It's fair to say that online multiplayer gaming gets some pretty negative press. Thanks largely to a cavalcade of immature, vocal morons, the world of online gaming is often a hostile one that's characterised by abhorrent behaviour and dominated by prepubescent teens looking to start a virtual argument with as many members of the community as is humanly possibly. For the uninitiated, the caricature of an online gamer is one of an entitled little brat, sitting in his room button mashing, swearing and throwing a proper strop when things cease to go his way. Of course very few gamers actually fit this mould; for most of us the online sphere is simply an extension of the single-player experience. Contrary to popular belief some of gaming's very best moments occur in multiplayer arenas, because that's where the gaming community gets to kill, maim and blow stuff up together. So while some might use this virtual playground as a place to bully, cheat and vindicate their ginormous egos without fear of any repercussion, many more use it as a place to show how truly awesome humanity can be when freed from its mortal tether. Far from being a demoralising experience, gaming can reaffirm that sense of humanity and common decency in a way that few other mediums can.
10. When Everything Goes To Plan In A Game Of Capture The Flag
Capture The Flag is one of those game modes that can transport players from a state of transient glee to one of sheer despondency in a matter of seconds. We all know how it goes: the teammate with the enemy's flag is just metres away from converting it into the winning point, before a group of enemies appear on the scene, killing the flag carrier, returning the flag, and going on to steal your flag for the win. It's this kind of heartbreak that makes this popular game mode so great, and to be on the other end of that despair you need nothing more than teammates that are willing to work for each other. There are few things more reassuring than a team that plays for the objective: that means knowing your role and performing it dutifully. It's particularly reinvigorating to see people trying to lone wolf it and failing while the rest of your team stages an efficient, balanced campaign at both ends.