Video games have become mainstream entertainment over the past few decades as technology has advanced, making games accessible to more people. Early arcade games like Pong and Galaga gave way to home console systems like the NES and popular franchises like Legend of Zelda. Today, over 65% of American households play games and the industry generates billions annually. While debates continue around the impacts of violent games, new active systems like Wii promote both social interaction and physical activity.

1. from subculture to mainstream

2. Video gamers of the past: Geeks and nerds Today: The new cool thing What changed Advancement in technology Games for everyone Certain needs can be satisfied Pros vs. cons

3. Atari: Pong Galaga

4. VS

5. Pong: Arcade Original Pong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPkUvfL8T1I&feature=related Galaga: Galaga [1981] Classic Coin-Op Arcade Video Games MAME ROMs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu5d87ZhesY&feature=related

7. Video games on a steady rise: 65% American households play computer or video games Video game industry: from small industry to mainstream Upwards of six billion dollars a year Comparable to popular movies on their opening weekends: Spiderman, May 2002, just under 115 million

8. The Legend Of Zelda: 2006 (Nintendo Wii) Legend of Zelda: 1986 (NES)

9. Sound effects set the mood for gameplay: Exploration Something sinister Battle Mini games

10. Call of Duty 4 Fallout 2 Army of 2 Leisure Suit Larry Number one on game list for grown ups: Grand Theft Auto

11. Madden 09 football NBA Live 09 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09

12. 38% of U.S. gamers are female Enjoy games that provoke thought, exploration, or problem solving Dream Day Wedding: Married in Manhattan Puzzle solving game Hidden Expedition: Titanic Exploration/problem solving Cooking Academy Tests your knowledge of food The Mystery of the Crystal Portal Exploration/problem solving

13. Cartoon characters Spongebob Squarepants Nemo Mickey Mouse Superheroes Superman Spiderman

14. Leapfrog for example: helps reinforce learned skills alphabet math language

15. Can satisfy certain needs Boredom Curiosity Stress relief Hardwired? Stanford University School of Medicine: Research Game play can stimulate rewarding feelings in the brain much like addiction. Male brain showed more activation than female

16. Pros: Steve Johnson “ Everything Bad is Good For You” Interactive nature of video games…causes the brain to work much harder Game Playing has shown to promote: Attention to details Memorization Sequencing Use of strategies

17. Improvement in visual perception Promotes hand-eye coordination Use of imagination Provides entertainment for adults and kids alike

18. Game centric school under consideration “ Quest to Learn” New York public school system Requirements: Whole new teaching philosophy Collaboration between gaming industry and educators

19. Violent Video games or Violent Behavior? A controversy that will never end Inactivity during game play can result in: Obesity Anti-social behavior? Statistically speaking nearly 60% of frequent players play games with other people. Physical health problems (much like sitting in front of the T.V. all day) Moderation is key

20. New system promotes not only social interaction but physical as well. Nintendo Wii First of its kind Is changing video gaming for the better Game controller enables game to mimic your movements Throwing a baseball, fishing, even exercise Wii LOZ demonstration

21. Video games are fun and entertaining because: Advancement in technology Games for everyone Satisfies needs There will always be controversy The systems and the way we play may change, but Americans will never grow tired of playing video games.

22. The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Walkthrough Episode 20 (OPFFIX:9:59) LOZ playthrough