Gaming is no longer a niche hobby or something people need to be ashamed of. Today, more than 3 billion gamers exist, and the term encompasses all who have played at least one game. From them, over 1.1 billion play games online, putting in countless hours of game time. With gaming becoming even more widespread since the pandemic, as it helped people cope with isolation, stress, and social issues, it shows no sign of stopping. But, as with all things, everything that’s good, like online gaming, comes with some precautions, some pros and cons, and we’re here to explore both.
1. Quality entertainment from anywhere
Engaging gameplay remains the crucial aspect of any online game! It must be challenging, with fun mechanics and captivating multimedia! Online casino games come in myriad variations and versions, where something deceptively simple, like slots, can have thousands of alternative gameplay options. Whether a game offers something simple like different card covers for online poker or different surroundings and live streams like live blackjack, players can find what they wish on offshore sites. Accessibility to quality entertainment from wherever you are in the world is one of the leading advantages of all online gaming!
For players looking for more action in their games, Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs) like “League of Legends” and “Dota 2” provide strategic, team-based gameplay that has captivated millions worldwide. First-person shooters (FPS), such as “Call of Duty” and “Overwatch,” immerse players in fast-paced, action-packed environments. Adventure and role-playing games (RPGs) like “World of Warcraft” and “The Elder Scrolls Online” offer vast, open worlds for exploration and character development. These genres, among others, cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that there’s something for every type of gamer in the online space.
2. Improves coordination
Games can have a lot going on on the screen. Mechanics, explosions, reactive gameplay, and fast-paced action require quick reactions from the player. Fast reflexes are more important in an online competitive game where seconds or milliseconds can determine a winner. Since gamers need to react incredibly fast and accurately and make decisions in a split second, it’s no wonder games benefit coordination for those who game regularly. League of Legends, Dota 2, and Smite are prime examples, but old-school RTS games like Warcraft 3 and Starcraft 1 & 2 are known for APM (Actions per minute) metric and requiring to jungle multiple game elements in short time frames.
3. More socializing
Games come in two types: single and multiplayer. Games are divided into different genres, but the above distinction can be a starting point. When a multiplayer game presents a challenge or an objective, a team or even more players must coordinate and work together to achieve it. Communicating via live chat or text has led to many friendships and romances because group bonds carry over to gaming sessions, and people love to group with gamers they know. Online FPS games like Counter-Strike, Valorant, Return to Tarkov, and Fortnite require constant and accurate information between teammates.
Practicing your communication skills, coordinating teammates, and organizing groups all lead to better social skills, and there are video games to help anyone start socializing, as the community around them is throwing. Even single-player games have active forums and communities to help each other with tips, how-to videos, and guidance.
4. Time consumption
Too much of anything is bad for you, from food to games. Games are an outlet, hobby, and pastime, but it’s easy to get sidetracked and carried away. Gamers can spend an exuberant amount of time online gaming, forgetting they have real lives and responsibilities. Massive multiplayer games provide direct feedback and a sense of accomplishment, which can fill the need and lack of accomplishments in real life. When people feel lonely, they can interact with countless other gamers online, like in World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls Online, Lineage 2, New World and others. In MMOs anyone can game together for multiple hours, enjoying themselves but losing track of their lives.
When consumed in excess and without moderation, video game addiction happens, leading to isolation, health problems, and loss of private life. It’s important to note that online gaming has potential downsides, and awareness of them can lead to prevention and education. But it’s important to note that it’s never too late, and anyone can seek help to overcome gaming addiction at any time.
Gaming is here to stay and will only grow in the coming years. Our society has embraced it in popular culture, movies, and series, changing how we view gamers as individuals to gaming as a pastime activity. As with anything taking up our time, gaming is also incredibly beneficial but can cause negative effects if we continuously ignore it. With education, an open mind, and support groups, there’s no doubt gaming will continue to encapsulate millions of future gamers!
