| Online games refer to video games that are | | | | frequently based on fantasy settings, using rules |
| played over some form of computer network, | | | | similar to those in the role-playing game Dungeons |
| most commonly the Internet. The expansion of | | | | & Dragons. Other styles of games, such as |
| online gaming has reflected the overall expansion | | | | chess, Scrabble clones, and other board games |
| of computer networks from small local networks | | | | were available. |
| to the Internet and the growth of Internet | | | | Browser games |
| access itself. Online games can range from simple | | | | As the World Wide Web developed and browsers |
| text based games to games incorporating | | | | became more sophisticated, people started |
| complex graphics and virtual worlds populated by | | | | creating browser games that used a web |
| many players simultaneously. Many online games | | | | browser as a client. Simple single player games |
| have associated online communities, making online | | | | were made that could be played using a web |
| games a form of social activity beyond single | | | | browser via HTML and HTML scripting |
| player games. | | | | technologies (most commonly JavaScript, ASP, |
| Early online games | | | | PHP, and MySQL). More complicated games would |
| Online games started in the 1980s with MUDs, | | | | contact a web server to allow a multiplayer |
| simple multiplayer text-based games, often played | | | | gaming environment. |
| on a BBS using a modem. These games were | | | | |