Online Gaming
An online game is a game you can play with or against other people or a computer using your Internet connection. The games may be as simple as electronic versions of familiar board games, or as involved as Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG).
Types of games
Many sites allow you to play simple, free games using just the browser you already surf with. Yahoo! Quick Play Games is an example of this type.
Often, players get tired of seeing advertising, or being limited in options with these browser games, and move on to downloading (sometimes free, but more often not) games to their personal computers (and phones).
More advanced games include community-type features (text messaging or voice chat) and involve playing with and/or against other players.
Online gambling - including poker, casinos, sports betting, and bingo - is a type of gaming that is increasingly in the news. The easy access and fast pace offer a glamorous draw, especially to young people.
Technological and Social Risks
Microsoft: 10 tips for dealing with game cyberbullies and griefers
Types of games
Many sites allow you to play simple, free games using just the browser you already surf with. Yahoo! Quick Play Games is an example of this type.
Often, players get tired of seeing advertising, or being limited in options with these browser games, and move on to downloading (sometimes free, but more often not) games to their personal computers (and phones).
More advanced games include community-type features (text messaging or voice chat) and involve playing with and/or against other players.
Online gambling - including poker, casinos, sports betting, and bingo - is a type of gaming that is increasingly in the news. The easy access and fast pace offer a glamorous draw, especially to young people.
Technological and Social Risks
- Spyware, viruses, Trojan Horses and computer worms - as games are increasingly money-makers for companies, criminals are looking to cash in on the real-world profits.
- Addiction - The instant gratification and competitive nature combined with the social community of many games can lead to serious withdrawal from real-world activities. 10 South Koreans died in 2005 from game addiction-related causes: read the story.
- Privacy Issues - as with any type of online communications (chatrooms or IM, eg.) protecting your privacy is a vital concern.
Microsoft: 10 tips for dealing with game cyberbullies and griefers
