computer game
HighInformal to neutral; common in everyday speech, marketing, and media.
Definition
Meaning
A game played by interacting with a computer, involving graphics and sound, where players control on-screen elements.
An electronic game that involves user interaction with a user interface or input device (like a controller or keyboard) to generate visual feedback on a video display device such as a TV screen, monitor, or virtual reality headset.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often synonymous with 'video game', though 'computer game' can specifically imply games played on a personal computer (PC) rather than a dedicated console.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both common, but 'video game' is slightly more prevalent in US English, while 'computer game' retains strong usage in UK English, particularly for PC-based games.
Connotations
In the UK, 'computer game' can sound slightly more dated or formal than 'video game'. In the US, 'computer game' may specifically denote non-console, PC-based gaming.
Frequency
US: 'Video game' is dominant in general discourse. UK: 'Computer game' and 'video game' are both very common, with usage overlapping significantly.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
play + computer gamebe addicted to + computer gamedevelop + computer gamedownload + computer gameinstall + computer gameVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not a game (used to emphasize seriousness)”
- “The game is up (the secret is out)”
- “Ahead of the game (in a position of advantage)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The computer game industry generates billions in revenue annually.
Academic
The study examined the cognitive effects of prolonged computer game playing in adolescents.
Everyday
The kids are upstairs playing a computer game.
Technical
The new engine renders graphics for the computer game in real-time.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He loves to game on his new PC.
- They gamed all night and finished the quest.
American English
- She games competitively every weekend.
- We were gaming when the internet cut out.
adjective
British English
- The computer-game industry is booming.
- He's a computer-game designer.
American English
- The computer game industry is worth over $100 billion.
- She works in computer game development.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother plays a computer game about cars.
- This computer game is for children.
- I usually play computer games with my friends online at the weekend.
- The new computer game has amazing graphics and a great story.
- Developing a successful computer game requires a team of programmers, artists, and writers.
- Many parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend on computer games.
- The nascent computer game was lauded for its innovative gameplay mechanics and narrative depth, pushing the boundaries of the medium.
- Economists study the computer game market as a key indicator of digital entertainment consumption trends.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMPUTER (the machine) and a GAME (fun activity) - a game you play on a computer.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPUTER GAME IS A WORLD (e.g., 'exploring the game's universe', 'entering a new realm').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'компьютерная игра'? It's correct, but note the compound noun structure. The word order is fixed: 'computer game', not 'game computer'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'computer's game' (incorrect possessive).
- Confusing 'computer game' (for PCs) with 'video game' (any platform).
- Misspelling as 'computergame' (should be two words or hyphenated: computer-game).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most specifically used for games played on a personal computer?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are largely synonymous, but 'computer game' often specifically refers to games played on a PC, while 'video game' is a broader term encompassing games on consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
Not outdated, but 'video game' is increasingly the umbrella term. 'Computer game' remains precise for the PC gaming sector.
The open form 'computer game' is most common. The hyphenated form 'computer-game' is less frequent but acceptable, especially when used as a compound modifier (e.g., computer-game developer).
Common collocations include 'play computer games', 'spend time on computer games', and 'be addicted to computer games'.