A video game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. The word video in video game traditionally referred to a raster display device. However, with the popular use of the term "video game", it now implies any type of display device. The electronic systems used to play video games are known as platforms; some of these would be personal computers and video game consoles. These platforms range from large mainframe computers to small handheld devices. Some of the previously common specialized video games such as arcade games, have gradually declined in use.

The input device used to manipulate video games is called a game controller and varies across platforms. One type of dedicated console controller might consist of only a button and a joystick. while another may feature a dozen buttons and one or more joysticks. Early personal computer games often needed a keyboard for gameplay and required the user to buy a separate joystick with at least one button.  Many modern computer games allow, or even require, the player to use a keyboard and mouse simultaneously.

Video games typically also use other ways of providing interaction and information to the player. Audio is almost universal, using sound reproduction devices, such as speakers and headphones.