Online games are now one of the most popular ways to play video and computer games. Gamers using consoles at home can now connect to the internet and play with friends and other users across the globe, while social media sites use games to keep their users on-line for longer and encourage interaction.

The Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony’s Playstation 3 consoles (as well as PCs) can be connected to the internet to play online with friends and contacts around the world. Each user must have their own console and the game to be played and they must pay to use the console manufacturer’s network. Online console gaming opens up many possibilities. Where previously a maximum of four players could play a game together, often with a small, split screen view for each player, online gaming can have a vast amount of players participating in one game, each one seeing their own game in full screen view. Gaming tournaments are now much easier to arrange, without the need for a venue, travel expenses and setting up a large quantity of consoles in one location.

The other aspect of online gaming is the opportunity to play a huge variety of games while connected to the internet. These games tend to be simpler as they are hosted on the software provider’s website, rather than on disc or in the memory of the user’s computer. In particular games on social networks provide another way for users to interact with their contacts and friends. Games on social networks include puzzles, quizzes and life-scenario games where users may contribute to each other’s success or failure.