From Multiplayer to Esports—Tracing the Evolution of Online Gaming

Games had a very humble beginning. Since PCs became affordable for consumers and consoles picked up the pace, the game development industry has never looked back. Today, we have absolutely stunning games in the form of AAA titles from big studios that create realistic, vibrant experiences as well as indie studio games that take creativity, problem-solving, or nostalgia to a whole new level.

Slowly, games became more and more collaborative. True, a lot of games exist today that prioritize a single-player, story-driven experience. Notable names include series such as the Assassins’ Creed series, Read Dead Redemption games, Witcher 3, God of War, and Cyberpunk 2077.

However the main movement in games has been due to online games. From multiplayer games such as Counter-Strike to racing games like Forza Horizon and from MOBAs like Dota 2 to MMORPGs like Elder Scrolls Online and World of Warcraft—These games have truly provided the boost that game developers need in terms of cash and popularity to stay ahead of the curve, always competing.

Today, we’re going to look at the growth of online gaming, talking about everything from MMORPGs and esports to MOBAs and more!

What Are Online Games?

Technically, any game that needs an internet connection is an online game. For example, online casino games offer 2D graphics and here, you’re basically playing against a bunch of other players.

On the other hand, there are games based on sports like football and racing, which are also online games where you compete with other players or teams. In the realm of online video games, players dive into epic adventures, explore virtual worlds, and engage in battles, quests, and challenges. These games often emphasize skill, strategy, and camaraderie, with players teaming up or competing against each other.

But what about online casino games? Well, they're like the charming cousins who bring a different vibe to the party. In these games, it's not about slaying dragons or completing quests; it's about testing your luck and hoping for a win.

Interestingly, we've seen the emergence of casinos within video games. Some games have in-game casinos where players can try their luck at slot machines, card games, and roulette. It's like a mini-vegas right within the game world.

Now, why does this matter in the grand scheme of things? It highlights the diversity of the gaming world. Not all players are looking for the same experience. Some crave the excitement of high-stakes battles, while others enjoy the thrill of spinning a roulette wheel.

Moreover, online gambling and casino games have become a form of entertainment that stands on its own. Players can enjoy slot machines and card games without ever touching a traditional video game. It's a different kind of escape from reality, offering its unique allure.

But there's something even more significant at play. The technology and infrastructure that power online video games have paved the way for the growth of online gambling platforms. The expertise in managing large player populations, ensuring data security, and delivering a seamless gaming experience has transcended the boundaries between these two worlds.

Multiplayer Games: Battle Royales, MOBAs, Tactical Shooters, and More

Multiplayer games include games such as PUBG, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Dota 2, League of Legends, or the latest, biggest piece of news—Valve’s CS2, which is a free upgrade over the 11 years old Counter-Strike: Global Offensive title.

Slowly, even single-player games became multiplayer or started adding multiplayer modes, like Battlefield and Call of Duty. And of course, mobile and console games started becoming multiplayer at the same time too.

These games are typically player-vs-player or team-vs-team, except for battle royales where a bunch of players (such as 100) jump into the same map and fight it out.

The objective of multiplayer games is to win rounds on maps before you queue for the next match once more.

MMORPGs: Large Servers Hosting Thousands of Players

Now, on the other hand, we have MMORPGs—Massively multiplayer online role-playing games. Typically, a single-player game is an RPG or a role-playing game. In Witcher 3, you play the role of Geralt of Rivia, for example.

Online RPGs allow you to create your own characters. Choose how you will look, put a name, collect titles, find weapons, and so on.

The next upgrade is an MMORPG. An MMORPG is a truly vast shared world. Each server typically accommodates hundreds, if not thousands, of players in the same realm. All adventuring, doing quests, killing non-player enemies, and working together for content such as dungeons and raids.

MMORPGs, unlike multiplayer games, aren’t supposed to end. You keep working on your character (or make new characters) and keep improving yourself. It’s like a second life or a virtual world—Not much unlike the metaverse that everybody seems to be so excited about.

Good MMORPGs include World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls Online, Black Desert Online, Guild Wars 2, EVE Online, RuneScape, Final Fantasy XIV, Albion Online, Ever Quest, and Amazon’s newest entry into the genre—New World.

Wrapping Up

Modern advancements allow hardware to render real-time ray-traced environments in 100+ FPS even on 4K displays (we’re looking at you—Nvidia RTX 4090!).

The world of gaming has improved by leaps and bounds.

There have also been remarkable improvements in internet speeds, gaming hardware, software technologies, game development engines, and cross-platform optimization.

All of that has contributed to the evolution of online and multiplayer games, as well as esports titles that have become the livelihood of many people from all over the globe.

Whether you wish to play with a small group or play inside a world shared across 150k+ concurrent players all running around, there’s an online game waiting just for you!