Playing games is something that has been a part of human life for hundreds and hundreds of years. Studies have linked games to combating stress, promoting health and keeping your brain fit and active.
Since the dawn of the internet a couple of decades ago, online games have continued to become more and more ubiquitous. There is now always an opponent ready and waiting to play all sorts of games with you. So, let’s take a closer look at why online gaming continues to be quite so popular.
Accessibility
People now have more devices than ever that give them access to the internet such as computers, tablets, laptops, and smartphones. Not only this, there is an increased availability of WiFi and mobile data wherever you go. A lot of developers have tasked themselves with making games which are accessible to all types of people, and the results have been highly successful.
Huge Choice
In the world of online gaming, there is something available for everyone. A few of the most popular types include puzzle-solving, sporting, casino, brainpower tests, and traditional arcade games. You could try out a combination of these different options or just focus on one specific genre. You could spend your time searching for the latest and hottest game or just play the classics like Minesweeper. The choice is yours!
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Affordability
Many games are available for free or for a very small cost, which obviously broadens their appeal and ensures that people on all kinds of budgets are able to play. If you do have a games console and decide to invest more money in a game, the online options mean that you could be playing for hours and hours and still not get bored.
Playability
The most successful online games need to be enjoyable to play, as well as suitable for people of all skill levels. There is a fine balance between making a game challenging and not making it so difficult that people cannot progress through the levels. Thanks to the number of online gaming options which are out there, you can take the time to play different games until you find the one that suits your ability.
Range of Opponents
We have already talked about this briefly, but one of the big reasons why online games are so successful is because you have such a wide range of opponents from all over the world. If you want to play with friends, you have plenty of opportunities to do this, but you can also pit yourself against others when they are not available. You will inevitably encounter people who play the game in an entirely different way and provide you with a fresh and unique challenge each and every time.
Developing Problem-Solving Skills and Creativity
There are many video games which directly test problem-solving skills through a series of challenges which need to be overcome. In many ways, video games are more beneficial than watching TV shows as there is a clear element of active brain engagement which you don’t get from the passive activity of simply watching. There are also many games which encourage creativity as you have to build your own character and decide on the direction that they take through the virtual world.
Bonding Activity
While many people consider playing video games to be a solitary activity, it is actually a lot more social these days. Not only are there countless multiplayer gaming options out there, your kids can also play online and interact with people from all over the world. In fact, many games have an entire community associated with them, which gives your kids the opportunity to be part of something bigger. If you start playing a little bit yourself, you even have the chance to bond with your kids over an activity that they love.
Patience and Overcoming Challenges
There is no doubt that some video games can be highly frustrating when you are struggling to advance to the next stage. However, they also require patience to overcome the various challenges set in the games. You need to be able to advance your skills to move onto the next level, and this lesson translates naturally onto other areas of life as well. There is also a great sense of achievement when you are able to overcome the obstacles that the game throws in front of you.
Promoting a Spirit of Competition
Many games are played up against a host of competitors which are both virtual and real life. Video games are very much played in the spirit of winning and losing. In order to bounce back from a loss, you need to take the time to improve your skills and try all over again. This makes the taste of victory that little bit sweeter.
The internet has opened up so many different entertainment options and made them accessible to an increasing number of people. The popularity of online games will continue to increase as time goes by and these are just a few of the reasons why.
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Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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