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How Online is Becoming a Key Requirement in Many Games

Gaming enjoys a remarkable level of popularity today that, not so long ago, would have amazed all but the most forward-thinking people. No longer just the reserve of teenage boys and introverts, more and more people are discovering the joys of computer games. A key part of this is the ability to connect with others through the online element of various games. This has helped them to become a genuinely social activity, rather than something to be enjoyed in isolation.

Historically, online gaming was something that happened with a handful of very specific PC games. Technology in this area has evolved so rapidly that today we play multiplayer games on our smartphones with friends and family possibly on the other side of the world.

There are several reasons why this evolution has happened so quickly and why so many experts in this field, not to mention the developers of the games themselves, agree that online gaming is the way of the future and are devoting so much attention and resource to it as a result.

Consider the following:

  • Multiplayer. One of the reasons whole new demographics are getting into gaming is that it is more social than ever before. It used to be something that one did alone, or with one other person at the very most. For some people, this was a big part of the appeal, though it did lead to gaming developing something of a social stigma. Today, it is seen as a hobby for the whole family or groups of friends to enjoy together. More and more people are scheduling in regular gaming time with their friends, going online at the same time and playing the same games.

  • Downloadable content. Not so long ago, you would have had to make a visit to the shops to get the latest game. Today you do not even have to visit a specific website, because very often you can download new content through the game itself. This is not just about fixing bugs either, as whole new levels and characters can be accessed. 

  • Spending money. Online access also allows individuals to make in-game purchases to enhance their gaming experience. This could be for anything from the downloadable content mentioned above, to playing with real money and an actual betting bankroll on online poker and other betting sites. All of which means the industry becomes even more lucrative while gamers get to experience a more lifelike enjoyment.

It is impossible to predict exactly what is going to happen in the future, particularly in sectors as fast-moving and innovative as computer gaming. Think back to the sort of games you played as a child and imagine what you would have thought if you could see the sort of games you play now.

One thing we can be confident of is that online elements will continue to play a key role in the world of gaming for some time yet and developers will continue to look for new and exciting ways of utilizing this to enhance our gaming experience.

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