Editing PC game (section)

==== Online games ====
{{Main|Online game}}

Online multiplayer games have achieved popularity largely as a result of increasing [[broadband internet|broadband]] adoption among consumers. Affordable high-bandwidth Internet connections allow large numbers of players to play together, and thus have found particular use in [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]]s, ''[[Tanarus (video game)|Tanarus]]'' and persistent online games such as ''[[World War II Online]]''.

Although it is possible to participate in online computer games using dial-up [[modem]]s, broadband Internet connections are generally considered necessary in order to reduce the latency or "lag" between players. Such connections require a broadband-compatible modem connected to the personal computer through a [[network interface card]] (generally integrated onto the computer's [[motherboard]]), optionally separated by a [[Router (computing)|router]]. Online games require a virtual environment, generally called a "game server". These virtual servers inter-connect gamers, allowing real time, and often fast-paced action. To meet this subsequent need, [[Game server|Game Server Providers (GSP)]] have become increasingly more popular over the last half decade.{{When|date=February 2019}} While not required for all gamers, these servers provide a unique "home", fully customizable, such as additional modifications, settings, etc., giving the end gamers the experience they desire. Today there are over 510,000 game servers hosted in North America alone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.steampowered.com/stats/|title=Steam: Game and Player Statistics|website=store.steampowered.com}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=January 2024}}