Action and Adventure Online Gaming
Dive into a World of Adventure With the Click of a Mouse
While these concerns are important, they are not dampening the spirits of online gamers. The number of gamers who make their way onto casual game sites as well as in-depth "virtual worlds" is growing exponentially.There's no sign of that letting up.
History of Online Gaming
Online gaming began as an MIT text-based experiment on the primitive "Internet" as early as the late 1960s. The growth and development of online gaming from that point forward tracked with the advancement of computer technology. What began as a primitive text-based, 2-person experiment evolved (within a generation) to online powerhouse Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG) games, such as World of Warcraft.
Online Gaming Today
There are a dazzling array of game sites- ranging from free to inexpensive to fairly steep. The quality and nature of online games also ranges widely. The appeal is strong. Even with the current down economy, the number of online gamers is growing in record numbers.
How many people have fantasized about just getting up from their desk, heading down to the docks and setting sail on a trade vessel or warship? How many have wanted to don gladiator armor and venture into an arena to fight wild beasts -- without the risk of actually dying, should they lose? How many have wanted to build great cities or become successful real estate moguls -- without any risk?
Of course, there is a difference between casual online games, such as chess, and large-scale action and adventure MMOG experiences like World of Warcraft. The latter kind is the focus of this article.
Benefits and Risks of Online Action and Adventure Gaming
Action and adventure online gaming can be exciting and fun, and may actually help with hand/eye coordination as well as mental health. Studies have shown that using your mind and hands at the same time forces your brain to exercise, which is just as important as physical exertion for staying healthy.
There are risks, however. For one, many online action games are unsuitable for children. Parents need to pay attention to where their children go on the Internet. Another risk is that too much fantasy can lead a person to neglect their duties and obligations in real life.
There are also financial concerns. In this down economy, there are many people sinking $15-20 a month (and, in some cases, much more than that) into online gaming, and that's in addition to cable TV, Internet access charges, etc. What's more, there are privacy and security concerns that online gamers should not ignore.
As with most things, balance is key. A person clicking into the world of online gaming should do so responsibly and safely, and should not let his or her "virtual" life take precedence over real life.
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