Abstract: A video game apparatus is provided for use in conjunction with a remotely controllable audio visual playback device, such as a video cassette player. The game apparatus comprises a learning remote control which is programmed with remote control signals such as pause and restart signals for the particular audio visual playback device with which it is to be used. A plurality of hand-held switches are coupled to the remote control so that when one of the switches is actuated the audio visual playback is paused. In this way, a plurality of players may play a prerecorded question and answer type quiz game, wherein the first player to actuate his or her hand-held switch is allowed time to answer the preceding question whilst the audio visual playback is paused.