A recent survey found that 82% of 9-19 year olds have at least one game console and 70% of them pay computer games online.  Another study found that an estimated 217 million people play online games.  That’s a lot of people.  And it explains why there are so many online games around.

    When new players start playing online games, or when parents are approached by their children asking them if they can sign up for a new game, the experience can be a little overwhelming.  The number of available games is huge, as is their subject matter and game-play differences.  Some of the larger games are not really games per say, but entire virtual worlds with thriving economies, social structures and complex features that can take months to fully understand.  
    
    So what is a new player or parent to do?  What game should you choose?  What games are good for kids and what games are adults only?  How much do they cost?  

    There are a host of questions that confront a new gamer.  What we’ve done with this guide is give a new player some options.  Older players may want to sign up for a free-trial before committing to a game that has a $15.00 or more monthyl subscription fee.  Parents with children may also want to try out the free trial period for themselves, or look at one of the games aimed at younger audiences.   The games listed below are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to online games, but they should give you an idea of the options you have if you decide to get involved in the world of gaming.

Games with Free Trial Periods:

World of Warcraft:  (http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/index.xml)

• The king of all online games, World of Warcraft (WoW0 is phenomenon.  Millions of fanatical players spend hours and hours exploring this virtual fantasy world.  Boasting a complex, rich game world and a wide variety of potential    skills and class possibilities, Warcraft is a way of life for a lot of people, and its easy to see why.

Eve Online: (http://www.eve-online.com/)

• The infinite possibilities of the universe are spread out before you when you play Eve Online.  A space-based game that allows players to create their own avatars who can command a wide range of spaceships and specialize in any number of professions, Eve Online tends to attract players with a more strategic, long-range outlook.  The vast distances of space allow for players to form amazingly complex conglomerates and corporations with their own bases, fleets and hierarchies.  The thrill of exploring space and being the master of your own ship tends to draw a lot of people, while the complexities of the game and the options tends to keep them playing.

The Lord of the Rings Online:  (http://www.lotro.com/)

•  A Fans of the Tolkein series of novels and of Peter Jackson’s film adaptations have fallen in love with this game as it  gives them the opportunity to have their own adventures in the lands of Middle Earth.  Released in 2007, LOTRO has been growing in popularity steadily, and it’s easy to see why.  Beautifully rendered scenery and a sense of ‘Hey, I remember seeing THAT in the movie!’ give this game a wide range of possibilities, and not just for fans of Tolkein’s world.

City of Heroes / City of Villains: (http://www.cityofheroes.com/)

• For anyone who ever dreamed of flying in to save the day and vanquishing the evil super-villain you’re your               super-powers, (Or vice versa), this is the game for you.  Boasting a wide range of customizable super-hero powers, City of Heroes (And its companion City of Villains), tends to draw comic-book fans of all ages.   It’s the next best thing to actually being a superhero.

Star Wars Galaxies: (http://starwarsgalaxies.station.sony.com/)

• A galaxy far-far away isn’t so far away anymore.  Immerse yourself in the world of George Lucas’s Star Wars films.  Whether you are playing as a Jedi Knight or a scruffy looking Nerf-herder, er…smuggler, there is a lot here for you to do.  Travel form one end of the universe in under 12 parsecs or fall into the Pit of the Almighty Sarlac; either way, fans and the uninitiated alike can spend long hours enjoying this game’s unique world and opportunities.

Second Life: (http://secondlife.com/)

• Not so much a game as a virtual world where players can create anything they want.  Whether it’s the creation of new clothes, buildings, or entire communities, Second Life is a worldwide phenomenon.  There are thousands of people who make a lot of money (real money) from playing this ‘game’, and some who even make their living from it.  Though most of the game is intended for adults only (Seriuosly, you don’t want children visiting a lot of places in SL), this virtual world is unlike almost any other online game.  From live concerts to real-world Job Fairs and corporate offices, SL has to be experienced to be understood.  An incredibly complex, social game, SL appeals to a lot of people who want...well, a second-life.

Games Aimed at Younger Players

Runescape: (Generally young adults age 12 and over, but may be suitable for younger children.)  

• A browser based game (one that doesn’t require you to install any special software), Runescape has become one of the most widely played online MORPG’s around, with 5 million unique users accessing the game each month.  With it’s relatively simple graphics and gameplay, Runescape is quite popular with teens and young adults.  Set in a fantasy world where players are shown on the screen as avatars, Runescape allows gamers to decide what goals they wish to pursue; be it leveling-up their magic or combat skills or perfecting one of the games many professions. Players can engage in combat with other players or with monsters, complete quests or increase their experience in any of the available skills.  Players interact with each other through trading, chatting or playing combative or cooperative mini-games.  A large group of very enthusiastic gamers play Runescape, with some schools even organizing Runescape get togethers after hours.  Applied money-management, ethics, teamwork and planning are some of the skills players have to employ to become successful in Runescape. (http://www.runescape.com/)

Dofus:  (Ages 12 and older)

• A flash based multi-media game, Dofus is widely played in France and has been expanding rapidly around the world. Currently there are about 3 million gamers playing Dofus, many drawn by the simple interface and wide variety of avatar classes.  Dofus has won several gaming awards, and has a guild system where players can form groups.  Unlike a lot of other online games, Dofus uses a turn-based combat system. (http://www.dofus.com/)  

Club Penguin:  (Ages 6 – 14) 

• A social game aimed at younger players, club penguin has been growing quickly.  Owned by Disney, Club Penguin has been awarded the Better Business Bureau’s Kid's Privacy Award and the “Editor’s Choice” form Kid’s Technology Review.  Players in the game play as cartoon penguin avatars, where they waddle around the snowy world and chat with other players, play mini-games and participate in other events.  A fast-growing community has sprouted up around Club Penguin, and it’s easy to see why with its kid friendly play. (http://www.clubpenguin.com/)

Neopets and Neopets Jr.: 

• (Ages 10+ or so for Neopets, while Neopets Jr. is aimed specifically at players age 8 and under.)  A game where players can create their own virtual pet and take care of its needs. Buying your pet food, toys and accessories is achieved by spending the in-game currency called Neopoints. Players can earn Neopoints by playing games, investing in the Neopets stock-market and trading with other players.  Guilds, mail and message boards allow players to communicate with one another.  Rated as one of the “stickiest” (most likely to see users return) sites around, Neopets has a tendency to grab the interests of children of all ages. (http://www.neopets.com/)

MapleStory: (Generally young adults age 12 and over, but may be suitable for younger children.) 

• A fantasy based side-scrolling game, Maplestory claims to have 50 million users worldwide.  Anime styled characters and settings make this game popular with young people.  A range of social interactions, character types and colorful settings give this game a distinctive look and feel.  A tight-knit group of players make it easy to see why this game draws so many numbers, as social interaction and cooperation are a big draw. (http://www.maplestory.com/)