Entertainment and Games

Entertainment and game products are among the most popular, especially for those people who may never use a computer for any other reason. Entertainment and game products may be accessed on standard computer workstations CD-ROM or networks or an special purpose game machines that connect to television monitors for display. Like kiosks, entertainment and game products often have a relatively limited audience or use; however , the entertainment or game function may be quite complex and challenging for the user. These systems often forge the way for new technology and hardware development, which is later adapted into training or reference products.

Multimedia-based entertainment and game products depend on the use of graphics , audio,animation and video to augment their operation. A game may include complex graphics taking the user on a treasure hunt on a deserted island. Audio is used for sound effects while video and animation are used for transitions or special effects.

Entertainment and game products rely on fairly simple navigation controls to enable the user to participate in the product. Joystick and track ball devices are often used for moving character objects, pointing guns, or flying aircraft while mouse buttons and keystrokes are used to trigger events or fire guns and missiles. Most game products depend on a timer and a scorekeeping system that may also track top scores between sessions. Finally, entertainment and game systems offer multiplayer features in which competition is managed between two or more players.

Entertainment products, like briefing reference, database, education, and kiosk products all have their unique place in supporting end users. They fill needs for learning or getting a job done, or they are simply used for fun and pleasure. Regardless of how they are used, multimedia products should be seriously evaluated by end users and developers to  ensure they meet the needs for which they were produced.