January 27, 2026, 4:24 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Video games are on the rise, but computer games are not necessarily. As the terms are often used interchangeably, this sentence could sound like a paradox. However, this is not actually the case, as the words do not mean the same thing.
In the world of digital entertainment, the terms computer games and video games crop up frequently. The industry behind them is large, and the medium is increasingly present. Many people equate the terms, but there is an important technical difference. What exactly is this difference?
Computer Games Explained
In a narrower sense, the term computer games refers to games that have been specially developed for the PC (personal computer). They are played on a classic desktop or laptop computer and often benefit from the powerful hardware and the ability to use a keyboard and mouse as input devices, although, in principle, of course, control with a compatible controller is also possible.
Computer games are known for being moddable. Many titles offer support for mods—user-created extensions—which can significantly expand the game world. In addition, PC games are often more technically sophisticated and offer advanced graphics settings as well as greater flexibility in control, which is already a result of the input device.
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What Are Video Games?
Video games, on the other hand, are the overarching term for all electronic games that are displayed on a screen—including consoles, smartphones, and tablets. This includes classics such as “Super Mario” on various Nintendo consoles or mobile games such as “Candy Crush”.
While computer games are a sub-category of video games, the term video games also includes platforms outside of the classic PC. Console games, for example, are usually optimized for controllers and specially tailored to the respective hardware. Some argue that, technically speaking, consoles are also computers. Nevertheless, the distinction in terms of the classic use of the term is clear.
Why the Difference Between Computer Games and Video Games Is Important
Although computer games are also video games, they differ in several ways. The most important thing is the platform. Computer games run on PCs, while video games can be played on PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Following on from this, there are also differences in the controls and the modifiability of titles.
To summarize: every computer game is a video game, but not every video game is a computer game. While video games cover a wide range of platforms, computer games are specifically limited to the PC. The distinction may not always be relevant for everyday life, but for gamers and technology enthusiasts, it can be crucial—especially when it comes to purchasing decisions or gaming preferences.