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How is the term video game used differently for all electronic games and for games with video displays?
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electronic game
The fictional character Mario from Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. video game franchise. Mario debuted as Jumpman in Donkey Kong (1981) before appearing in Mario Bros. (1983).
The term "video game" is often used in two distinct ways when discussing electronic games:
- Broad usage: It is frequently used as a synonym for the entire category of electronic games, encompassing all interactive games operated by computer circuitry, including those played on personal computers, mobile devices, and networked servers.1
- Specific usage: It can also refer more narrowly to games that require a video display, such as those played on arcade consoles or home television sets.12
In essence, while all video games are electronic games, the term "video game" is sometimes applied as an umbrella term for the industry, while at other times it is restricted to platforms that specifically utilize a screen to display game images.12