The Benefits and Disadvantages of Online Games
Online games are played on the internet and can range from single player video games where a person controls an avatar or character to multiplayer video games where players compete against each other. They are usually based on animals or virtual worlds, and may also involve strategy, adventure, puzzle, shooting and sports.
Online gaming can be a great way to socialize with friends, meet new people and even exercise your brain. However, there are a number of negatives to online gaming that parents need to be aware of. While research has shown that playing online games can improve focus and concentration in real life, it is also linked to obesity, depression, poor grades and aggressive or violent behaviori. Parents should have a discussion with their children about appropriate gaming and make sure to review the safety settings and features of the game they are playing to ensure it is being used in an age-appropriate manner.
The history of online gaming began with multiplayer games that were confined to internal networks in the 1970s and 1980s. When computers became more powerful and connected to the Internet in the 1990s, online gaming grew quickly. Multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) became very popular during this time, and developers took advantage of the growing popularity by creating titles like Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds, QuakeWorld and EverQuest. Video game consoles soon followed suit, with the PlayStation 2 and Xbox adding online play capabilities.
As online gaming became more sophisticated, players could do things like create their own characters and interact with other gamers in real-time, often through voice chat. While this increased the fun of the game, it also allowed people from different countries and backgrounds to play together, often over long distances. This online gaming community grew even larger as smart phones became more prevalent and the ability to play online games on them improved.
Some online games can even be used to help educate children. For example, the Among Us game that got so popular during the H1N1 pandemic had people from all over the world playing against each other and learning about how to stay healthy.
For a more casual experience, online board games are a great option for families and coworkers who want to have some fun while staying in the comfort of their home or office. BoardGame Arena is an excellent resource that allows users to play over 230 classic board games, including favorites like 6 nimmt! and Saboteur, in real-time or turn-based mode. It also includes a variety of social games for teams to try out with each other.
Another way to get in on the fun of online gaming is to play social games with friends or work colleagues over a video conferencing program or in the virtual office. One such game is Guess What!, an interactive team building activity that donates to charity every time a challenge is completed. This online group game is easy to use and can be played by anyone with a laptop, tablet or smartphone.