Whether online or offline, gaming is a popular activity. According to data on the website of consumer and market data company Statista, there are around 2.6 billion gamers and gaming titles around the world. Video gaming is one of the most popular forms of gaming. Online is another, and there are around 1.1 billion online gamers worldwide. Thanks to the arrival of the internet, playing slots online and other casino games has become especially popular.
Some people devote lots of time to their gaming as a hobby or even as a profession. Some blog or create their own social media channels about gaming and provide tips to help other fans of gaming improve. Below is a look at why people prefer certain types of gaming, how technology has generated the transition of gaming to the online sphere and at some famous previously offline titles that you’ll now also find online.
Understanding the popularity of gaming
Before the arrival of the internet, offline gaming was where it was at, either in the form of video games or old-school board games or card games. Video games and (some) board games provide a masterclass in storytelling, which is why fans love them so much. The fans can immerse themselves in the stories and mysteries of the game, embark on epic adventures and connect more deeply with the game. The pace is much slower, too, so they can relax and enjoy the game and explore every detail.
This contrasts with online gaming, which some gamers prefer because it’s much more fast-paced and competitive. Online gaming gives fans a chance to prove themselves against players all over the world. It lots of variety as well. Fans who master a game in one niche can switch to another and test themselves in that. Variety keeps the gaming fresh for them.
The influence of technology and the transition of games to online
Tech has had a huge influence on gaming. People consume games in many different ways today, and gaming manufacturers have more ways to get their games into the hands of players. Now it’s not just a question of producing a board game for a tabletop or a game cartridge for a console. Businesses can harness social media, downloading capabilities and streaming services for their games to reach the people who want to play them. To reach new audiences, traditional games makers produce online versions of games as well.
Monopoly
“Monopoly” is one classic game that has evolved successfully into the online sphere and comes in several variations. Players can play across platforms and enjoy the convenience of picking up where they left without having to put a board away. Each player starts with a playing piece and some money, and gradually buys and trades properties to collect rent from the other players and, in line with the object of the game, try to drive them into bankruptcy.
Scrabble
In a bid to keep with the times and to increase their income, the makers of “Scrabble” created an online version, including an app. The object of “Scrabble,” of course, is to make the longest word possible with a selection of letters and score as many points as possible. Although it’s possible to play for free, like many other gaming apps, the “Scrabble Go” offers in-game purchases and encourages players to challenge their friends. Players can pit their wits against the computer or against other (human) players.
Cleopatra Hyper Hits (from the “Cleopatra” series)
Not only traditional tabletop games have transitioned to the online sphere, but also some classic slot games. Ancient Egyptian themes have long been popular, and there’s one line of games that stands head and shoulders above the rest: Cleopatra. The game, based on the beautiful, famous ancient Egyptian ruler, has proven such a hit with old-school slots players that manufacturers IGT have also created an online version. It was likewise a hit with the online gaming crowd when it came out in 2012.
The success of the original “Cleopatra” game means several sequels and spin-offs have followed it, including “Cleopatra Hyper Hits.” The intention behind this and other games in the series is to reengage fans of the original game and to introduce the Cleopatra games to a whole new audience. The game has kept some features consistent, such as the Cleopatra wilds paying double, but also incorporated other features unique to the game to give players that something extra.
Gaming, whether on a tabletop, on a console and monitor or even on a mobile device or web browser is popular and only looks to get bigger as time goes by. To meet demand, game makers have incorporated online version of their games into their offering so that whether people want to meet up in person and play or arrange to meet online and play, players don’t miss out.