Chapter 9. Sprites andAnimation

We humans regularly go to great lengths and expend large amounts of energy to entertain ourselves. As society continues to progress at astonishing speed, people have an escalating need to find ways to counter the breakneck pace of life through entertainment. And it’s not all wasted time. Computer games are at least partially responsible for most of the innovations in computing. Games challenge and teach, explore and refine the creative thought processes and help develop real-world problem-solving skills. Further, it’s often possible to understand and overcome personal difficulties through the simulation of real-life events in a game.

The citizens of Rome once entertained themselves at the gladiatorial arena in the Coliseum, reliving epic battles and mythical stories in grisly detail. Today computer gamers are fragging each other at the gladiatorial deathmatch in virtual arenas across the globe. Computer game development has become an interesting occupation in which creative and talented people attempt to push the envelope of realism in the increasing need for entertainment. A Pocket PC might not have the capabilities of a powerful personal computer, but it is no less a medium for entertainment.