The Internet has forever transformed the way we work, live and play - especially play. Today, online games are becoming increasingly more popular, for both children and adults alike. This has occurred for several reasons. The increasing prevalence of Internet access, in society, has certainly fostered the growth of online games. Add to this the camaraderie that is often found in associated chat features and competitive features of most games, and one can see the added attraction, in addition to the fun of playing the game itself. However, the industry is changing.

Gone are the days when Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) were the primary choice in online games. Today, casual online games are gaining the Internet user's attention. Whether a gamer is looking for puzzles, fantasy adventure, sports, shoot 'em ups, or platform games, the Internet is certain to have an online game for their particular taste. Whatever the taste, the economic rewards, for online game sites, are also increasing.

The 1990s saw a dot.com meteoric rise, but although this bubble eventually burst, the online game sector of the Internet has seen continued and steady growth. Companies like RuneScape and RealArcade Network have made millions from online games. Traditional entertainment companies, such as Disney and Nickelodeon, have seen the economic value of online games as well. Even free online games can earn a website owner tens of thousands of dollars a month, simply in advertising revenue alone. Add to this the latest development in online games, the purchase of virtual items, and we see a new revenue source for Internet gaming companies that is likely to lead the industry into a new generation. In the end, one thing is certain, online games continue to increase in popularity, due to the variety of games now available, as well as the social aspect of many of the games, and this increased popularity means increased economic rewards for the companies that provide them.