A Video Game Glossary Download
Parent Guide (PDF)
The world of video games includes a whole new
vocabulary. Here are a few of the terms you need to know to navigate your way
to MediaWise choices.
The Basics:
Console – the machine that allows you to play a video game.
Popular consoles include the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii.
Handheld Device – a portable machine that allows you to play a video
game. Popular handhelds include the PlayStation PSP and Nintendo DS.
Online Play – a mode of play that allows players to connect to the
Internet in order to play with and against other people connected to the Internet.
Many games offer both a regular mode, in which players do not interact with other
people, and an online mode.
Parental Controls – settings
on a console or computer that allow parents to determine the rating content of
the games their kids may play as well as the amount of time games are played.
Parents use parental controls to prevent games with age-inappropriate content
from functioning on their child’s console or computer.
More
Specialized Terms:
Massively Multiplayer Online Games
(MMOs) – a genre of online computer role-playing that bring together
players from all over the globe in a large game world. In these games, players
work alone or together to gain points and accomplish goals within the game.
Online social networking – a Web site offering social connection
by supporting user-created content that includes personal profiles, chat rooms,
blogs, clubs, and the ability to post music, videos and audio commentary. Examples
of online social networking sites popular among teens include MySpace, Xanga and
Friendster.
Profile – a quick online description of a person,
usually including name, nickname, or username, personal information such as age,
birthday and interests, and photographs. Most profiles have a unique URL that
can be visited directly. |
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