Translation guide
In Japanese, 'computer game' is most commonly expressed as コンピューターゲーム (konpyūtā gēmu), a direct loanword. However, the broader term テレビゲーム (terebi gēmu, 'video game') is more frequently used in everyday conversation. For PC-specific games, パソコンゲーム (pasokon gēmu) is also common.
The speaker wants to refer to games played on a computer, as opposed to consoles or arcades.
Direct loanword from English. Widely understood, but may sound slightly formal or technical. Use in contexts where you specifically mean PC games.
I've been really into computer games lately.
Abbreviation of 'personal computer game'. Very common for PC games. More casual and natural than コンピューターゲーム in everyday speech.
I bought a new computer game.
Uses the English abbreviation 'PC'. Common among gamers and in online contexts. Slightly more technical feel.
This computer game has amazing graphics.
The speaker wants to refer to electronic games broadly, not distinguishing between platforms.
Literally 'TV game'. The most common umbrella term for video games, including computer games. Use this when the platform is not important.
When I was a kid, I played computer/video games all the time.
Simply 'game'. In context, it often means video/computer games. Very natural and common.
Loanword 'video game'. Less common than テレビゲーム but understood. Sometimes used in formal or industry contexts.
All three mean 'computer game' specifically for PCs. パソコンゲーム is the most natural in conversation. コンピューターゲーム can sound a bit dated or formal. PCゲーム is common in written or online contexts, especially among enthusiasts.
Unless you need to emphasize that it's a PC game, テレビゲーム or simply ゲーム is more natural. Japanese speakers often don't distinguish between computer and console games in casual talk.
Yesterday I played computer games all day.
I'm researching the history of video games.