The internet is a vast international network, used by pretty much everyone in the World. Therefore, it is not surprising that you can find almost anything, I may even go as far as to remove the 'almost', online. So when you think 'online games' what springs to mind? Different people will associate internet based games with different things. There is a huge array of things which could fall under the online games category.

For some online games are only worthwhile of you have something at stake. These people are more likely to enjoy online gambling and are likely to have a preference between online poker, roulette, blackjack or slot machines to name but a few. Online gambling is convenient, there is the potential to win big but the risk can be pretty small and it is good fun. The games are designed to be quick and fun and encourage you to come back for more.

Games consoles now have a 'Live' function which allows users to play their video games online with their friends, wherever in the world that friend may be. This added a new dimension to online gaming as people can play their favourite war, music, dance, drama or any other type of game with whoever they want online. Therefore, these games could be considered online games, despite having to buy the game in order to play it.

For others online games are card and puzzle games which they can play at in their lunch break on work computers which have had everything fun wiped from them! Simple one player games which pass the time, challenge the mind and keep score tallies you are constantly trying to beat. These are the more classic online games since they were the first types which were widely available online. However, the types and ranges of these classic style games are constantly being updated and improved.

Social networks also incorporate a vast array of online games into their platforms. The Farmville phenomenon swept Facebook capturing members' attention and leading to people paying money to enhance their farms. This is just one example, there are gambling online social network games such as poker, crime social networking games such as gangland games, pet games, game show style games and many more being developed every day. MSN Messenger allows people having a conversation to play various multi-player games during their conversations online.

Smart phones are another new technology which has revolutionised online games. Whichever type of online game you prefer you can access through WAP based smart phone technology. The Angry Birds fever has swept through both iPhone and HTC users leading to a lot of antisocial smart phone owners ignoring the people they are lunching with to 'just get to the next level'. No I am not a bitter non-smart phone owner who is speaking from experience!