It feels like nowadays we have numerous choices when it comes to finding ways to stay entertained online. With scores of games, from legendary retro ones such as Super Mario to the latest massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), players can escape into new worlds and relive their favorite nostalgic memories.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top ways that gamers can keep boredom at bay. We’ll look at the rise in virtual reality gaming, ways to play classic retro games and free MMO games, and the experience of playing live online casino games.
By the end, you’ll have plenty of ideas for new things to try.
Try live online casino games
One potentially exciting way to stay entertained online is to play online casino games. When we think about these kinds of betting websites, our minds might jump to games such as virtual slot machines.
However, online casinos have developed significantly in recent years. One key area of change is the introduction of live casino games.
Many betting sites, such as Fortune Coins, offers players the chance to play along with games that are taking place live in a real casino. You can simply watch the stream on your computer or mobile device and bet along. Not all betting sites offer live games though, so it’s always best to check out casino reviews.
Betting sites that do offer live tables usually provide them for games such as roulette and blackjack.
Take advantage of welcome bonuses
If you wanted to take a more risk-averse approach to playing online casino games, it might be worth checking out WSN.com for free bonuses and deals.
Usually, when players register for the first time, they can take advantage of special offers that can only be used once. However, if used in the right way, you could find yourself in a position to play casino games for free.
One type of offer commonly made is free spins on slot machine games. If you make some profit on those games, you could then spend your winnings on live casino games.
Other betting sites offer to match your first deposit too. So, if you deposit $700 when you first signup, the casino may offer to match it, crediting your account with a further $700.
Play retro games for free
Gaming is a timeless and endlessly entertaining pastime and the choice of games is growing all the time.
Lately there has been a shift towards the past, with retro games that were released decades ago for platforms such as the Sega Mega Drive or the Super Nintendo System (SNES) rising in popularity. Some of the most popular include Super Mario, Donkey Kong, Alex Kidd, Pacman, Street Fighter and Sonic the Hedgehog.
What many people don’t realize is that it’s now possible to play these games online. Given the advancements in technology, these retro games can easily be run through websites, so you simply play from your browser, either on mobile or desktop.
It’s even possible nowadays to create mini emulator consoles, such as the Raspberry Pi, that you can load with these classic and legendary games. This allows you to enjoy these games with retro joysticks or Mega Drive controllers for the full nostalgic experience.
Play free MMO games
One of the biggest shifts in the gaming industry in recent years is from reliance on players buying copies of games and downloadable content to free games and in-game purchases.
With certain titles such as Destiny 2, Fortnite and Dota 2, players can download and play games for free. Computer game publishers then put their efforts into locking full access to the game unless players buy add-ons, season passes or premium access.
To incentivize the process, publishers usually offer bonuses and extras that are only accessible to the people that make these in-game purchases.
While this model has come under fire, the benefit is that players can play and access them for free. This way, you can try the game out without having to commit to a $50+ purchase.
Virtual reality games
Virtual reality (VR) has taken the world by storm. This thriving technology is being used in industries ranging from sports to science. However, it was computer games where it first rose to prominence with devices such as Oculus VR and more recently, PlayStation VR.
As the technology has developed, it has become more accessible to people and that’s sparked a boom in demand for VR games.
In the past few years, we’ve seen major titles such as The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, Half-Life, Star Wars, No Man’s Sky and Resident Evil all hitting this revolutionary platform.
It’s possible for gamers to play these games online and on mobile devices too. Some of the most popular mobile VR games include Cartoon Village, the gripping horror game The Black Mass Experience and House of Terror.
The rise in live streaming
One of the most popular ways for gamers to stay entertained online nowadays is watching the live streams of other popular and entertaining gamers, or the live streams of gaming competitions.
The popularity of esports, also known as electronic sports, has rocketed in the past few years. By 2025, it’s predicted to have a global audience of around 318 million, a huge increase from the 215 million of 2020.
One of the most popular games that people watch is Dota 2. The prize funds for some of the most recent tournaments have hit $40m. With so much money on the line, the competitiveness, as you can imagine, is great, which makes for an enthralling watch.
As well as competitions, there’s a lot of entertainment to be found in watching individual streamers. Some have regular gaming schedules and build legions of loyal followers.
The most popular platforms for live streaming games include Twitch, YouTube and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.