ABSTRACT
Interactive media applications have become ubiquitous and impact many aspects of life. The computer is the most essential development and delivery tool for all forms of interactive media. While much of our interactive media is consumed on handheld devices, these are technically computers, albeit very small ones. In order for one to successfully interact with a computer running MS-DOS, the user had to learn a new language. Video games are a form of interactive digital media that emerged not long after the invention of the computer. In the 1980s, while personal computers were becoming more commonplace, the Internet was growing by leaps and bounds. It was even possible for individuals to connect to the Internet from home using telephone dial up connections with primitive modems. Interactive media has evolved beyond a point and click experience. Interactive applications that incorporate virtual reality are being used for a wide variety of purposes, from training to therapy to entertainment.
