Blog #6 EOTO #1 presentation

  

The EOTO project was about inventions that impacted the world’s ability to communicate and how it set trends and standards of new access to services, goods, and convenience. There were many inventions dating back to the 3500 BC to 21st century such as the Postal Service, Streaming platforms, Typewriter, and more. All of these inventions have something in common and multiple reasons on why it was successful. These factors include innovative ideas and foreign concepts during that time like Mailing companies in the 18th century instead of horseback riders. There were many inventions that my peers and I researched that caught my interest. Some of my peers conducted research about these inventions as well and some of the new facts I learned were very interesting.

Photo of an Oscilloscope

Since I am a Game Design Major, the invention that really was interesting to me and taught me a lot was Video Games. I learned Video Games always have an evolving term especially since the time that it was developed. The meaning is subjective depending on the individual but a formal definition for video games is an electronic game that is played on a video display. The first video game documented was a game called “Tennis for two (1958)” created in Brookhaven National Library on a computer called the Oscilloscope by William Higgenbotham and Robert Dvorak. 

Something else that was cool to learn about was the reason why video games were made. They were not just for entertainment usage but to help developers push technology to the extreme limits to show investors who had the strongest computer. This factor also helped technology evolve faster because of companies were trying to beat their competition.

Photo of a PlayStation 4

Due to this competitive fight between companies to make the strongest consoles or computers, Video Games have become one of the biggest forms of communication and entertainment revenue in the world. According to Statista, the Gaming market in the United States is estimated to be at least $455 billion dollars. Cultures and communities were even formed due to video games as well. As people who love gaming can connect with each other from all around the world. They were formed through companies and gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and EA (Electronic Arts).

Video Games are very influential and changed the way that people communicate with each other and make friends. It gives users access to find people who have the same interest as them regardless of the distance. Video games are accessible for all age groups, but it is mainly popular among young children, teenagers and young adults. It has become a part of the identity of many people and even become a part of cultural exchange among other countries. Video games are not just entertainment, but also viewed as storytelling, educational, learning new skills that challenge the mind.