Unless you live in the middle of some sort of desert, you’ll have noticed that online gaming has absolutely exploded over the last decade. Millions of people are competing against each other across the globe via the internet, with every genre imaginable catered for in what is a golden age for computer gaming. Thanks to better technology, lightning fast internet speeds and improved connectivity, people from all walks of life are taking up gaming, creating a multi-billion dollar global industry that is only continuing to grow.
Although online gaming started life on PC, it was the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox consoles that brought it to the masses. By the time the PS3 and Xbox 360 rolled around, gamers were shooting each other, playing football, solving puzzles and sharing gameplay videos, creating huge online communities and attracting millions of customers who wanted a piece of action in the process. It wasn’t long before other industries wanted a part of the online gaming action.
When the mobile revolution happened in the mid 2000s, mobile high speed internet was suddenly available to everyone, made possible by cutting edge devices like the original iPhone. Phones were all of a sudden gaming devices and companies were soon flooding app stores with millions of games, pieces of software and phone enhancements. Gaming became even more accessible, with players able to keep enjoying their favourite titles without having to be plugged into a wall.
Casino and bingo operators were also quick to get in on the action. It could be argued that casino games were the original video-games, without the video of course, so it was a natural progression from physical casino to website. The early days of online gambling, although cutting edge at the time, were a pretty dull 2D experience, with slow gameplay and the dreaded dropout thanks to poor server connectivity. Fast forward to 2017 however and gamers are enjoying free-flowing poker, roulette, blackjack and even bingo in lush 3D environments with high quality sound. We’ve picked 3 of most fun ways to enjoy some online gaming, even if you don’t own an expensive console.
Wink Bingo – App and Website
Yes, even the humble game of bingo has been rocketed into the 21st century. One of the biggest innovators, Wink Bingo, boasts hundreds of live games, unique gameplay and game tickets for all budgets. Its flashy, easy to navigate interfaces make you feel like you’re in the local bingo hall, without the shrieking and extortionate drinks prices.
Call of Duty – PS4, Xbox One, PC
Alongside online gambling, there are some incredible experiences back on console. If you haven’t tried shooting someone from halfway across the world, you should absolutely get involved. Call of Duty is the absolute king of first person shooters, mixing hectic gameplay with big guns and plenty of OMG moments. It certainly isn’t just for the boys either, with thousands of online groups that invite anyone and everyone to get stuck in and blow stuff up (in a safe, friendly virtual environment of course.)
QuizUp – iOS, Android, Windows Mobile
If you prefer something a bit less violent and more brain-stimulating, then look no further than QuizUp. This trivia app matches you with opponents all over the globe in a fastest finger first quiz game that rewards more points for being the fastest to get the correct answer. As a veteran QuizUp user, it’s safe to say that this game is addictive. Beating a higher level player is extremely satisfying and the good news is that there are thousands of categories to choose from. Kardashians season 7 anyone? Or the life and times of Napoleon? Yes please.
