Online games have come a long way since the release of The Islands of Kesmai in 1984. The market for online gaming is projected to grow rapidly, with millions of new players expected to join in the coming years.
Below, we’ll explore what’s behind this exploding popularity, from accessibility to the range of available genres.
Accessibility and Mobile Gaming Boom
Mobile games have existed since the 1990s, but the rise of smartphones in the late 2000s allowed for an almost endless list of more complex titles. In 2023, the size of the mobile gaming market was $89.9 billion, accounting for just under half of global games market revenue and much higher than PC and console gaming.
Anyone with a smartphone can instantly access free games from Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store. They can play mobile versions of popular console games or download official emulations of beloved games to play on the go.
The Role of Social Connectivity
Online games serve as important social hubs for gamers, allowing them to meet new people virtually and play with friends in other countries. Many gamers find strong communities in titles like League of Legends and World of Warcraft, with some even meeting their partners through the game. 
Modern games provide in-game chat features that let teammates communicate during gameplay, making collaboration more straightforward and immersive. Discord is widely used for its communication features, with screen sharing and a customisable experience. Gamers can share their favourite clips and upload them to social media to connect with like-minded individuals.
Rise of Casual and Skill-Based Games
Online gaming isn’t limited to titles with steep learning curves and high barriers to entry. Casual games, including online bingo games, card games and trivia apps, have made digital gaming more inclusive.
Gamers seeking to hone their craft can rack up thousands of hours on games with high skill ceilings.
Technology and Immersive Experiences
Game engine graphics, including Unreal Engine 5 and Unity, make titles more lifelike than ever. Their photorealistic environments, lighting effects, character models, and once-luxury features like ray tracing make previously unobtainable visuals commonplace in major releases.
AI is also playing an important role. It can generate expansive, dynamic worlds that reduce development time and provide gamers with experiences directly resulting from their unique in-game decisions. AI-powered NPCs are set to add a new layer of immersion, with lifelike conversation and autonomous decisions that improve game replayability.
