These days we often take online gaming for granted, without perhaps realising just how much things have evolved over the last couple of decades. Indeed, it wasn’t all that long ago that gaming was frowned upon as being the domain of nerds, yet the modern generation has grown up with gaming as an important part of culture and society.

As methods of communication and entertainment mediums have increasingly merged in recent years, there are now more gaming genres than ever before to enjoy. This means that practically speaking, there’s quite literally something for everyone. However, there are always games that stand out from the crowd, so let’s take a look at a few unique titles.

Ultima Online – Endless Journey

When developer Richard Garriott launched Ultima Online in 1997, thousands of players from around the globe were instantly hooked by his 3D fantasy world. He also coined the terms “MMO” and “MMORPG” that we know today, because back then, just the concept of “massively-multiplayer online” gaming was completely revolutionary.

More than two decades later, incredibly, Ultima Online still exists. Although it doesn’t boast the same number of players these days, with over 250,000 regularly logging in when UO peaked in 1999, the community of loyal and dedicated players does remain strong. It even enjoyed a revival amongst fans of classic and retro gamers in Japan.

Traditionally always based on a monthly subscription model, current developers Broadsword have now added the Endless Journey free to play option. This is aimed at encouraging former players to return, whilst also give new players the chance to explore the fantasy world of Britannia. This means that UO could well be around for many more decades to come.

SNAP at 888 Poker

Thanks to the rise of online gaming having become such a hugely popular pastime over the last couple of decades, many classic card games have successfully made the transition from table to screen. Amongst the most prominent and most beloved of card games in the digital age is poker, which has connected thousands of players around the world at virtual tables.

Combining traditional poker play with innovative and creative new versions of this thrilling card game, 888 Poker has jumped to the forefront of online poker by staying one step ahead of the curve. Sure, there’s classic favourites like Texas Hold’em, Omaha and 7 Card Stud for poker purists to enjoy, but at this online casino venue, there’s much more.

All of the games on offer are available to play via desktop and mobile, yet what sets 888 Poker apart is their very own exclusive SNAP Poker game. This is a quick-fire version of poker that really does ensure that players are kept on their toes, because every time you fold, you’ll be teleported to a new table with a new hand in play, against new opponents.

Rocket League

Soccer games have always been popular, as have motor racing games. But who would have thought that combining the two would become an international online gaming hit? Well, that’s what happened with Rocket League, which first launched in 2015 and quickly became an online gaming phenomenon with tens of millions of players.

Professional esports organizations like ESL and Major League Gaming have embraced Rocket League. Likewise, original developer Psyonix have also launched their very own Rocket League Championship Series, offering big prizes to winning teams. Not bad for the successor of a 2008 game called Battle Cars, which only received a lukewarm reception on Playstation 3.

Key to the success of Rocket League is the frantic pace of gameplay, superbly combining two entirely different sporting genres. The end result is an addictively entertaining game that can be difficult to master, although joyful to play with the simple combination of high-powered rocket cars and a giant ball.

Rust

As anyone who has played multiplayer online survival games will already know, getting started can be pretty tough. There’s often a steep learning curve before a player can hold their own in Fortnite or Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds, which are two of the most popular games in the Battle Royale genre. Then there’s Rust, which is utterly brutal.

That’s hardly surprising when the developer of Rust is called Facepunch Games, who have sold more than 5 million copies via Steam. Indeed, it’s the extreme difficulty that sets this game apart from any other in the same genre. Right from the start, your character is plonked on a beach, butt naked, with just a rock and a torch to set them on their way.

Lone survival in Rust is practically impossible, which means that finding other players to cooperate with is essential to survival. Although some will inevitably kill your newbie weakling on sight, and take all your stuff, others might just be willing to help. Once you can join a group, that’s where the real fun of survival begins in this most lethal of open world experiences.

Virtual Experiences

Thanks to constant technological advances in the video game industry, there’s always something new and exciting to experience online. Likewise, there’s no better way to enjoy new experiences than to share them with friends, whether they’re people you already know in the real world or those you’ve met online.