Whimsy and fun are often the precursors to powerful tools that are used later for more serious applications. A project at inception might not be useful because of lack of infrastructure or incomplete refinements. Resultantly the computer game has filled a role in being the incubator for many innovations that drive the usefulness of the computer. This article describes this role, developing a set of technologies, interaction styles, and social transformation that contributes to the computer field. A brief historical discussion and a consideration to some future possibilities are given. Read more...