The modern internet is a miraculous invention. It allows just about anyone in the world to exchange information with just about anyone else. This has made possible entirely new ways of shopping, chatting, filing a tax return, and much more besides.
Of course, the internet has also transformed the way we entertain ourselves. This is especially so in the case of online video games, which attract hundreds of millions of players.
The Shift from Console to Online Multiplayer Gaming
In the mid-1990s, the idea of multiplayer gaming was largely restricted to local games of Mario Kart, Goldeneye 64, and FIFA. The arrival of the internet helped to shift the standard, and allow networked play to become a major cornerstone of the gaming experience.
Within a decade, console gamers were able to play at any given moment against a player anywhere in the world – much like their counterparts in the world of PC gaming.
Today, a handful of competitive games dominate the scene. These include FIFA’s successor, EA Sports FC, and modern shooters like Fortnite and Counter-Strike.
How Social Media and Streaming Have Shaped Gameplay
It isn’t just the gaming itself that has been altered by the internet. The broader culture and public discourse around gaming is now largely a feature of online platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Discord. When a modern game is released, it’s no longer necessary to buy a monthly magazine to find out whether it’s worth playing. You might instead ask an online community, whose opinions you value.
Mobile Gaming: Entertainment at Your Fingertips
Once upon a time, you could only have a great gaming experience if you invested in dedicated gaming hardware. But nowadays, everyone has access to a device that can play a variety of amazing games, in the form of their mobile phone.
These games might include puzzlers, adventure games, shoot ’em ups, and a variety of others. Some of these games seek to replicate classic control pads using an on-screen set of buttons; others take advantage of tilt controls, GPS, and other innovations offered by the modern mobile phone.
The Growth of Online Gambling and Jackpot Slots
The gambling industry has been quick to evolve with the times, and to offer betting through online, regulated platforms. You might place a bet on a sporting event, or even an election. Then there are simple free games like jackpot slots, which offer a taste of a casino experience, without the hassle of actually visiting a casino!
