Playing Interactive Games Online

Multi-player games have been experiencing strong growth in recent years. It does not matter if you are 20 years old or 50 years old – all come together online to interact and have fun.

If you are looking for a new game to join, you will discover that you are spoilt for choice. A few examples would be Everquest, Evony, Starcraft and WOW.

Every player must buy the original CD before he or she can start playing. The activation key is usually found on the CD itself, or at the back of the case cover. All new players are required the enter the activation key before an account can be created. New players will not be allowed to log on to the game server if the incorrect key is entered.

Online games have began to evolve with the Internet. Now, a CD key is not even required for a new player to join a game. Bandwidth has increased greatly, and individuals can now download entire games online. Players can now download huge installation files within minutes and install the games on their computers. Upon installation, games can be launched instantly.

Game developers have also discovered that they can now bypass the traditional distribution channels. In other words, they do not need brick and mortar stores to help them release a game. It can all happen online.

Evony is a classic example. No CD or purchase is required. The game acquires new players by advertising online through various advertising channels such as pay per click advertising. As no upfront purchase is needed, anyone can register for an account and start playing instantly.

The free component is always existent. Ongoing players are not asked to upgrade their account before play can continue. Unlike other games, this not not a trial period. So if players don’t pay upfront to play, how can revenue be generated to support the game?

Money is made by selling additional items to existing game players. To level up quicker, you can always spend real money on virtual items. The moment your competitors become stronger, you have very little choice but to spend some money to strengthen your own economy. If not, you end up having to spend hours trying to strengthen your own economy. You can choose to purchase special items such as weapons. You can also trade with other players and purchase entire accounts!

To a game player, whether it’s an account or a character, it takes time to level up. To level up manually means to stay weak for a longer period of time, and more time is needed to become stronger. Very often, players become impatient and start paying to get better and stronger. So they spend more money, in the hope that they can spend less time leveling up.

The better multiplayer gamers are often setup in such a way that the game play encourages players to form alliances. It is not uncommon to see a popular game having hundreds of private guilds. Some are so exclusive that they are by invitation only. Those who belong to the same group strive to help one another overcome obstacles in the game. In this way, there is more interaction and playing in a group is certainly more fun and enjoyable!