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Internet Gaming – From the MUD to the Arcade
Twenty years ago, I sat in my brother-in-law’s den, watching five-year-old Philip soundly trounce his grandmother at his favorite game – Pac Man. After his third successive win, Phil gave his grandmother a puzzled look and asked, “Geeze, Grammy, didn’t you play Pac Man when you were a kid?”
I know that I didn’t play Pac Man as a kid. I’m from the Pong generation. I did get my chance to brush up on my ghost-eating skills for a quarter a game in the Student Union during my freshman year at college. By the time little Phil was cheating his grandmother (the sly little runt had set her on Advanced while he played Easy – and forgot to mention to her that you had to EAT the power pills in order to eat the ghosts), the world of gaming was on a roll, gathering more momentum with each passing month.
The Rise of Gaming Companies
Companies like Nintendo and Sony started by translating arcade games to consoles but soon ventured off in their own directions. In just ten years, the gaming industry became one of the fastest-growing and most profitable sectors of the technology market. The advent of interconnectivity took gaming to new heights, expanding the player base from the neighborhood arcade to the entire globe.
Connectivity and Browser Gaming
However, connectivity didn’t necessarily mean the World Wide Web. One of the problems with playing console games for the Playstation, GameCube, or Xbox is that you must own a console to play. Enter Macromedia Flash and Sun Java, two of the most popular plug-ins for web browsers. Java was designed to be a cross-platform programming language that runs in your browser, regardless of the operating system you’re using. Macromedia’s Flash animation program is possibly the most universally supported and installed browser plug-in in the world. In just a few short years, both platforms evolved from flat, bouncy ball graphics to stunning 3D graphics.
The Emergence of Online Games
Not surprisingly, the first wave of web browser games powered by Flash and Java included rewrites of some old favorites’everything from classics to engaging, if silly, games like Swat the Clown. These games captured the imaginations of many who grew up during the golden years of the late ’70s and early ’80s while also feeding the current appetite for all things retro. But they’re not the only games to play online.
Diverse Gaming Options
You’ll find a wide variety of games available, from classic board games like Stratego to casino games, puzzles, and shoot-’em-ups. Many are multiplayer, while others are designed for a single player against the computer, much like PC and console games. So, what are the most played games online these days?
Casino Games
Casino games top the ranks, with online interactive poker being one of the most popular activities on the web. It’s hard to resist the thrill of gambling, and online casinos are cashing in’big time. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to test your skills in poker, blackjack, and other casino games without spending a dime.
Retro Arcade Games
Retro arcade games are a close second. Following the trend for nostalgia, a new generation is discovering the fun of maneuvering falling blocks into place in games like Tetris or shooting asteroids in space. Classics such as Prince of Persia, Frogger, and Donkey Kong are also making a comeback, reminding players of the joy of arcade gaming.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games overlap with classic arcade offerings, including timeless titles like Tetris and Connect 4, straddling the line between board games and arcade fun. These games range from aligning marbles to flipping coins to clear an opponent’s board in Reversi.
Sports Games
Sports games never lose their appeal. While fantasy football and baseball leagues keep the hardcore fans occupied, many enjoy spending hours playing Mini Putt Golf or Pong. You can step into a batter’s cage and hit a few home runs in baseball games or race cars in thrilling racing games. If you’re in the mood for something silly, you can even play drafts with penguins or engage in whack-a-mole games with your mouse.
Conclusion
No matter your taste or preference, chances are you’ll find a game to suit it online. Just fire up your browser and dive into the vast world of internet gaming. From the nostalgic experiences of retro games to the thrill of competitive online play, the gaming landscape continues to evolve and expand, providing endless entertainment for everyone.