Play and Win Big with Online Games refers to games that require an Internet connection to play, and they can be played on PC, console or mobile devices. The popularity of online gaming has grown rapidly over the years and it is important that trusted adults have a good understanding of this phenomenon, in order to keep children and young people safe.

Online Gaming and Cybersecurity: Staying Safe Online

The most common online game is a multiplayer video game. In these, players interact with other players in real-time and compete against each other. Players can also engage in virtual teamwork and socialization, forming bonds with other gamers online. Some research has highlighted that online gaming can contribute to depression and isolation, due to its immersive nature and the ability to distract people from real-life problems. Excessive playing of these games can interfere with sleep patterns and daily responsibilities, contributing to feelings of stress and low self-worth. It is important that people balance their gaming time with other activities.

Historically, online gaming started with text-based games like Multi-User Dungeons (MUD), which were linked to mainframe computers by ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet. By the late 1970s, many universities in the US were connected to this network and had begun using text-based MUDs to connect with students at other schools.

In 2022, the PlayStation 4 is released with improved internet capabilities for online gaming and the augmented reality mobile game Pokemon Go explodes in popularity. This marks the point when mobile gaming starts to surpass console and desktop gaming in terms of revenue.