The days of gamers playing at their PCs in dark basements are long in the past. Today, gaming has been revolutionized to be a popular pastime, enjoyed by all ages, genders, and cultures. Online gaming has especially become an important sub-sector of the gaming world, as it has made games more accessible and affordable than ever before.
Whether you’re a pro Twitch streamer or a complete gaming newbie, this guide is for you. Refamiliarize yourself with what online gaming is about, or find your feet in a very exciting, immersive, and vast universe.
About Online Gaming Platforms
Online games are hosted on cloud platforms, where thousands of players can access the games simultaneously. These platforms are available for PCs, consoles, and mobile phones, making it easier to get involved with gaming than ever before.
Online games are games played over the internet. These games are often social, where players work together or fight against each other. There are epic boss battles, car chases, and team victories, making it more interactive than traditional offline games.
PC gaming is games enjoyed on a personal computer at your desk at home. Previously, PC games were mostly buy-to-play, where players purchased the game title and owned the game. But with online gaming, this ownership looks different. Players either sign up for subscription models or pay-to-play, then log in to their online account to access the game. The game is played entirely online, and progress is saved on the cloud.
Console gaming is similar to PC gaming, where games are enjoyed online via the console developer’s online store. PlayStation has PlayStation Plus, Xbox offers the Xbox Game Pass, and Nintendo has online games on Nintendo Switch Online. Users can log onto these platforms and play in worlds inhabited by real-life players from all over the world.
Mobile gaming is a newer participant in the online world, but mobile games rival PC and console titles in terms of graphics, immersion, and gameplay mechanics. The rise of smartphone penetration across the world has made gaming accessible to millions who would never have afforded a console or PC. Games can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and played online as long as the user has a stable internet connection.
iGaming is a sub-genre of online gaming. This genre focuses solely on online casino games. Online casino platforms give players the opportunity to experience an entire casino in their pocket or at their desk, with live dealer games, slots, and other table games available online. Most of these online sites don’t require players to download any software, and some even offer designated free slot play where players can spin reels without spending any money. It’s a good way to get familiar with how iGaming platforms work with no risk to your budget.
Different Gaming Genres
There are various genres in the online gaming sector:
- First-person shooters: These action games place the player in a fast-paced game where enemies must be hunted down in a variety of settings. Popular titles include Fortnite and Call of Duty.
- Role-playing games (RPGs): Here, the player is flung into a world with lore and a rich narrative. Most RPGs allow open-world exploration, like The Elder Scrolls Online, World of Warcraft, and Final Fantasy XIV.
- Simulation games: These games mimic real-life scenarios and have a much slower game pace. They’re ideal for casual players who enjoy stress-free gaming. Build a city, manage a farm, or fly a plane; these are all common topics of simulations. Some favorites are Stardew Valley, Euro Truck Simulator, and Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- Multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs): These games are often featured at esports tournaments. They’re turn-based team games where strategy is the most important feature. DOTA 2 and League of Legends are the most popular MOBA games.
- Online casino games: These mimic real-world casino games. Players can upload funds to their accounts and enjoy slots, table games, and live dealer games.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the gaming genres, as there are genres within genres, or one game can span multiple genres. Other gaming genres include sports, racing, fighting, puzzle, survival, and battle royale.
Getting Started With Online Gaming
Getting started with online gaming couldn’t be easier. The toughest part is deciding which game you want to play on which platform:
- Ensure you have the required hardware for your game of choice. Install the game client on your device.
- Register your account with your chosen gaming platform. Make sure to use a strong password and regularly change your passwords for the best security.
- Optional: Watch others play the game on Twitch or YouTube Gaming to get tips and tricks on the basics of gameplay.
- Dive into the game. Remember that having fun is the main aim of online gaming, so don’t be too hard on yourself if the game has a bit of a learning curve.
- If you’re playing a multiplayer game, visit online forums or Discord communities to find other players or learn from others. This can deepen your gaming experience and make it a more social activity.
Tips And Advice For Gamers
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection for all types of games to prevent lagging or delays.
- Check that you have compatible hardware. Modern games may not work on old tech.
- For a more immersive experience, consider investing in a gaming headset, a large monitor, and an ergonomic chair.
- Check out what the experts are doing on streaming platforms. Watch how they play, listen to what they say, and also read reviews of games before subscribing to a platform.
- Practice makes perfect when it comes to online gaming. Most games have tutorials online or offline versions for practice, and the more you play the more familiar you will become with the controls.
- Always protect your personal information online by using strong passwords and not revealing anything about yourself to strangers.
- Always report inappropriate behavior from other players.
Gaming is all about having fun, socializing, and immersing yourself in a different world. Online games are great for players who find playing games a lonely experience, because not only can you interact with others in real time, but there are vast online communities on Discord and Reddit where fans of games congregate to discuss what they love and hate about their favorite online titles.