Broadband - The Gamer's Friend
As if having websites opening quickly, and downloading files at a high speed wasn't enough, there is another reason to get a good broadband connection; games.
Specifically, online games which you play in real-time against other people located around the world, playing at the same time as you. Games like World of Warcraft have revolutionised the world of online gaming, featuring a massive virtual 'universe' consisting of many realms where players from all over the world can log in to chat, exchange items and spells, and battle computer controlled (or NPC) monsters.
Because the games themselves are so massive, and the graphics are high-resolution, it stands to reason that you need a good fast speed on your internet to be able to play. These games can also take up much of your computer's RAM, so a high-spec machine is recommended for the full gaming experience. The games are available to buy online, and download from a secure site, so a high-speed connection comes in handy here too.
Typically, online games were of an RPG format - you control a character, take on quests and solve puzzles, all the while battling monsters and gaining experience points so you can raise your levels and get bigger weapons. Not everyone is into RPGs however, which is why software companies are now branching out into the world of sport.
A company in the Netherlands is testing a new racing game which will operate along the same lines as Warcraft, but with race cars. Gamers will buy the game, sign up to a server and be able to compete in races alongside other racers from all over the world - potentially even professionals such as Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa. It's a dream come true for any fans of Formula One, being able to race their heroes from the comfort of their sofa.
And that's not all; the company plans to use satellite technology to feature actual races which are being run, in real-time. You could be taking part in the races you formerly had to make do with watching on the TV. The software will be so advanced that if your virtual car collided with one driven by a real racer, your car would be written off and the game would be over. Artificial intelligence takes over a little at this point; obviously the real racers cannot see the players racing them in the game, so AI takes over and steers the virtual model of the real car away to avoid Massa driving right through your car.
All in all, it makes for a very realistic experience and the software, if proved successful, is planned to be used on other sporting games such as skateboarding, snowboarding and biking.
Playing an online game requires a fast broadband connection. Try a broadband speed test to see if your connection is up to the challenge; if not, compare broadband packages online to find a faster deal.
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