Why Choose Online Gaming?

Online gaming is becoming ever more popular as time goes by. With the huge, ever growing availability of internet access, games that range in price from being free to £50 and accessibility of wireless internet access mean that it’s quick and easy for everyone to get online and get in a game.

So why should you choose multiplayer gaming online over single player games? There are many arguments for both views, even with the huge following multiplayer online gaming has, some people do still prefer single player games.

Subscription costs are something that can keep younger players from playing online. Not only do you have to pay for internet access, but playing on Xbox live or the Playstation network and games like World of Warcraft require extra subscription costs per month which can be as much as £10. Most homes these days will have an internet connection anyway, so that at least can remove part of the cost for younger gamers, and for older gamers, internet access can come in a multideal package from most providers with cable television and a phoneline, again saving money. Although there are some games that require subscription costs, the bottom line is of course that you do not have to play these games or on these networks. A PC with internet access means you can access millions of free online games and many games you can buy come with the extra of online play. If you don’t have the money and still want to play online there are still plenty of options to choose from.

Unfortunately, one of the downsides of online gaming is just how competitive games can become online. Often, games will come with a ranking system or someway of keeping track of stats which will encourage people to be more competitive. This can be something that can put budding gamers off of playing online. However this is not as big a problem as you may at first believe. There are several gaming leagues and tournaments out there that keep the majority of the hardcore, super competitive gamers occupied. Many of the more competitive gamers prefer to play in these tournaments or leagues because they see it as more of a challenge which is of course rewarded with a higher sense of satisfaction upon winning. The few hardcore competitive gamers that do not stick to these tournaments and leagues however can be a blessing in disguise. It is possible to learn a hell of a lot from both playing against, playing with and observing these players. Chances are they will know a few tricks of the trade and spending a little bit of time playing against, with or even watching them can provide you with plenty of tricks to try and pull off yourself.

The fear of playing badly online is another deterrent to new gamers. But the truth is, no-one will be able to pick up a game, jump online and play it well. Sure, people who are fans of the genre will be able to play adequately, but they won’t be able to get a complete grasp of the game and play well until they’ve spent some time getting to know it. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. There’s not a lot you can do to become better at a game aside from playing it. Single player and multiplayer alike it’s just practice, practice, practice.

Many people also fear that there will be repercussions for leaving an online game which is in the middle of a map or round if they have to go and do something like answer the phone or answer the door, or even if they just get bored. The truth is, games that punish you for leaving before the round or game ends are extremely rare. The lack of a pause ability can seem like it will be a problem, while some games support a pause system for online play, other games do have other methods you can use to leave the game, pc or console alone for short or even long periods of time. Many games offer a spectator mode, where the player will be transferred to spectator slot, here they are able to watch the game unfold and they themselves will not interfere with gameplay.

Playing online does involve interaction with other people all over the world. This is a huge benefit of playing online, you can meet and interact with a whole variety of people. Who knows, you might just learn something. Not only can playing online increase your social interaction skills, but the chances are that the other people who are playing online with you can teach you a thing or two not just about the current game, but about almost anything. You can learn about other cultures, languages, foods, music and sometimes you can even hear about big events that have happened before they reach the television and newspapers. Talking to these people online online and getting to know them can also be a huge confidence booster for those who are shy in real life. The ability to talk in game both by typing and by talking into a microphone has opened up doors to meeting a huge variety of people.

There are of course games to suit everyone. From action and shooters, to racing, football and other sports, to city building, tactical battles and even text based games, there is a game out there everyone can enjoy. So, if you’ve just gained an internet connection, or you’ve seen adverts for World of Warcraft or Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and fancy giving it a try, or even if you’re just like my sister who doesn’t see the appeal of playing games online, or if you’re like my mum who sits in the next room and wonders what the hell it is I’m talking about half the time and why I’m shouting obscurities at a computer screen then this series of articles might just be for you.

Future updates include: Gaming Lingo – Learn the language of gamers. The most popular gaming genres. The basics of online gaming, tactics and game plans. 5 Top tips for gaming online. Your fellow gamers and you, gaming etiquette. Top 10 online games everyone can enjoy. Choosing the right weapons. The different types of gamer. The top gaming communities, gaming videos, game inspired comics, game inspired internet based series, ways to make money gaming, gaming leagues and gaming teams. Choosing the right set up for gaming. And the 10 essential assets for gaming online.