Online video games have exploded in popularity as internet connections improved. Now that high speed internet is readily accessible in most regions of the country, gamers can enjoy their favourite games without fear of buffering or disconnecting mid-game.
Many of the most popular online games have been created with online gaming as a primary consideration. Whether it be on a games console, PC, or mobile device, online gaming in many different forms has become massive business.
As developers saw the rapid rise in online gaming, they have adapted their games to fit this ever-changing landscape of gaming customers. There are more than 3 billion players worldwide playing differing forms of online games, meaning such a huge market of potential customers and users are within reach.
Differing Genres
There are many types of games that players can play online, it is not just a specific form and specific demographic of gamer.
• Online Casinos
Before we get to the console games, online casinos have become a hugely popular industry bringing the world of casinos to our fingertips. The online gambling market worldwide is projected to reach a revenue of $107.30 billion in 2024 and increase further to $138.10 billion by 2028.
Around 243.2 billion users are expected to place an online bet by 2028. That’s an immensely large customer pool and the best online casino providers are adapting their games to ensure the thrill of the casino is experienced from anywhere with a mobile device.
Live dealer tables, exciting slot machine games and all the traditional elements of a casino can be found in one handy app. With such ease of access and high quality of gameplay, the industry will continue to grow and be one of the biggest online gamer genres enjoyed around the world.
• Shooters
Call of Duty and Battlefield have been a rising force in developing this genre for first-person shooters, like Gears of War has been for third-person shooters, into the online market. Classics like Doom and Goldeneye on early consoles and PCs provided the starting block for which generations of gamers began.
Weapons based combat in high octane and diverse environments have provided a platform which millions of users dedicate all their free time to, while some even make it a career with the rise of eSports and the huge prizes on offer in tournaments. The intricate design and development of the gameplay is outstanding, as is the tactical depth, action and mechanics of the product which make the shooter online game genre incredibly immersive.
o First Person Shooters
These offer the immersive and intense experience from being directly in the protagonists’ shoes. Titles like Far Cry, Halo and Doom have had huge success and 2024 has seen Counterstrike 2 receive a huge amount of online game play with around 45 million users already this year.
o Third Person Shooters
Fornite is the king when it comes to third person shooters. Aimed at a much wider audience and has become one of the most important games ever made. It is a constantly shifting and evolving game which has embedded itself as a key figure in pop culture as well.
• Sports
Sports games often lend themselves perfectly to multiplayer gaming, and online gaming provides the perfect platform to take on new players from all over the world. No matter the sport you’re interested in there are so many to choose from. FIFA often takes a lead, with many professional soccer teams around the world having signed professional eSports players to their teams.
• Role Playing Games
The incredible story lines in which create these insanely immersive RPGs continue to reach new levels of amazement for gamers. With quests and adventures that rely on working out story-driven experiences rather than purely reaction-based skills make them a fascinating genre. Gamers can explore diverse landscapes and worlds in titles like Skyrim and Final Fantasy XV offer players the chance to explore and interact with other games online in titles which offer unbelievable graphics.
• Strategy
Taking elements of RPGs and Shooters at times, Strategy games give users the chance to put their mind to the test as well as their reflexes. Either as part of a team or individually, there are plenty of options available to gamers.
Dota 2 has become one of the most popular strategy games in the eSports field, with professional eSports players as part of highly funded teams compete for some of the biggest jackpots on offer in all of eSports.
There are so many options for gamers with styles of games which ensure anyone who is keen on online gaming can find options for them. From online casino games which can be played at anytime, anywhere, for short or long periods, to the immersive console games which users commit hours at a time to.Online gaming continues to improve and adapt and will continue to engage users around the world. 2024 is yet another exciting time for online gaming.
