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Multiplayer PC Games! Are these exciting enough?

As high speed internet access has become readily available, there has been a tremendous surge in the popularity of pc multiplayer games. These games allow users to compete against each other and games may have as few as 2 players, to upwards of several hundred or more. There are numerous free multiplayer pc game downloads available on the internet, additionally there are numerous multiplayer games that are available in free, demo versions.

The history of multiplayer pc games

Multiplayer pc games have been available for quite some time. The earliest forms of multiplayer pc games were popular among researchers and scientists who would compete against each other on university mainframe computers. As advances in technology were made, computers and gaming infiltrated mainstream culture. With the advent of the internet, multiplayer games became far more interesting. Not only could someone play against their best friend, they could also challenge players from all over the world. There are multiplayer games in nearly every genre of video games, with some games allowing users to work cooperatively or competitively. Some multiplayer online games, like those found at www.games.msn.com pit gamers against each other in games of chance or skill, where those that are victorious can win real money. Some popular multiplayer online pc games include Bejeweled, Jeopardy, and Family Feud.

Recently there has been a huge upswing in the popularity of massively multiplayer online role playing games. These games often referred to as MMO or MMORP games, feature elaborate fantasy or historical worlds and can have several hundred or thousand gamers playing in the same world. Some MMO game distributors have reported upwards of 1 million subscriptions for a single game. Popularity of MMO games actually depend on, player interaction and cooperation and competition. Gamers select their main character from a database and then set off on some type of epic quest. Their gaming world continues to change and evolve as a result of their own actions and the actions of others, even when they are away from the game. Some of the top multiplayer pc games of this nature include World of Warcraft, Dark Age of Camelot and EverQuest: The Shadows of Luclin.

The hardware requireme nts for multiplayer pc gaming

The technological advances of the pc industry have been fully utilized by game developers. Games have grown more complex with realistic scenery, game play and interaction. The hardware requirements for multiplayer gaming vary drastically depending on what type of game is being played. Some games, such as Bejeweled, are far less demanding than a Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing game like EverQuest: The Shadows of Luclin.

It can be difficult learning how to set up multiplayer pc games, especially if you don't have the right equipment. Most hard core gamers agree that purchasing a pc, or building their own, specifically designed for gaming will provide the best overall experience. That being said, these pcs tend to range on the expensive side, and can run upwards of $5,000+. Buying a powerful and capable processor is one of the most important steps one can take when buying a gaming pc, as upgrading the processor is fairly difficult and expensive if done at a later time. One of the best processors for the ultimate gaming experience is the Intel Core 2 Extreme 2.93 GHz. Installing quality sound and video cards, like the SoundBlaster X Fi Xtreme Music sound card or the NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX, will not only ensure that even the most intense pc games function appropriately, but will also enhance the gaming experience. Many pc multiplayer games are also compatible with special input devices, like game pads and joysticks. These are a definite must have for those that are involved in any hard core gaming.

Playing online games while using a gaming console

Prior to the introduction of the PlayStation 2, online gaming was reserved for pcs and Mac's only. However, the PS2, followed closely by Microsoft's Xbox, changed the way gamers would play online. The PlayStation 2 is internet ready and has a vast selection of games, over 200 titles, which are compatible for multiplayer online play, including Madden NFL 2007, EverQuest Online Adventures an d Call of Duty 2: Big Red One.

The Microsoft Xbox and now the Xbox 360 also offer gamers the option to play online. The Xbox 360 has nearly 300 internet compatible games, like the heralded Halo, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Madden 2007, as well as games for the original Xbox, as the games are backward compatible. In order play these games, gamer must have a subscription to Xbox Live which starts at $7.99/ month. This allows players to take part in online games, maintain a friends list and more on the Xbox Live site.

Some sites allow players access to free multiplayer pc game downloads so they can preview the game and purchase the full version later if they'd like, which many do. As more and more people obtain high speed internet access, the popularity of pc multiplayer games will only continue to rise.

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