From massive multiplayer online games to simple mobile games you can play while waiting in line, technology has enabled gaming experiences limited only by imagination. Understanding the different types of online games, the technology behind them, payment models, and how to pick the right one for you can turn gaming from a casual pastime into a deeply rewarding hobby.
Massively Multiplayer Online Games
Massively multiplayer online (MMO) games connect thousands of players together in a persistent virtual world. Popular examples include World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls Online, and Final Fantasy XIV. These roleplaying games allow you to explore vast landscapes, fight monsters, and complete quests alone or with friends. Your character progresses by gaining experience points and acquiring gear. Some key features of MMO games include:
- Persistent worlds that exist and evolve even when you're offline
- Player cooperation through guilds, parties, and raids to defeat larger challenges
- Regular content updates and expansions introducing new areas and gameplay
- Hundreds or thousands of other real players interacting in the world
The social connections and always active worlds lead some players to spend years developing their in-game avatar. With countless quests to complete and gear to acquire, MMOs offer virtually endless content for players seeking an immersive, connected gaming experience.
Online Multiplayer Games
For more instant and fast-paced competition with others, online multiplayer games are a great choice. Titles like Call of Duty, Overwatch, League of Legends, and Fortnite connect players around the world to compete in matches lasting anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. These games pit teams of players against each other in different game modes such as capture the flag, king of the hill, or deathmatch scenarios.
The most engaging multiplayer games feature competitive ranking systems that will match you with opponents of similar skill. Getting better means tougher competition and new ranks and rewards to achieve.
The best multiplayer games also emphasize strategic teamwork, fast reflexes, and mastering complex gameplay systems.
Mobile & Casual Games
Mobile and casual games provide quick entertainment you can enjoy on phones or tablets whenever you have a few minutes. Many mobile games are free or very inexpensive to download. Popular genres include puzzle, word, card, music and physics games like Candy Crush, Angry Birds, and Tetris. Multiplayer mobile shooters like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile are also hugely popular.
Compared to PC or console gaming, mobile games typically offer simpler controls and shorter session lengths catered to playing on the go.
Online Casinos
Online casinos bring the thrill of casino gambling to desktop and mobile devices. Classic games like slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette are adapted for internet play with graphics and sounds creating a casino atmosphere without leaving your home.
Major benefits include convenience, bonus offers, huge game selections, and not needing to dress up or travel. Playing casino games online provides entertainment for millions thanks to advancing technology coupled with timeless games of chance.
Payment Models
The way you pay for online games varies widely depending on the type.
MMOs and multiplayer PC/console games commonly charge for initial purchases and expansions, similar to their single-player counterparts. A growing number provide the base game for free but charge for extra content, character enhancements, or cosmetics.
Some multiplayer PC games like League of Legends, DOTA 2, and Apex Legends are entirely free-to-play but monetize through battle passes granting rewards for playing and virtual currency to spend on character and weapon skins.
Most mobile games utilize free-to-play models as well, generating revenue from in-app purchases, ads, and seasonal battle passes.
Online casinos have a multitude of payment options, with one of the most used payment methods being PayPal.
Knowing how a game monetizes before downloading can prevent sticker shock from unexpected fees. But even free-to-play games allow you to enjoy the core experience at no upfront cost.
Choose an Online Game
With so many online gaming options spanning PCs, consoles, and mobile, a few key considerations can help narrow your choice:
- Genre Preference: If you love high fantasy, MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online may appeal more than sci-fi shooters like Destiny 2.
- Platform Availability: If you primarily game on PlayStation, Xbox and Switch have great online multiplayer options as well. And nearly everyone has a mobile device capable of playing thousands of casual games like online poker or slots.
- Time Commitment: MMOs and competitive shooters often require hours of gameplay to progress and unlock new characters and abilities. Casual mobile and online games, especially casino games, can be played in short bursts whenever it's convenient.
With engaging experiences now accessible across PCs, consoles and mobile devices, online gaming offers new ways for millions to compete, cooperate and immerse themselves in vast virtual worlds. Understanding the gaming landscape is the first step to finding the types of online games you’ll enjoy playing for hours at a stretch...or even years on end.
