The Evolution of Social Gaming
Social gaming started gaining prominence around the late 2000s with the emergence of social network games on platforms like Facebook. Early social games like FarmVille and Mafia Wars allowed players to invite friends to help on their virtual farms or join mafia groups. This set the foundation for gamers to play, cooperate and compete together in online virtual worlds.

Over the past decade, advances in mobile technology and widespread availability of high-speed internet have fueled the growth of social gaming even further. Popular franchises like Candy Crush Saga pioneered the 'freemium' model for mobile gaming, allowing unlimited free play supported by in-app purchases. Massive multiplayer online games (MMOs) like Fortnite and PUBG incorporated new social elements like team play, spectating friends matches and in-game chats, transforming solo games into group activities. Live game streaming platforms like Twitch have also connected millions of viewers to their favorite streamers, facilitating new forms of social interaction among gamers.

Social Gaming Genres and Platforms
Some of the most played Social Gaming genres today include casual games, MMOs, multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and battle royale games.

Casual games centered around activities like puzzles, cards, board games are especially popular on mobile and social platforms. Candy Crush Saga with over 2.7 billion downloads remains one of the most recognizable franchises in this genre.

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like World of Warcraft are considered the pioneers of social gaming. They provide immersive virtual worlds where thousands of players come together for adventures, quests, in-game economy and player-vs-player activities. Emerging titles in this genre include Final Fantasy XIV and Black Desert Online.

Multiplayer online battle arenas like Dota 2, League of Legends and Smite attract huge esports communities. Their 5v5 match format encourages strategic team play and coordination between friends.

The battle royale genre spearheaded by Fortnite and PUBG has taken the world by storm in recent years. Their 'every-man-for-himself' last player/team standing concept is optimized for social play, either by teaming up or spectating friends matches.

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