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E Games: The New Age Entertainment Sports
In the age of the Internet, E-Games are an irresistible attraction amongst all age groups. The desire to play games has turned children into more tech-savvy individuals these days. E-Games are flexible and intuitive; they’re easy to use, allowing you to spend your time creating games instead of programming them.
You can increase business effectiveness by easily adding more motivation and challenge to your learning programs. With the advent of E-Learning, even training games are transforming. Indeed, because computer games and arcades are commonplace, instructional games may be the perfect candidate for e-learning events.
The Value of Games in Learning
Trainers understand the value of a good game for engaging participants in the learning process, whether as pre-course materials, self-teaching tools, or content reviews. Most games draw on traditional game-show styles such as Jeopardy or popular board games, including Trivial Pursuit and Monopoly. The question-and-answer format of those games proves ideal for self-assessment and memory building. When played in groups, games promote team building and team spirit. More importantly, games alleviate learners’ anxiety about being evaluated.
Features of Sophisticated E-Games
A sophisticated programmed E-Game usually includes the following features:
- Easy, intuitive authoring interfaces.
- An array of different game types.
- Detailed help files, sample games, and demonstrations.
- Cross-platform playback using the Flash web player.
- No messy software downloads or installation requirements.
- Options to create games directly from your web browser.
- Several skins for your games, including a custom skin that allows you to modify colors.
- Full customization for any of the game types.
- Your own online arcade system that allows you to group your games into custom multi-player arcades and invite players to compete.
Demographics of E-Game Players
The average age of an E-Game player is 29 years, and ninety-two percent of all games are purchased by adults over the age of 18. Notably, 39% of E-Game players are women. Computer and video game software sales grew 8% in 2003 to $7 billion, and this growth is expected to continue. However, when compared to the movie industry, this segment is still a small player.
In fiscal 2004, E-Games’ sales rose 11% to $8 million, and profit increased 9%, to $1.7 million, from a year earlier. However, it did experience a loss of $184,000 in its 2005 fiscal first quarter after sales were hurt when Wal-Mart reduced shelf space allocated to low-priced PC games.
Popular E-Games
Some very sought-after E-Games include:
- AirXonix: A 3-dimensional remake of the Xonix game, where you control a device moving over the playing field while avoiding monster-balls. The objective is to isolate the balls away from as much spare playing field as possible.
- Buzzing Cars: A crazy racing game where players must carry out various missions such as driving robots, chasing flying saucers, and racing against the clock. Players can buy different cars with unique properties.
- Cross & Word Games: A compilation of three simple puzzle games, including Crossword Mania and Word Search Mania, featuring basic design tools for constructing your own puzzles.
- Mahjongg Master: A full-featured version of the classic Chinese game of strategy, offering original tile sets and beautiful backgrounds.
- Marble Blast: An arcade action game where players control marbles through 72 levels filled with moving platforms and power-ups.
- Miniverse Minigolf: Two 9-hole mini golf courses for 1-4 players, with one course set on Earth and another in space, featuring various sci-fi obstacles.
- Pinball: A 3D pinball simulation with three tables, utilizing realistic effects like shadows and reflections.
- Word Search Mania: A computerized version of the standard pencil and paper word search, featuring a collection of 222 assorted puzzles.
E-Games represent a new age of entertainment that blends fun, learning, and interaction. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious gamer, there’s something for everyone in this ever-expanding digital landscape.