Console game

A console game is a type of video game consisting of images and often sounds generated by a video game console, which are displayed on a television or similar audio-video system, and that can be manipulated by a player. This manipulation usually takes place using a handheld device connected to the console, called a controller. The controller generally contains several buttons and directional controls such as analogue joysticks, each of which has been assigned a purpose for interacting with and controlling the images on the screen. The display, speakers, console, and controls of a console can also be incorporated into one small object known as a handheld game.

Console games usually come in the form of an optical disc, ROM cartridge, digital download or, in the case of dedicated consoles, stored on internal memory. The global console games market was valued at about $26.8 billion in 2018.[1]

The differences between consoles create additional challenges and opportunities for game developers, as the console manufacturers (e.g. Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, Sega, Atari) may provide extra incentives, support and marketing for console exclusive games.[2] To aid development of games for consoles, manufacturers often create game development kits that developers can use for their work.[3][4]

  1. ^ "Global Console Games Market Projections to 2030 - the Competition of Mobile Gaming is a Fierce Industry Hurdle" (Press release). November 7, 2019.
  2. ^ Barton, Seth (June 4, 2018). "Xbox head of first-party development: 'We need to use established franchises as a home base from which we can expand'". MCV. ISSN 1469-4832. Archived from the original on July 21, 2018. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  3. ^ Cleaver, Sean (June 6, 2017). "New Xbox video shows off Project Scorpio XDK". MCV. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  4. ^ Parfitt, Ben (October 16, 2015). "Nintendo begins sending NX development kit to devs". MCV. ISSN 1469-4832. Retrieved January 15, 2019.