Gaming is not just a digital form of entertainment. Multiplayer games are being played from
centuries back. During the 16th century board games were considered as the most entertaining
way of socializing with friends and families. But gaming got real attention with the availability
of technology in the year 1972. Electronic game system first invented by Ralph Bauer in the
early 50s. But the actual change happened in 1978 with the rapid growth of video game industry.
As this was just the beginning and many more milestones were yet to be achieved in future with
electronic computers and console systems. Electronic computers took the popular seat for
games in comparison to video games for its well defined picture quality, better movement and
quality sound. But still computers were either too slow or not at all made for some popular
games. There console system came into existence. Console systems have found their ways
among game lovers for their innovative features and uniqueness. The first popular console
system was Atari 2600 which became a smash hit for the widely popular game “Space Invaders”.
Yet the console industry saw a collapse in 1983. But after then there was no looking back for
both computer and console gaming industry till now. Role-Playing Games (RPG’s) which
promotes imagination and strategy became the first choice among the game fans. Gaming went
through another revolution with the beginning of the internet era and the term internet gaming
became widely popular. Internet gaming is something where one need not have to play against
the computer generated player but can be played against another person no matter where he is.
All kinds of games from card games to strategically admired Role-Playing Games can now be
played by number of players at the same time worldwide. Microsoft first introduced the card
game Solitaire on its window 3x. “The Zone” is the first internet game site to go live was
produced by Microsoft again, which was available in both single and multiplayer version.
Likewise Sony’s play site Station.com which was stuffed with classic games like Jeopardy,
Wheel of Fortune made the site another big hit. All these gaming sites were paid one which
succeeded commercially. There were other freely distributed games too where programmers
share the game for free (freeware and shareware). Role playing games are one of
those. “Dungeons and Dragons” created by Gygax and Arneson is the most popular RPG among
all. Player with good imagination and tactic ability can enjoy it the most. In roll playing games
people interact with other players as characters created by the story teller or the Game Master
(GM). The advance technology of 2d and 3d games made the internet gaming industry to touch
new heights. Multiplayer games such as, “Warcraft and Starcraft” became most popular as they
allow the players to chat and play together from any corner of the world. In the year 1998
Starcraft won the best PC game for its new technology. 3D and virtual reality games created a
new craze among RPG fans later. Ever Quest became a smash hit for its super rich 3d graphics
where the player can interact with the characters vividly. EQ reigned internet gaming with its
super hit characters such as Elves, Dwarves, Humans, Trolls, Ogres, and many more. The main
USP of EQ was the games real life like laws where you can punish the guilty, can settle
problems in a respectful manner. Another fantasy game “Ultima Online” by Electronic Arts took
over EQ and have managed to get thousands of subscribers all over the world. These immensely
popular games are still developing and will continue to be popular in the coming future.
Fictional games promote team spirit and puzzle solving ability. “The Beast” based on the Steven
Spielberg’s movie “A.I.: Artificial Intelligence” was having the exact qualities for which it
became the most popular game among game devotees. This game featured over 30 websites
giving clues to unfold the game. This was mainly an intellectual game which absolutely needs
lots of presence of mind and knowledge. On-line gaming takes gaming to new heights creating
a social atmosphere where so many people literally comes closure worldwide playing at the
same time. It’s not that gaming is helpful for problem solving ability but there are certain trends
which are not helpful for social environment. The interference of sex has changed the scenario of
the gaming industry with companies starting promoting hardcore pornographic websites to
market their games. Adult games though never really captured the market, still has a strong hold
among game lovers. Pornographic game leaves disastrous impact on the youth mentality, many
instances of past have proven the fact. Not just sex games but also games with excessive
violence are hazardous for the youngster. Unknown of the consequences they literally practice
the game with anybody. Games featuring man eaters, war and fighting creates a deep and
negative psychological impact upon them. Instead of these disadvantages internet games still
promotes friendliness, communication most importantly imagination. With innovation and
advance technology gaming industry will continue to rein game lovers heart and success in
future.
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