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