Articles

In recent years, online gaming has grown explosively in both the number of players and the number of games available. Last year, online gaming sales exceeded $13 billion, due to titles appealing to a broader audience than ever before. World of Warcraft and other massive multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs) attracted millions of people to compete solo or in teams across vast virtual landscapes. These games are available continuously, and many gamers play for many hours at a time.

To play the game, players must pay the software's purchase price plus a subscription fee each month. The fee allows them access to the game manufacturer's network, so that players can compete against each other. In return, the company pledges to keep access available at all times, offers technical support, and resolves software and internet connection problems.

In those regions where broadband internet is widely available,