In 1972, PLATO IV terminals with new graphics capabilities were introduced, and students started using this system to create multiplayer games. In the early 1970s, the PLATO time-sharing system, created by the University of Illinois and Control Data Corporation, allowed students at several locations to use online lessons in one of the earliest systems for computer-aided instruction. In the 1960s, Rick Bloome implemented SpaceWar! as a two-player game on PLATO. These LANs and WANs allowed for network games, where the game created and received network packets systems located across LANs or the Internet could run games with each other in peer-to-peer or client–server models. Additionally, the wide area network ARPANET further developed from its 1969 roots, led to the creation of the Internet on January 1, 1983. Between 19, Xerox PARC developed local area networks based on Ethernet. Later, in the 1970s, packet-based computer networking technology began to mature.

With the increased remote access, host-based games were created, in which users on remote systems connected to a central computer to play single-player, and soon after, multiplayer games. Soon after, modem links further expanded this range so that users did not have to be in the same building as the computer terminals could connect to their host computers via dial-up or leased telephone lines. Systems of computer terminals were created, allowing users to operate the computer from a different room from where the computer was housed. Later in the 1960s, computers began to support time-sharing, which allowed multiple users to share the use of a computer simultaneously. The first video and computer games, such as NIMROD (1951), OXO (1952), and Spacewar! (1962), were for one or two players sitting at a single computer, which was being used only to play the game.

Many video games have an online component, allowing players to play against or cooperatively with players across a network around the world.

The evolution of these games parallels the evolution of computers and computer networking, with new technologies improving the essential functionality needed for playing video games on a remote server. Online games are video games played over a computer network. JSTOR ( June 2010) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message).Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.įind sources: 'History of online games' – news Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. This article needs additional citations for verification.

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