What Is a Video Game? Definition & Categories

A video game is an interactive electronic experience where a player manipulates visual symbols on a screen via input devices, governed by rules, pursuing goals.

Core Components

• Interactivity — Player agency changes state.
• Visual feedback — Raster/vector/3D graphics.
• Electronic platform — CPU + GPU + display + input.
• Rules & goals — Win/lose/progress conditions.

Major Genres

Why We Play

• Entertainment, escapism, challenge, mastery, social connection, creativity.

From Tennis for Two (1958) to Starfield — same definition, infinite variety.