Multiplayer online game facts for kids

A Multiplayer Online Game is a type of multiplayer video game that lets you play with other people from all over the world using the internet. Imagine playing your favorite game, but instead of just against the computer, you're teaming up with or competing against real players. Some well-known examples include Battlefield 2, Halo 3, Counter-Strike, Quake 3, StarCraft, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and NBA 2K11. Even older systems like the Sega Meganet had online multiplayer features!

These games are different from MMORPGs because they don't create a huge, always-on world that keeps changing even when you're not playing. Instead, they usually set up a special playing area for one game or a single round. Once that game or round is over, the arena resets for the next match.

Playing Together Online

Multiplayer Online Games are all about connecting with others. You can play with friends you know or meet new people from different countries. This makes every game unique and exciting because you're always facing new challenges from human players.

What Makes Them Multiplayer?

The "multiplayer" part means more than one person can play at the same time. The "online" part means you connect through the internet to play with people who aren't in the same room as you. This is different from playing on the same console with friends next to you.

Popular Types of Online Multiplayer Games

There are many kinds of online multiplayer games. Some are fast-paced action games where you might be part of a team, like Battlefield 2 or Call of Duty: Black Ops. Others are strategy games where you plan your moves carefully, like StarCraft. You can also find sports games, like NBA 2K11, where you compete against other players online.

Multiplayer vs. MMORPGs: What's the Difference?

While both are online and multiplayer, there's a key difference between a Multiplayer Online Game and a MMORPG.

What is a Persistent World?

MMORPGs, like World of Warcraft, have a "persistent world." This means the game world continues to exist and change even when you log off. Other players are still in the world, and events might happen. When you log back in, you return to that ongoing world.

How MOGs Are Different

Multiplayer Online Games, on the other hand, usually create a temporary "arena" or "lobby" for a single game session. Think of it like a sports match. You join a game, play a round (or a match), and when it's over, that specific game session ends. You then join a new lobby for the next game. The world doesn't keep going when you leave; it resets for the next group of players.

Why Are They Fun?

Playing online with others adds a lot of fun to games. It's exciting to test your skills against real people, work together with teammates, or even just chat and hang out in game lobbies. The unpredictable nature of human opponents makes every match feel fresh and challenging.

Images for kids

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  A LAN party