videojáték

Videojáték is the German-language term for video game, a form of electronic entertainment that involves interactive play, typically displayed on a screen and controlled by input devices such as gamepads, keyboards, mice, touchscreens, or motion sensors. Video games range from simple puzzles to complex narratives and simulations, and they can be experienced solo or with others online or locally.

Origins date to the mid-20th century with early experiments in computing and electromechanical devices; the first widely publicized video games appeared in the 1970s with arcade machines like Pong, followed by home consoles in the late 1970s and 1980s. The industry expanded rapidly, driven by advances in hardware, graphical capabilities, and the rise of online play and digital distribution.

Technology and design: games are built using engines such as Unity and Unreal, enabling cross-platform deployment. They may be distributed as physical media or via digital storefronts across consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. Genres include action, adventure, role-playing, simulation, strategy, sports, and shooters; player experiences can be single-player or multiplayer, cooperative or competitive. New developments include virtual reality, augmented reality, and cloud gaming.

Economics and culture: the video game industry is a major entertainment sector with global revenues, and communities form around genres, platforms, and titles. Content ratings (e.g., PEGI, ESRB) guide age-appropriate access. Debates address accessibility, representation, data privacy, and the social effects of gaming. Academic research analyzes game design, storytelling, and interactivity.