Browser game
Internet games are games that are played online via the Internet. They are distinct from video and computer games in that they are normally platform independent, relying solely on client-side technologies (normally called 'plugins'). Normally all that is required to play Internet games are a web browser and the appropriate plugin (normally available for free via the plugin maker's website). A game played in a browser is often called a browser-based game.
There are many different plugins used to play online games. Some of these are the Java virtual machine, Shockwave, Flash and others. Some are implemented via a technology called JavaScript. There are specialised tools used to create games employing these technologies. Games that require plugins are usually based on the client-side; that is, much of the processing is done by the player's computer instead of the server hosting the game.
However, there are also server-side games which do not require plugins and process the data on the game server instead of the player's computer. These games are typically not as visually appealing as client-side based games, but make up for that in advanced functionality, particularly because it is easier to implement multiplayer capabilities. BattleMaster is an example server-side game.
Hybrids of server- and client-side games also exist.
See also
External links
- Open Directory Project's Browser Based Video Game category
- MSN Gaming Zone with numerous online games in Java and Flash
- Bonus A kid-safe site with lots of games in Java and Shockwave
- Shockwave's site with numerous games implemented in Shockwave, even many arcade classics
- Electronic Art's Pogo online game site
- Free Online Games Game site that you can submit your game link to this website.
- Nationstates is a server-side game with the theme of political simulation
- Neopets combines both client-(Flash/Shockwave) and server-side (PHP) technologies
- Miniclip
- Free Arcade (Warning: Popups)
- Coffee Break Arcade
- RuneScape
- FlyOrDie
- Playsite offers numerous games