If you’re a fan of online games, you’re not alone. According to statistics, there are an estimated 1.1 billion online gamers around the world. In 2023, the revenues from online gaming were over $26bn USD. One reason online gaming is so popular is because there is something for all interests — whether you want an adrenaline rush, a relaxing escape or a social connection, you’ll find it.
No two games are the same and thanks to improvements in technology, you can access games in a multitude of ways and on a range of devices. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to enjoy your free time with online games.
Online gaming: A popular pastime
We spend our free time doing a variety of things and for many people online gaming is a top choice. One of the biggest appeals of online games is their accessibility. No matter whether you’re using the latest Apple device or you’re playing on a PC, games are but a click or tap away.
Nowadays, you can experience high-quality games whether you are at home, on your lunch break or when you’re on holiday. It’s no wonder that online games continue to grow in popularity.
Online casino games for added entertainment
For many people, online casino games offer a great online gaming experience. They’re popular with people who want to play games, combine enjoyment with strategy and potentially have a chance to win money. Casino games have been popular for years, but their online versions have become increasingly popular in recent years. A lot of this popularity came about during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when we were forced to stay indoors and find new ways to enjoy ourselves. As more and more people started turning to these games, there was also an increase in new casinos and new game titles to fill the need. This means the range of games is more diverse than ever before.
Popular options include blackjack, poker and roulette which have a timeless appeal, but newer games like online slots are becoming more popular than ever thanks to their fast-paced action and opportunities for big rewards. One highlight is the Rainbow Riches slot, which is a fan-favourite of people of all skill levels and ages. It is best known for having a charming Irish theme accompanied by colourful visuals and bonus rounds. It’s an immersive game that’s stolen the hearts of players young and old. If you like pots of gold, leprechauns and wishing wells, you’re in for a treat.
Thanks to advanced technology, these newly released games are impressive and offer high-quality gaming experiences. You can now enjoy features like HD graphics and realistic sound effects, so the games are much more immersive.
Casual games for relaxation
For those who want to enjoy more casual gameplay or who don’t want to gamble, there are lots of popular games available that are easy to pick up and require minimal commitment. They offer fun and relaxation and you can dip in and out of them casually when you have a minute or two to spare.
Some of the most popular casual games are in the match three genre, which require that you match three of something to eliminate them. Examples include the ever-popular Candy Crush Saga and Bejewelled. These are popular with gamers of all ages and are a great way to fill time when you’re waiting for someone or something.
Another relaxing type of game to play is an idle game like Cookie Clicker or Adventure Capitalist, which allow you to progress at your own pace. They require little interaction, but you still feel like you’re achieving something. If you want to really escape, Animal Crossing offers a soothing virtual world where you can farm, decorate and interact with friendly characters in a peaceful environment.
The beauty of many casual games is how relaxing they can be as they often have calming visuals and music that help you unwind while playing. Games like Monument Valley, which has calming music and serene visuals can help you to de-stress while also promoting mindfulness.
Many casual games also have social elements like leaderboards or multiplayer options. Some titles even allow you to send virtual gifts or lives to friends. Having a sense of community and being able to connect with others while playing a relaxing game is great for recharging and unwinding.
Thrilling games for entertainment
If you don’t want casual or casino games, there are plenty of competitive games out there for the thrill-seekers among you. Competitive games are challenging, satisfying and frequently include leaderboards, tournaments or just PVP. Popular types of competitive games include:
- Battle Royale type games: Games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite pit you against dozens or hundreds of opponents with one victor. These intense survival games are popular the world over so you could be playing with someone thousands of miles away across the world.
- First-person shooter (FPS) games: Games like Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS: GO) and Valorant require strategy, precision and teamwork, which make them great as competitive games.
- Sports games: NBA 2K and FIFA allow sports fans to live out their playing fantasies on screen and against others.
- Fighting games: Street Fighter and Tekken are timeless classics that continue to attract a whole host of players in one-to-one battles.
Many of these games have expanded into a genre called esports, which has a huge following and community. You can even place bets on esports matches at many sportsbooks around the world. The most popular esports games are:
- League of Legends (LoL): Multiplayer online battle arena game with professional leagues
- Dota 2: Deep strategy game with large prize pools
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO): First-person shooter (FPS) game
- Valorant: Tactical FPS game
- Call of Duty (CoD): FPS with a dedicated competitive scene
Conclusion: The perfect way to spend free time
Online games often get bad press but they’re a fantastic way to make the most of your free time. Firstly, there’s always something for everyone, from casual games to challenging strategy-heavy titles. Secondly, they’re accessible on a range of devices, such as mobiles, tablets, consoles and PCs.
Another positive reason for gaming is that it can provide unique socialisation opportunities. There is a sense of community available and you don’t even have to leave your house or bed. Online games allow people to connect with others from all over the world. This can include in direct competition in live dealer online casinos or teaming up in cooperative video games.
Ultimately, online games are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day and there is no shortage of options to explore.
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