The gaming world once began as a form of luxury for those who owned consoles or computers. Since then, the player market grew exponentially as consoles became ever-popular mostly for the game titles and features they offered. However, with games becoming more common on computers and mobile devices, the need to own a console to play games has become less necessary.

Game developers understand this fact and make games targeting the mobile and PC market. This also leads to the rise of online multiplayer games as the internet grows more common as a part of daily life. It’s also recently that professional gaming, whether done through streaming or playing esports tournaments, has become more popular among the youth.

What makes online gaming so popular?

The popularity of shooting games skyrocketed once other players were able to battle against each other. Titles such as Counter-Strike and World of Warcraft have mainly contributed to this popularity as even old online multiplayer games are still played. As compared to story-driven single-player games, online games thrive mostly for the following reasons:

Online games tend to have higher longevity

While story-driven games still attract players, the number of active players per month dies out when online games last years and even decades. People enjoy online games mostly for the thrill and competition when facing other real-life players.

People prefer cheap (if not free) and downloadable games

Studies suggest 59% of players prefer downloading a game rather than buying a physical copy which is much pricier. Some game publishers like Psyonix, makers of Rocket League, attract players to purchase optional downloadable content such as cars and effects that merely serve as unique cosmetics rather than provide any increased advantage during usual gameplay. Tencent is also menacingly well-known for luring players to purchase passes and loot boxes that offer skins for a player’s avatar and weapons.

Looped game design and more content

A big differentiating factor is that online games are often designed to keep players playing for the sake of achievement using a looped design that makes them play a single game for as long as they can. Most shooting games include a leaderboard and ranking system that keeps people playing due to the competition.

Additionally, throwing in new content such as seasons and downloadable content (DLC) also keeps players attached to the game for as long as possible. PUBG Mobile is a clear example of how it manages to retain millions of active users with its occasional content releases and seasons.

Esports

Due to the popularity of online games among teens and young adults. These games are played on a national and global level to the point where esports is considered to be added to the Olympics as a category.

Locally, players pursue to play as teams in gaming lounges and cafes. Other huge brands such as Mountain Dew host local tournaments due to a large number of players willing to participate for the sake of winning a large cash prize pool.

However, with this ever-growing popularity, there is a concern developers must face which is to incorporate an effective player support.

Why do online games need player support?

In order to make sure an online game stays popular, there are a number of hurdles that are continuously faced. Developers must always look out for things including bugs to fix and monitor player activity in case of cheating and player abuse which makes developers consider precautions such as performing age verification online for the sake of the players’ safety while playing. It is mainly due to a game being stable and having good support and is constantly worked upon with new content.

1- Understand what players desireHave the right customer service to address queries
2- Have the right customer service to address queries
3- Have the right customer service to address queries
4- Always focus on player feedback
5- Make use of partnerships and promotions with other developers and franchises
6- Keep things working stable and smoothly
7- Monitor players and their activity
8- Introduce new content and changes
9- Ways to improve player support