Online games are for everyone. In fact, over 200 million people worldwide are estimated to be playing, and this figure just might be on the low side. Games are for all ages of both sexes, as there is something for everyone. They include a multitude of types, beginning with the basic arcade and puzzle solvers. They advance through action, shooting, sports and strategy adventures. Games have even evolved to the point of being lifestyle and roll-playing challenges.

While the image of the obsessed, overweight couch potato is still presented by the naysayers, most online games present many advantages. It is estimated that 62 percent of gamers participate online against multiple opponents. Such scenarios allow the player to develop social skills and stay connected with friends while allowing them to delve into an opponent’s mind. Gamers learn to anticipate a contestant’s moves and learn from another’s fresh approach to a challenge. Of course the age-old defense to gaming still applies. They are a great tool for improving hand to eye coordination. Visual awareness is enhanced as the brain learns to process more stimuli more rapidly.

Games are fun, as they are mood lifters. They can transport you from a world of physical or mental pain and distract you temporarily from the bad things going on in your life. Focusing on a game can divert attention from bad habits such as overeating or smoking. Physically competitive games such as Wii allow the elderly, stroke victims, or wheelchair-bound to experience the thrill of competition they thought they had left behind. Cognitive skills can be improved and short-term memory loss can be minimized as additional areas of the brain can now be exercised. Games such as SimCity present the viewer with the challenge of building a working real-life environment that will serve as a teaching tool for their daily experiences. In short, online gaming presents a host of advantages for everyone.