| Online computer games are video games that | | | | online into play-by-email games. |
| are played in a network, such as the internet | | | | |
| or an internal office network. Its popularity | | | | During the 90s, the internet brought about |
| started out from small local networks and | | | | many changes in the way online games are |
| extended online. As more and more people | | | | played. It was during this period that |
| gained access to the World Wide Web, online | | | | settings and concepts were redesigned and |
| games have likewise been a fast-growing | | | | given a more urbane appeal. Complex graphics |
| segment for internet-based industries such as | | | | were applied to gaming and online matches |
| software developers and gaming console | | | | started as well. |
| manufacturers. | | | | |
| | | | These new concepts also brought about a new |
| There are a large number of games available | | | | generation of gamers. Born between the years |
| online, ranging from the simple, text based | | | | 1980 and 2001, these advanced gamers can play |
| games to role playing games imbedded with | | | | any type of computerized and video games and |
| complex graphics and virtual environments | | | | are largely adept with the navigation of |
| that many players can access at the same | | | | computer devices apart from the inherent |
| time. Most online games now have organized | | | | savvy over handheld gadgets. The rise of |
| online communities where its players can | | | | these gamers influenced the internets shift |
| interact with other players; thus, making | | | | from that of an information machine into an |
| online games a social activity. | | | | entertainment media as well. |
| | | | |
| The online games popular during the 80s | | | | Today, computer games online have become a |
| include Scrabble Clones, Chess and other | | | | profitable industry. Websites offering games |
| board games. There were also online games | | | | charge monthly fees to web surfers while some |
| that had fantasy settings that were played on | | | | maintain their sites through the sizeable |
| a BBS using a modem. However, the high fees | | | | advertising revenues obtained from on-site |
| charged for online access diverted the set-up | | | | sponsors. |
| of some of these games from being played | | | | |