Best Websites for Playing Online Games
Videogames aren’t just for kids. In fact, as you age, playing certain games can help you cognitively and, according to new research, might even improve your mood and sense of well-being.
So we looked for games that you can play online for free without having to download any software. We found several good ones on sites that don’t bombard you with ads – but before you start clicking on links, read on.
Most sites will ask you to create an account using your email before they’ll let you play a game for free. Don’t use your existing email address. Instead, create a new one that you’ll only use for online gaming – something with no identifying characteristics (good email:firecracker74@email.com; bad email: jzimmermanseattle@email.com). In other words, keep your gaming email and your personal emails separate.
- Never click on an ad or download anything from a game site to your computer; if the game produces a pop up window that says you need to download Flash to play, for instance, it could be malware. Don’t download any kind of “Flash” update from any of these sites, download it directly from Adobe.
- Don’t divulge any personal information about yourself to another gamer, including your last name, age or location.
- If a gaming site asks you to create an account, choose a username that keeps your identity totally anonymous and create a secure password of 12 characters or longer that you only use for gaming (good username/password: firecracker74/gamewhiz2013)(
bad username/password: jzimmermanseattle/ password1234). Never use the same password you use to log in to your email or an online bank account. - Be aware that some free games will allow you to play for free until you reach a certain level and then will require a payment for you to continue the game.
Best Sites
- Pogo.com offers a variety of free online games, including chess, scrabble, card games, word games and puzzles. If you want to keep a record of your scores on the site, you’ll have to register. Having an account will also allow you to use the site’s social features – you can play against other members, participate in forums and “chat” with friends while you play. A good go-to place for a lot of different free games (including word games, card games, and hidden object games). Click here to visit Pogo.
- Tetris is another site with a variety of arcade-style games, word games and puzzle games. To play you need to log in with your Facebook account to save games and share with your friends. Click here to visit Tetrisfriends.
- Mahjong offers free Mahjongg and Mahjong Games like Mahjong Fortuna, Mahjong Solitaire, Connect, Mahjongg 3D, Mahjongg Dimensions and Towers. The games are playable on desktop, tablet and mobile (Android, iOS, