Category Archives: Gaming PCs

Tetris

Tetris

In 1985, Alexey Pazhitnov invented Tetris as part of a science project for the University of Sciences in Moscow. The name Tetris is derived from the Greek word “Tetra” which stands for four – as all the pieces in the game are made of four blocks.

Seven randomly rendered tetrominoes or tetrads – shapes composed of four blocks each – fall down the playing field. The object of the game is to manipulate these tetrominoes with the aim of creating a horizontal line of blocks without gaps. When such a line is created, it disappears, and the blocks above (if any) fall. As the game progresses, the tetrominoes fall faster, and the game ends when the stack of Tetrominoes reaches the top of the playing field.

The seven rendered tetrominoes in Tetris are referred to as I, T, O, L, J, S, and Z. All are capable of single and double clears. I, L, and J are able to clear triples. Only the I tetromino has the capacity to clear four lines simultaneously, and this clear is referred to as a “tetris.” (This may vary depending on the rotation and compensation rules of each specific Tetris implementation; For instance, in the “Tetris Worlds” rules used in many recent implementations, certain rare situations allow T, S and Z to ‘snap’ into tight spots, clearing triples.)

It is believed to be one of the best selling games of all time, mostly due to it’s availability on a great amount of platforms. Tetris has been featured in Arcades, mobile gaming devices such as Nintendo’s Game Boy, mobile phones, PDAs, personal computers and of course the web.

The music for the original Game Boy edition of Tetris titled “Music A” has become very widely known. It is a in fact a Russian folk tune called “Korobeyniki”. To this day it is estimated that two our of three adults living in the US identify the tune as “The Tetris tune”.

Tetris is a registered trademark of the Tetris Company LLC, but the game itself is not copyrighted in the US (games cannot be copyrighted, only patented, and any Patent claims to Tetris would be expired by today) – which is why many Tetris clones legally exist.

Find More Gaming Computers Articles

Flash games are the future

Flash games are the future

In recent times gaming industry has taken a major leap. Where it all started from a few pixels and now it has reached a new height which includes high definition games, a portable game and also mobile games. All these new gaming ways have taken the attention of kids and grown ups around the globe as this is the best way of passing time. However you are supposed to pay for games that you buy from the local retailer. Instead you can buy games from the internet sites where you are supposed to download games. This is where you get games at a very low cost meaning that you can save money. The gaming industry has come up with a new way of gaming this is Internet gaming and it has become quite popular in recent times. This is the newest way of experiencing gaming where a person is able to play against his opposition who can be from any corner of the world. This so called online gaming experience can be availed to you from gaming sites which provide such services at a low cost.

Recently I had visited a gaming site where I was amazed to see the different varieties of games. It had all that a person wants what ever his choice, sports games, first person shooting games, strategic games, adventures games, board games, card games, and every other types of games. There were many games that a person wants all he has to do is download games. All you require is to get your self registered for accessing these games. Once you are done with it you will be able to catch up with all the latest hits, as the site is regularly updated. Its not that you have to pay for all the games available, there are many games that are there to be downloaded for free.

Probably when you are working on a computer and need to refresh your self with some entertainment. Playing games is the best option as you are bound to get recharged. This is the time when you think of playing games there are many sites where you can find an online game or downloadable games. Puzzle games are supposed to recharge you. Every time you play a puzzler your mind is forced to think in a different way. After playing such games you can fell the same freshness in your mind that you had before starting the work.

There are many people around the globe who love chatting; however chatting can be made more interesting, if you happen to be a person who likes to solve puzzles. There are many mind teasing games, Such as mahjong, sudoku and many more. These puzzling games are no easier to solve as before where you could take your time to solve them. they are time oriented and you are given time for clearing each level. Another feature that has been added to these puzzlers is that gamers are ranked through there e-mail id where people from around the globe are fighting to see there name on the gamer ranking charts. All this has made puzzle games more interesting in recent times.

