Video games are electronic entertainment that involve interaction between the player and virtual characters and objects in a digital game world. The player interacts with the digital character by pressing buttons on a controller, joystick or other input device, which generates haptic feedback through speakers or headphones. Modern video games also use other forms of input such as microphones for in-game chat and augmented reality headsets for virtual immersion. These components of the games interact with each other to provide a unified experience for players.

The concept of what makes a game is continually evolving. Game designers and artists experiment with new ideas all the time to push the boundaries of traditional game definitions. Sometimes the result of a game is so novel that it is considered another art form and is celebrated for its innovation, magic, and discovery.

Generally, games are viewed as problem-solving activities that create and solve complex problems in a cyclical manner. The cyclical nature of games is illustrated in the many different mechanics that are repeated and tweaked by game designers to offer fresh versions of old challenges for players to solve. The player must decide which of these problems to resolve and how to go about it, which requires a mental shift that is dependent on the specific context of gameplay.

Because of the complexity of these shifts, games often require a high level of skill and luck to succeed. They have become a multi-billion dollar industry and have captivated audiences for decades. This enthrallment has caused many people to feel like the games they play are part of their lives, which is why gamers can have such strong reactions to criticism of their favorite titles or to sequels and remakes of their favorite games.

Some games teach beneficial lessons to their players. These types of games are called educational software or edutainment. Some of these games are designed to help students learn about certain school subjects such as history or science. Other games are designed to teach about real-world topics such as the effects of climate change on our environment.

Regardless of the goal, games can have profound psychological and social benefits for their players. They are one of the few activities that allow us to feel fully immersed and connected with other people. For this reason, games have the potential to be a tool that can help society address some of its biggest challenges. As long as they are designed to be safe, fair, and educational, games can be a powerful tool for our world. As such, they have the potential to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society for all. This is the future that we want to see for ourselves and the children of our planet. To achieve this, we need to start by rethinking the way we treat our games.