If you have an internet connection, then there is simply no escaping the awesomeness of online gaming. Whether you are a console player, computer gamer or a mobile phone game lover, there is something for everyone. The popularity of online gaming continues to rise as an ever-increasing majority of the worldwide population gain access to high-speed internet, as well as games consoles and mobile phones. As of this year, most gamers play their favourite games via handheld devices. Why? Smartphones are widely accessible and affordable, even to people in so called third world countries. In addition, a greater number of children are now getting access to tablet devices which they can play their favourite games on.
It has been reported that by the age of six, 80% of children have access to a tablet device at home. However, most must wait until the age of 12 to get their first laptop.
This article will guide you through the best online games from different categories and niches.
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Games
DOTA 2
One of the most strategic and challenging online games there is, Dota 2 relies on teamwork, quick fingers and strong reaction times. Pretty much impossible to master, the best Dota 2 players compete in an annual tournament called The International which draws in hundreds of thousands of viewers on Twitch and has a prize pool worth over £20 million. Dota has been downloaded on Steam hundreds of millions of times and is well worth your time learning. Be aware, there is a steep learning curve, don’t expect to be able to master Dota within 2 weeks!
League of Legends
League of Legends is like Dota 2 but a far sight easier to get good at. Best played with friends which you can chat with, League of Legends is full of fun characters, fantastic maps and great missions. This game is extremely popular in Asian countries such as China and South Korea, two countries which regularly have teams competing in the annual League of Legends World Championships. League of Legends is simple to download and play on Steam, we recommend any new players play the tutorial first. It also helps to watch a few YouTube beginners guide to LoL videos.
Online First-Person Shooter Games
Call of Duty
Call of Duty remains the go-too game for anyone who enjoys first-person shooters. The Call of Duty series first burst onto the scene with Call of Duty 3 for the Xbox 360. The Activision team followed this up a few years later with Call of Duty 4 – one of the best first-person shooters ever released and famed for its online gameplay. These days, we see an annual CoD release, although some releases are far better than others.
Halo
The Halo series of video games are excellent. So much so, that the original Halo: Combat Evolved was remastered and is widely played today. Arguably, the best online Halo game is Halo 4 due to its brilliant maps, smooth online gameplay, and friendly community. Despite being released over 10 years ago, Halo 4 still has a large community of players. However, we expect Halo fans to flock to Halo Infinite, when it is eventually released. Despite many delays, Halo Infinite has been set for release for December 8, 2021.
Online Sports Games
FIFA
Described by many as the best FIFA game for over five years, FIFA 22 is developed by EA Sports and despite the criticisms regarding microtransactions, reviews of the game have been largely positive. The career mode has been given a big overhaul and is now muchly improved. Ultimate Team is much the same as it has always been, but for EA, it is this mode which is its bread and butter generating over £1 billion in revenue per year. Of course, we would never recommend purchasing FIFA points, but this is once again a component in the game. Despite it negatives, FIFA 22 remains the best online football game available which allows you to take control of the players in a match-day environment.
Football Manager
The game for die hard football fans, Football Manager is a mixture of data, tactics and wheeling and dealing. Released annually, Football Manager becomes more and more advanced each year with managers getting ever greater control over their team and tactics. Other than the added features, the game is essentially unchanged ever since the first Football Manager release back in 2005.
Online Slot Games
Gonzo’s Quest
One of the top online slots from NetEnt and Red Tiger Gaming, any frequent slots player knows this fantastic game. Played on three reels and five rows, Gonzo’s Quest offers a huge amount of slot features which help to make it one of the most popular online games of all time. Features include cascading reels, unlimited multipliers, a fantastic free spin round and multiple bonus games. For more information regarding slot games, check out the SlotsHawk expert guides to all thing’s slots.
Rainbow Riches
Rainbow Riches is by far and away one of the most beloved series in casino game history. Based on Irish leprechauns, Rainbow Riches is renowned for its three fantastic bonus games. The original Rainbow Riches became so successful that it has now spawned numerous other titles with one of the latest being Rainbow Riches Megaways. Developed by Barcrest, you can play Rainbow Riches both online and at land-based casinos.
Mobile Games
Roblox
Loved by children all around the world Roblox allows users to build and design their own in-game characters. Free to download, Roblox has been downloaded over 1 billion times and is by far and away one of the most popular mobile games of all time. Roblox players are able to purchase in-game items, but we would advise against this. It is far better for your children to earn these items through completing in-game tasks.
Friday Night Funkin’
Friday Night Funkin’ is a mobile rhythm game which revolved around a single male character who must defeat his opponents in singing and rapping contests. Players must mimic the opponents notes with timed inputs. An extremely creative game for children, the game continues to receive significant attention on the likes of tik-Tok.