The Best Of Online Betting Through Casino Gaming II

The Best Of Online Betting Through Casino Gaming II

Online betting is advancing in popularity at exponentially increasing rates. Many of the online casino gaming establishments are recognizing this fact and are stepping up to the plate to provide the general public better and more technical, yet more user-friendly software. Much of this great new software can be downloaded to your computer at no cost to you. In addition, many gaming sites are now allowing patrons to participate in the online casino gaming experience without actually gambling with real money. So even the most advanced and entertaining casino games can be virtually experienced without any wagering risk. To the novice gambler, or even an individual totally new to casino table games, poker, or even slots, this is a “eureka” type find and can be a great source of learning and practice. The most popular table gaming downloads include; Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud poker, Craps, Let ‘em Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Roulette, Red Dog, War and Tri-card Poker.

Baccarat
Baccarat has a reputation of elite class status among many, and although most people don’t understand the game, it is actually one of the easiest casino games to learn. There are really only two players that are dealt cards: the Banker and the Player. All participants then wager on which have the winning hand, or can wager a tie for higher odds.

Blackjack
There are many different forms of Blackjack or “21”. These include, but are not limited to: Multi-bet Blackjack, Caribbean-21, FaceUp-21, MatchPlay-21, Pontoon and Super21.

Basically, players try to beat the dealer in seeing how close to 21 they can get without going over. Aces can count as a 1 or 11, tens and face cards count as ten and the remaining cards are at face value. Each form has different variations on the rules.

Caribbean Stud poker
This game is much like Stud poker, except players compete only against the dealer, not the remaining players. The great thing about this game is that one of the dealers “hold” cards must be displayed for all to see.

Craps
On the roll of two dice, one can bet on every possible combination that can be imagined, all with different odds associated with it.

Let ‘em Ride
This is a fun and easy variation of poker. Players are dealt three cards and play only against the house, which is dealt two cards. Using all five cards, the best hand that is ranked a pair of tens or higher wins.

Pai Gow Poker
Playing only against the house and dealer, each player is dealt seven cards. The hand must then be split into two hands; one hand of five cards and one hand of two cards. The split hands are then contrasted to the dealers split hands to determine the winner. The game is always played with one joker in the 53-card deck.

Roulette
One of the most popular and exciting table gaming downloads; Roulette is a pure classic game of chance. The American version features a horizontal spinning wheel with 38 numbered “stops” in which a rolling ball eventually falls into. The players place wagers on which numbered stop the ball will fall into before the ball is put in motion.

Red Dog
A classic card game from the old west in which a player wagers on a third dealt card ranking between the first two dealt cards.

War
A simple game of high card played against a dealer except “war” can be declared on any tie, and the bet can be raised for the additional War hands. Players are dealt only one card at a time and the winnings are usually double the amount wagered.

Tri-card Poker
Much like Caribbean Stud Poker, only with more betting options. Players can choose to wager their hand will rank a pair or better, compete only with the dealer, or both.

Besides casino table games, there are other great downloads that are not only impressive in their realism, but can supply massive entertainment value. Some of these advanced software packages include 20 line slots, video poker, slots and progressive table games. Make sure the gaming site offering downloads is of a high reputation and offer the most safe and secure online experience. They must also have a reputation of providing the download versions of the casino experience with as little invasiveness to your computer system as possible. The theory is that if you like the download versions of the casino style games, you will play them long enough to get good at your game. You would then want to go to their online betting site and play the authentic versions and experience the thrill of winning with real money.

There are many incentives for playing online. Some sites offer free plays, bonuses and prizes. Some offer regular free plays and rewards for referring new members. However, make sure the site you are wagering online or downloading from is an audited and certified gaming portal. When you visit a online betting site for the first time, look for information related to the authenticity of licensing and regulation. The length of time a site has been in the online casino industry is a good place to start. The trusted casino has been online for a minimum of ten or more years. A new or inexperienced online gaming site may suffer from lack of banking resources or funding. Many reputable sites are registered and licensed by recognized specific Government agencies. Some are not. Regulated sites are subject to audits by various fair gaming commissions. Random number generators are constantly monitored and audited for fairness by major firms licensed to do so.

Perform your due-diligence before making a commitment to wagering or joining a gaming site. You owe it to yourself. Double-check before you double-click to make the online betting site is safe, honest and secure. Having to worry about these concerns is the very last thing you need on your mind when you are engaged in having great online casino gaming thrills.

