Digipeliä

Digipeliä, or digital game, refers to a game played on digital devices such as computers, game consoles, tablets, and smartphones. It encompasses interactive experiences that use digital graphics, sound, and input from a user interface, and may be delivered on physical media or by digital distribution. In Finnish usage, digipeliä is the partitive form of digipeli.

Historically, digital games began with early computer experiments in the 1950s–60s, followed by arcade and console games in the late 20th century. The growth of home computers and the internet expanded distribution and online play, while the mobile revolution of the 2000s broadened audiences and introduced new monetization models such as free-to-play.

Development involves concept design, programming, art and sound creation, and testing. Many projects use game engines such as Unity or Unreal, enabling cross-platform development. Digital games are released as standalone products, updated live services, or ongoing franchises, typically supported by patches, downloadable content, and community management. Economic models vary from premium purchases to subscriptions and microtransactions.

Platforms include personal computers, consoles, mobile devices, and web browsers. Genres span action, adventure, role-playing, strategy, simulation, sports, education, and serious games used for training or therapy. Digital games influence culture, entertainment, education, and social interaction, while research examines effects on behavior, cognition, and well-being. Accessibility features aim to include players with diverse abilities.