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