A video game is an electronic game with a user interface allowing a playful human interaction by generating a visual feedback on a video device. The video game player has devices to act on the game and perceive the consequences of his actions on a virtual environment. The word "video" in the video game traditionally refers to a screen display device, but as a result of the popularization of the term, it now involves any type of display device.

The electronic systems used to play video games, or platforms, can be both desktops and small portable devices, such as the arcade terminal, the portable console, the laptop or the smartphone. Specialized video games such as arcade games, previously common, have seen their use gradually decrease. Video games are today considered an industry and sometimes considered as an art form1.

Video games use as input device a game controller, which varies by platform. A controller can thus consist of a single button and a joystick, or have a dozen buttons and one or more joystick. The first personal computer games often required the purchase of a joystick, while modern computer games allow or require the player to use a keyboard and a mouse simultaneously.

In the 2010s, new methods of entry emerged, such as camera-based player observation, hand-held device movement detection for video game consoles, or touch screens on mobile devices. In the same way, new forms of return appeared: visual, like the 3D vision or in relief (with or without stereoscopic glasses), tactile, with vibrating terminals (seats, shuttlecocks, etc.), or piloted (reclining seats simulating the acceleration, rotation and braking of a machine).