Online games have evolved over time alot.Various genres of online games are available ,suchh as simulation,puzzle,action,racing and strategy based games. The latest developments in online gaming also allow multi-player participants to have full-fledged video-based interaction for better coordination during the game.However, there are various advantages and disadvantages of online games

Evolution of Online Games

The history of the online gaming industry. The 1970s saw the beginning of online games with the creation of text-based adventure games such as Zork. In the 1980s, networked computer games emerged, which allowed players to compete against each other in real-time. However, with the advent of the internet in the 1990s, the online gaming industry observed a boom. In the 2000s, browser-based games and popular titles like World of Warcraft became more mainstream. Online gaming became more social, with players forming online communities to compete and collaborate. At present, online gaming has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry that is growing exponentially.

​​​Types of Online Games

1.Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs) like Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft.

​​​​​​2.Battle Royale Games like PUBG, Fortnite,Free Fire, etc.

3.First-Person Shooter Games like Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, etc.

4.Casual Games like Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Tetris, Bejeweled, etc.

Pros

1.Convenience : Online games are convenient. One can play them from the comfort of their home or during travel, unlike physical games, which are limited to a particular location and often requires much physical effort. 

2.Cost-effectiveness : Browser-based online games are usually very affordable or even free of charge. This is in contrast to traditional video games, which often need to be purchased. Hence, online gaming stands out to be the most cost-effective game outlet.

3.Variety : There is a wide variety of online games available. A player can always find a game that suits his preferences, viz. classic board games, intellectual puzzles, action-adventure games, racing, and many more.

4.Social Interaction : Real-time interaction with co-players and building gaming communities is a key development in the online gaming domain. While real-time interaction enhances coordination between players during gaming, online gaming communities facilitate the participants to engage in discussions revolving around various topics such as gaming interests, sharing tips and strategies, etc.

5.Stress relief : Online games can be a great outlet for releasing stress after a demanding workday or week. People can spend some leisure time with their family on weekends by playing video games together for a while.

Cons

1.Addiction: One of the major disadvantages of online games is their addictive tendencies. People potentially spend excessive time in these games and center their daily lives around them, which can lead to decreased productivity and increased chances of depression.

2.Loss of Money : Many online games involve real-money transactions for various purposes, such as registration or in-game purchases. This can often lead to people squandering too much of their money on these virtual pursuits, thereby causing financial difficulties in real life.

3.Security Risks : Online games are vulnerable to hacking attacks. Which can expose players’ bank accounts and personal information. This is due to the fact that some online games may require users to enter their credit card details or residential address for verification purposes.

4.Violence : A huge number of games feature violent content in one form or another. Such content can have drastically negative impacts on children and even adults, for instance, desensitization to violence and aggressive behavior, which can even reach the extent of mass shootings and serial killings.

5.Poor Health : Spending excessive time on online games can lead to physical health issues, such as poor posture, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and eye strain. It can also lead to poor mental health, including anxiety disorders and depression.

some tips for maintaining healthy gaming habits are

 1.Regular Breaks 

 2.Sitting in a Well-lit Room

 3.Setting Limits  

 4.Maintaining Sleep Patterns

 5.Giving time for physical Activities