Online video games popularity in different countries
The trend of online video games dates back decades ago. A majority of the gamers prefer going to physical locations to play, especially in the case of competitive and team games.
However, that does not affect the rising fan base of online gaming, which has increased by huge numbers since 2019, due to the breakout of COVID-19. As the world shut down completely, compelling each person from adults to children to stay glued to screens, it was inevitable for gamers to switch online as well. That said, let us go down the timeline of online gaming, from its emergence to its success, and the currently popular online games in different parts of the world.
Online Gaming – What You Should Know
Online gaming initially began over computers, but as smartphones started to take over the world, companies converted their games to easily accessible mobile versions. Even the PlayStation and Xbox now allow players to indulge in online competitions of their favorite games, with professional players globally. The newer installments to these platforms bring in better gaming consoles and high graphics that are simply irresistible. However, the popularity of every game depends on the public interest of each country, including their choice of genre and competitive skills. FIFA and PUBG are an example of a worldwide phenomenon, whose wide success led to the hosting of international competitions. This not only encourages players to top up their skills but also invites others to give a try at online gaming.
How It All Began
The idea debuted back in 1980, with the creation of MUD, which was a virtual world allowing interaction and gaming of multiplayer. It then led to the development of better graphics in-game, which eventually resulted in releases of major hits in the 1990s. The wide availability of the Internet allowed players all over to indulge in the online craze. Some viral games from back then include:
- Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds (1996)
- Starcraft (1998)
- Counter-Strike (1999)
- EverQuest (1999)
Later, with the magnificent invention of PlayStation and Xbox, the online gaming world entered a whole new era of high-quality graphics and a variety of genres.
The Most Popular Games In Different Countries
The online video gaming industry is booming, without a doubt. As per statistics of 2016, it generated around $90 billion in revenue, all within a year. As if that success was not enough, a majority of the games inspired directors and producers to make movies on it, thus adding to the overall popularity and sales of those games. Here are some of those games, along with other hit titles and their popularities all over the world:
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- FIFA ’17 – Tops the list as per landing on top in 15 countries. Amongst these are the UK, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, UAE, Nigeria, and Costa Rica, who already possess an immense passion for football. Though it has released newer versions, this remains a favorite of many.
- Battlefield 1 – Based on World War 1, this game topped in major countries like Denmark, Israel, New Zealand, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
- Overwatch –This is a sought after e-game in Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – Although the CS fan base knows no boundaries, making it a favorite of people of all ages worldwide, this particular part reached heights in fame in Romania, Argentina, Slovakia, and Algeria.
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare – Despite not impressing its usual fans as compared to the earlier parts, this one was, and is popular in India, Iran, Spain, and the United States.
- Dota 2 – It rose to fame worldwide upon its release, but as the craze faded, it remains the most popular in the Philippines, Myanmar, and Mongolia.
- Fortnite – A highly successful video game ranking as no.1 in most parts of the world, it remains the public’s favorite in almost all of North America.
- Minecraft – A game revolving around survival and buildings things, this game too, is liked by the majority in the United States.
- World of Tanks – As per statistics, the people in various parts of Europe fulfill their passion for playing on combat vehicles and tanks through this game.
- Mortal Kombat – Be it the first edition, or the recent 11th one, this fighting game continues to win hearts in Australia.
- PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) – Who, in Asia, could possibly not have heard of the highly sought after online game? Ever since its release in 2017, it has been the top most played game in all of Asia.
- World of Warcraft – While many players may have moved past the hype, several fans from South America continue playing it with passion.
- League of Legends – Holds popularity in Brazil and Chile, as per offering online battles for free.
- Persona 5 – Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru are some of the major places that prefer this game over the other viral ones.
- Horizon Zero Dawn – has won hearts and is continuously played in Germany, Netherlands, France, and Austria.
Gaming in Canada
As with every other country, the residents of Canada greatly admire online video games too. However, their interests lie more towards online gambling, due to the leniency of laws regarding gamble in Canada. In fact, it even ranks within the top 10 countries with major interest in online casinos. Not only do people enjoy the comfort of playing at their favorite casinos from home, but also indulge in the thrilling free slot games online, such as the free Wild Life slots. The ease of playing through mobile phones allows the fan base to increase with time, with studies showing that by the year 2023, gambling industries from all over the world will increase revenue to $500 billion.
What The Future Holds
It is obvious, and understandable to feel nostalgic when thinking of how easy it was to go out and enjoy prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, yet technology promises to bring us a similar experience at home. Newer inventions such as virtual reality headsets and augmented reality gear provide its users with stimulations that create an atmosphere so realistic, it is hard to tell apart any differences. Knowing that, fans are eager to be playing online games from their homes, but feeling that they are in the actual gaming arena.