The Top 5 Video Games of 2013

From time to time, assessments are conducted as to which of the available video games are considered the best among the rest. In this article, the focus is on the ranking of the video games based on sales which is reasonable enough since the game with the highest sales is definitely the finest. Otherwise, it will not be patronized by the gamers themselves. Halfway through the year 2013, the NPD Group has released its rankings based on the sales reported by retail outlets for the period January to April. Below are the top 5 video games as reported by NPD Group.

1. Call of Duty - Black Ops II
"Call of Duty" reclaims the top spot this year after dropping to second on last year's midterm rankings. The seemingly futuristic setting of "Black Ops II" totally differs from the previous games that even the cynical players have already changed their outlook with this mega franchise. One factor that can be attributed with its high sales is the decision of Activision to offer the "Call of Duty - Elite" for free. With its strong performance, analysts have predicted that this video game will be the best seller among the entries in the 10-year history of the franchise.

2. Bioshock Infinite
The decision of original developers of the 2007 hit "Bioshock" to come up with a sequel this year turned out to be a huge success as it ranked second based on sales. The publisher Take-Two made an announcement in mid-May that it has a whopping 3.7 million copies sold. It has already received favorable reviews from critics and gamers alike, citing its strong following will be enough reason for this to be included in this year's "best of" lists.

3. NBA 2K13
The inclusion of this sports game is not surprising at all since it was patterned to the world's most prominent basketball league that has a huge following from the entire sports enthusiasts. Take-Two's version of this is a huge success since many analysts as well as players have already shown an incredible loyalty to this action-packed game. It has absolutely taken advantage of the absence of EA's Madden NFL series. Though the latter made a statement that it will release an NBA game this year, analysts say that it will definitely have a hard time winning back its supporters because NBA 2K13 has already established its name, thanks to the overwhelming response from the players.

4. Injustice: Gods Among Us
Gone are the days when "Mortal Kombat" was the talk of the town. Enter the newest fighting game that easily captured the attention of today's players. Warner Bros. has totally found a goldmine via this game that it even managed to have a spot in the top 5, exceeding the performance of the other games that have been out for quite some time.

5. Tomb Raider
This newest version of video game top-billed by Lara Croft is fiercer and stronger than the previous releases, making it the saving grace of the fading triple-A status of the "Tomb Raider" franchise. With its 3.4 million copies sold on the first month, publisher Square Enix has a reason to smile as it only shows that the franchise is still alive and continues to draw more players.

The Importance of Playing Games

You are probably familiar with the exceptional benefits of playing a game. Regardless of one's age and physical ability, games such as golf , billiards, board games, etc. are considered to be those types of recreational activities that people select to try in order to increase their mental and/or physical skills while enjoying the excitement. But since games are played primarily for the mere enjoyment they offer, some people tend to consider them unnecessary and a waste of time. Nothing could further away from the truth. Games increase a person's capabilities and assist in developing a better understanding of ourselves. Games should be fun for one to want to continue practicing them, but they can also have an educational nature. Most importantly, games can affect a person's psychological state leading to excitement and the feeling of one being proud for an accomplishment. Games are not a waste of free time. Actually free time is the time one should devote in exploring his or her abilities through games and have fun in educating and exercising his or her body and mind.
Generally, a game consists of a goal that its players try to reach and usually has a set of rules within which a person has to succeed accomplishing the desired objective. These commonly agreed boundaries exist so as to test peoples' skills and invite them to develop new ways in managing the obstacles that might hinder them from attaining the game's goal. But, due to the vast variety of known games all around the world, agreeing on a single definition has been rather challenging. People in different time periods, countries, and contexts, have tried to capture the essence of games and come up with a classification that could serve all games' purposes. Upon examining some etymological dictionaries, one can conclude that games are a creative expression of the human spirit through the creation of an activity that has an entertaining, instructive and competing element. Regardless if a game is played by a single individual or requires competing teams, involves physical as well as mental activity, has a concrete or loose set of rules and structure, needs some or all of the available resources, it always leads to an outcome. There is usually a winner and a looser and whether a participant belongs to the one or to the other side of this simple distinction makes all the difference in the world.
With the plethora of existing games for different target groups like kids, teenagers, adults or seniors, anthropologists have proposed their classification under three major clusters. One can decide to play a game of skill, which can be mental or physical. Checkers for example use their mental skills to successfully complete a game of chess, while runners use their body's capacity to overcome natural obstacles like that of wind and gravity, or their own bodies' ability to outrun itself. The second game category is that of strategy games, like the Monopoly board game that requires from participants to reach a particular outcome over a specific time frame based on their available resources. Third, there are games of chance that base their popularity on economic insecurity and are associated with cultures that place a high value on personal responsibility. Finally, people tend to play mixed games. These games, like soccer (football) and basketball, involve both physical skill and strategic thinking and in many cases their outcome is based on chance.
Now that you know how important is for you to play games, next time someone invites you to participate in another friendly baseball match do not try to avoid the invitation because you think it is a waste of time. Games, despite their character can help you clear your mind and can change your mood. Thus, tomorrow get up, pick your favorite game, find your opponents, make it your new hobby, and experience the tremendous effect a game's round can have in your life.

The Best Group and Family Games for PS3

It's simply awesome to be able to play your favorite games on your PS3 non-stop, but having a PS3 is even better if you can enjoy it with other people. If you're looking for something new to do with your friends on a boring Friday night or an activity that will help promote family bonding, you can play fun group games on your PS3. Not only will you have other people to compete with and know who the better player is, but it also ensures endless hours of fun, excitement and some real bonding.
Here are some of the best PS3 group and family games you can try playing:
Buzz!: The Ultimate Music Quiz
Developed by Relentless Software and published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Buzz!: The Ultimate Music Quiz is a party game, the first Buzz game that features PS3 Move support. It is an awesome group game that can accommodate up to 8 players. The game features excellent core quizzing, bringing out all players' competitive side. Buzz!: The Ultimate Music Quiz also has a feature called "Paperface" wherein players can make use of the Play Station Eye Camera to take a picture of themselves for use in the in-game characters. This is definitely a fun game to play at a party or during a chill bonding night.
Start the Party!
Formerly named Move Party, Start the Party! is an augmented reality party game that suits all ages. The game was developed by Supermassive Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game provides plenty of augmented reality mini-games such as painting and bug-swatting, providing any group with clean, simple fun. The game starts with the players snapping a picture of themselves using the Play Station Eye which will be used for their in-game character. This fun PS3 game is perfect for days with the family especially if you have youngsters in the house.
Monopoly
If you and your friends love the classic Monopoly game, then you'll enjoy this virtual edition. Developed by EA Bright Light and published by Electronic Arts, the game proceeds exactly like the much-loved board game. Enjoy a night with friends or family playing Monopoly on PS3 and find out who will come out the richest!
Sing Star
Who wouldn't enjoy a fun night with the people you love singing your heart out? Apparently, your PS3 can also double as a top-range videoke machine that ensures endless hours of musical fun. Developed by London Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, players need to score points while singing along to songs in a music video. The best thing about the game is that it's compatible to Eye Toy and Play Station Eye Cameras that enables players to see themselves while singing.