

 

[newconroer]

Basically, im addressing the issue mainly by demonstrating how video gaming is reflexive of contextual info.

Burnout - example of political advertising (barack obama campaign)
Numerous games that captured the modern day context of the Iraq/middle eastern conflicts (eg Battlefield 2)
Americas Army - recruiting tool for the army to try and increase troop numbers
simulators - realistic representation of environments (flight, etc)

Right well that's fine, yet it isn't directed towards 'beneficial,' under the premise you used previously.

Because under that premise, then this reply:

I would stick to realtime 3D and physics processing then. The keyword is "realtime."

Another keyword is "affordability." The majority of people will not spend extreme amounts of money on entertainment. Gaming basically created a demand for realtime processing hardware and the demand was in the form of bang for the buck. If gaming never did exist on computers, the Radeon and GeForce lines of cards would not exist and Ageia would have never created a dedicated physics processor.

I would also say that gaming has driven the need for better audio cards too--specifically environment emulation like EAX.

...is once again irrelevant. Increased demand for better products, that ultimatley turn around and cater to the same market that desired them (the entertainment market), is not 'beneficial' to the real world. It's a luxury, not a necessity.


However, since you re-aligned your initial enquiry, then a better question would have been, "Is the influence of video games in modern society and culture, helpful, or harmful?"

 

[ex_reven]

Right well that's fine, yet it isn't directed towards 'beneficial,' under the premise you used previously.

Maybe a better question would have been, "Is the influence of video games in modern society and culture, helpful, or harmful?"

Well I actually am aiming this conversation at the benefits as I have already discerned the negatives myself. Unfortunantly I couldnt seem to find much information on the positives, since usually the only thing that involves studies regarding gaming is about how violence affects youth etc.

My seminar presentation doesnt really need a central arguement, as the goal of it is quite vague in terms of criteria.
In summary I am:
- Introducing, defining video games and their history
- Talking about why we NEED/WANT video games
- Introducing how games are relevant by means of story, gender, political and ethical nature to their respective audiences
- Analysing communicative elements using still frames of a game/promotional medium and discussing how it reflects historical/cultural context
- Talking about politcal, social, economic, philosophical and tecnological influences (positive and negative)
- How games influence culture and how culture influences games
- How the aspects of game production are reflexive

etc

 

[bigtye]

Heard about this on the radio a while ago, but some big US surgeon is using computer games to help train new surgeons in fine motor control or something like that. Link provided

http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2004/12/66086

Try googling "surgeons prcatice on nintendo", there is heaps on the benefits of playing games prior to surgury in reducing errors etc.

Might be a bit left field for what you are after but could be a good little side note.

Also, the US army uses a giant tank warfare game simulator with about 40 "tanks" setup in a wharehouse all wired up with monitors inside and electronic controls. Here they replay tank battles of the First Gulf War like a giant lan game. Each tank crew in their own little "tank" container, working togther and coordinating with like 10 other tank platoons. It's as close as they can get to real combat in terms of communication and coordination.

Tye

 

[ex_reven]

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2004/12/66085

Another good read

 

[Triprift]

I suppose you can say its benifited companies as it gives them another platform to advertise there products.

 

[ex_reven]

Arguably, video games can reinforce moral and other important problem solving skills based on the reward systems by which many games are structured.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

I suppose you can say its benifited companies as it gives them another platform to advertise there products.

That reminds me... The solar wind farms in SimCity Societies: Destinations has BP logos slapped on them. Actual businesses advertising in games is a growing trend. I don't know if you can use that or not.


A few tidbits:
-SimHealth was basically all about mocking Clinton's healthcare plan.
-A Maxis employee that is apparently homosexual added unauthorized content to SimCopter.
-A special version of Wolfenstein 3D was released in Germany that basically had everything relating to Nazism removed.
-Pirating of games ranks 25th among global contraband lists.
-Most modern games require some form of installation while games from yesteryear often ran directly from the medium.
-The world's first video game console was the Magnavox Odyssey created by Ralph Baer.
-Many game concepts were turned into films including Super Mario Bros., Doom, Tomb Raider, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and MaxPayne.
-Most major movies are turned into games via the film publisher. Some examples of this is Batman: Forever, The Lord of the Rings, Toy Story, and A Bee Movie.

 

[Widjaja]

I thought this thread was just about Computer Games bu tnow I see it's about video games which is broader.

In that case nintendo Wii is being used in Elderly homes as a source of exercise for them.

 

[ex_reven]

Yeah sorry about that haha, didnt want to bring up a console vs pc debate

 

[JrRacinFan]

You also have the world's economy. The more gamers, the more spending for games, the more jobs can be created to produce even more games.

@Widjaja
Good point about consoles and the Wii.

 

[btarunr]

Videogames gave rise to simulators..for the Airforce, Airliner industry. Some games could be used in training military tactics....to the military. Other than those, apart from the industrial point of view, it hasn't helped much. Kids would want to pwn eachother in the real world (by starting businesses at a young age, pursuing studies with dedication, getting better jobs...) now they'd like to pwn eachother in Counter Strike.

 

[PCpraiser100]

Video games have come a long way to achieving an immersive gaming experience, and we seem to be half-way there. I really want to see games with more Ray-Tracing and dynamic textures, no shaders. I kind of liked Half-Life 2 this way since it scaled with most of the virtual environment. I know some developers are trying to challenge computers through such games like Crysis, but seriously I know eye-candy overkill when I see it. If there seems to be too much of a single graphic element, such as shaders, I go mad just looking at it since it spoils the whole game.

I agree with you too btarunr, as I kind of think of it as some kind of a pandemic seeing such pointless gameplay by just pwning each other in Red vs Blue sessions.