Find More Gaming Computer Articles

Online Degree Program Scores With Video Game Enthusiasts

Online Degree Program Scores With Video Game Enthusiasts

When high school students spend hours playing video games, parents often say it’s a waste of time. However, these video game players, or “gamers,” can now find professional opportunities to complement their interest. The relatively young academic specialty of computer game technologies has grown in response to the popularity of the skyrocketing video game industry.

According to the NPD Group, Inc., a global leader in sales and marketing information, video game sales have grown from .6 billion in 2000 to .4 billion in 2004.

Building on the success of the game and simulation programming (GSP) bachelor’s degree program offered at 11 of its campuses nationwide, DeVry University announced it will offer the degree program online beginning in spring 2006.

“Game development technologies will play an important role in shaping many aspects of the entertainment and defense industries for years to come,” said Steven Riehs, vice president and general manager of DeVry University Online.

The campus-based GSP degree program was met with enthusiasm by students, faculty and employers and it’s expected that the online GSP program will allow even more students to pursue degrees in this growing industry.

According to Jesse Schell, former chairman of the International Game Development Association, the number of individuals looking to enter the gaming industry has grown tremendously in the last 10 years. He stresses that the gaming industry is not about theory, but the application of real technology and notes that individuals with hands-on experience developing games are most likely to succeed in these careers.

The university’s game and simulation programming degree program features course work in the math and physics of games, programming fundamentals, game design, modifications (MOD), massively multi-player online game programming (MMOG), two- and three-dimensional graphics programming, simulation and game engine design.

Graduates will be qualified for positions as programmers, software engineers and project coordinators in the computer game technology industry, as well as similar positions in simulation design and programming.

Examples include tactical and strategic military simulations and training, automotive design and testing, training for health care workers, crime scene reconstruction and flight simulation.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level gaming programmers/engineers with three years’ experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of ,300.

Related Gaming Computer Articles

Gaming Podcasting

Gaming Podcasting

So, you may have heard of a “Podcast” or “Podcasting”. I just wanted to talk about it a little bit. A “Podcast” or “Netcast” is a way of broadcasting over the internet. There are thousands if not ten’s of thousands of podcasts available on the internet. The best part is that they’re completely free. Though they are not tied to Apple, using Itunes is the easiest way to listen to one.

There are some very good gaming podcasts available, I wanted to share some of my favorites: (All of these are available directly through itunes.)

* Gaming Steve – This is at the top of my list, Steve knows the gaming industry and has very good insight into it.
* 1UP Yours – Another great gaming podcast, this is a group of guys from 1up.com who record once a week. They are fun to listen to and have great info most of the time.
* Broadcast Gamer – I just started listening to Broadcast Gamer recently. This guy has a weekend podcast that is about an hour long and several during the week with deals and reviews.
* The Instance – This is a gaming podcast related to World of Warcraft.
* Xbox Live’s Major Nelson – Major Nelson works for Microsoft and talks about the Xbox every week. He often has interviews with people working on games, this is another insightful view into the gaming industry.
* Evil Avatar – I also just recently started listening to these guys. Phil and Amanda host this one. It’s basically a live show recorded Friday nights, they have a great community of people who call in and talk about games and comic books. Check out their forums for a good group of people.
* The Dice Tower – A podcast about boardgames with Tom Vasel (board game reviewer) and Sam Healey. Usually they do 2 reviews and a “Top Ten” list.
* Have Games, Will Travel – Another boardgame podcast.
* TWIT.tv – not a gaming podcast, but this is one of my favorite podcasters out there, Leo Laporte. The Twit.tv network has maybe 14 different podcasts each week, my favorites are TWIT (this week in technology) and KFI Techguy (recorded from KFI News Radio each Sat. and Sun.).

As you can see these are only a few of many, many podcasts out there. If you want to find your own, you can go to the itunes music store (in itunes) and click on podcasts, there is a plethora of information there!

Also, Podcasting is a great way to share how you feel about a topic. It’s easy to set one up, all you need is a computer with a microphone and an internet provider to host you podcast. Libsyn.com is an ISP that only hosts podcasters, so that may be a good way to start.

Podcasting is here and it’s not going anywhere, so now is the time to get on the bandwagon!

Related Gaming Computer Articles