The Evolution of Online Gaming
Online games are played over a computer network, which today almost always means the Internet. The rise of online gaming has significantly influenced the expansion of computer networks from local setups to the global Internet, contributing to the widespread growth of Internet access.
The Internet Revolution
The advent of the Internet brought about a revolution in online gaming. The introduction of technologies like Flash and Java enabled websites to offer streaming video, audio, and casino hello88 interactive content. When Microsoft included Flash players as a pre-installed component of Internet Explorer, the Internet transitioned from being merely a source of information to a platform for on-demand entertainment.
The Rise of Online Games
The inclusion of Flash in Internet Explorer paved the way for websites to offer games to web surfers. Popular online games like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XI, and Lineage II charge monthly fees for access, while others like Guild Wars offer a no-monthly-fee model. Some sites rely on advertising revenues to offer free play, while others, like Runescape, provide free access with optional paid services for additional content.
Massive Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs)
The growth of broadband Internet access has made MMOGs possible, allowing thousands of players to participate in the same game simultaneously. These games have become particularly popular among children, teens, and young adults.