by Hamilton Greene

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

People of all races, ages, and backgrounds come together in online gaming communities.  This unprecedented boost in popularity that appeals to people from all over the world begs the question "why?"  Why do these online games capture the attention and imagination of so many?  The answer is simple; they are fun.  Through these online games people can make new friends, compete against exisiting friends or complete strangers, and participate in an active online community.

Many people with social problems turn to online games to interact with other people, achieving in the virtual world what they themselves can not in real life.  These  people who may find it difficult to sustain even a simple conversation may be able to get past their social barriers through online interaction.

Through online competition, the average person can become famous within their community.  Many strive for just that, virtual fame, by climbing the leader boards until they are sitting at the pinacle of their online existence.  Other users will see their username scrawled along side their impossibly high scores followed by an intimidating image of their character.  Others however, play for the joy and entertainment value that the game provides through the crushing of their enemies with summoned creatures or showers of molten lava.  These epic battles can award you bragging rights over your friends when you see them at work the next day.

An active community is sometimes the very thing that people want most.  They want to have a large group of people with which to mingle and make it feel "real" allowing them to escape the schedule of repetition in which they take part in every day. Instead of an accountant they can be a powerful mage or muscular warrior participating in all-out wars against other factions. The community can be used to keep up with friends and family, enabling you to give them virtual gifts on their birthdays or congratulate them on their accomplishments.  Online games have done a great job enhancing this experience through character customization and property ownership making each individual feel more involved in the world they "live" in by giving them a virtual identity. 

No matter what a person is looking for be it overcoming one's faults, entertainment, an active community, or just an escape from everyday life, a good MMO is sure to fulfil your needs.

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