It’s pretty amazing how the entertainment value behind some programming code and graphic design has taken on a strong penchant. The evolution of video gaming has excelled to such prominence; hardcore gamers are still in shock by the mainstream success it has captivated.

While the idea of dismissing a beer pong soirée for a night of Wii Bowling would seem gimmicky, the concept behind incorporating a bowling sim into your routine beerfest has become a favorite amongst partygoers. The motion control capabilities of the Nintendo Wii have made next-generation gaming the closest thing to virtual reality we have ever experienced—well at least for now. C’mon, who would pass up a good game of Wii Bowling amongst a gathering of booze hounds and foxes? Better yet, how about comparing your intellect with others with Nintendo’s IQ simulator, Brian Age, to see if you have pee’d your brain cells away? Exactly, you can’t resist!

The recent series of music simulators has given a new meaning to the word karaoke. Now-a- days, all it takes is a hefty $400 and you could be at home with your Rock Band set (drums, microphone and guitar) and an Xbox 360 console—setting your apartment as the ultimate stage for guests to jam out to the most hailed of Rock ‘n’ Roll tunes. The Xbox Live market has revolutionized not only the online gaming experience, but the home console market—inviting gamers all over the world to compete in tournaments and multi-player madness, with titles like Halo 3 and the Madden franchise being the biggest headliners. Just goes to show the party isn’t only limited to your living room.

Taverns and lounges have embraced the trend and have installed next-gen consoles, reaping the benefits of luring the large quantity of gaming aficionados to their establishments. A niche approach to attract new crowds, but clever nevertheless. You can’t go wrong with a couple of pitchers of Samuel Adams, some buffalo wings and some gridiron action with the latest Madden installment. In the city, venues such as the Ochi’s Lounge at Comix, Bar None and Sutton Place invite drinkers to partake in Guitar Hero and Wii Sports competitions. Now that sounds like a good time.

The latest gaming consoles have already topped more than $60 million units sold worldwide, while multi-player franchises such as Mario Kart, Call of Duty and Guitar Hero have made the gaming market a billion dollar industry. The numbers don’t lie; videogames have become the latest “it” trend, especially amongst party crowds. As game developers keep reinventing new ways of incorporating their ingenuity into the hands-on experience of the gaming realm, partygoers will show their own appreciation in return, incorporating the guilty pleasure of gaming into a night that doesn’t only consist of breaking in six-packs and party kegs, but high scores and control pads as well.