Being a part of an earlier generation when playing video games were popular, online gaming was something unique and like a revolutionary experience for me.

The difference between video games and online gaming can be explained by the fact that I used to play games like mortal Kombat, street fighter, contra, arkanoid, super Mario, Tetris etc. and nowadays we have FIFA 20, clash of clans, fortnite, candy crush, temple run, league of legends and the list goes on.

Here are some ways the gaming experience has changed over the years:

A) The major difference between video games and online gaming is that we needed a video game console such as Sega, Nintendo etc. to play video games, this is not to be confused with the Sony PlayStation or Microsoft Xbox which has better user interface, graphics and overall a better gaming experience.

B) Video games had simple concepts, in fact one rarely found adults involved or interested in playing video games, nowadays you will find young adults who are addicted to online gaming and will spend hours playing their favourite online game.

C) Another important difference between video games and online gaming is video games needed a console and they had limited scope for players whereas online gaming can be played on different platforms including computers and mobile devices, it is interactive and one can connect with anybody online and play the game of your choice.

D) Video games were not for everyone as they had a limited number of games that one could play, online gaming has games from all categories including, sports, action, adventure, racing, puzzle, shooting games etc. and these involved not three or four players, they are multi player games where one can play online in real time.

E) Furthermore, video games required one to be connected by wires and seated at one place while playing the game, this is not needed with online gaming because you can play online games on your mobile devices anytime, anywhere and anyplace.

F) Earlier, video games had limited number of levels and they were designed with children as the target audience, online gaming is developed and is meant for those who are mature and are able to understand the complex story telling that goes with playing the game.

G) Video games were viewed as harmless fun and a way to pass the time, online gaming is competitive and the youth of today are very competitive and play to win.

H) It is said that playing video games and online gaming limits social interaction, this is not true, video games did have limited interaction as two or more people could not play at the same time whereas online gaming is about multi player games that makes it possible to interact with people who they know and make new friends who have a common interest that is playing games online.

I) Research has shown that video games and online gaming have one thing in common, boys outnumber girls when it comes to gaming and the although the situation has changed over the years, girls lag behind  boys when it comes to gaming participation.

To conclude, we have come a long way from video games to online gaming, today's generation has so many options to benefit from the different types of games that are available to play at thei convenience.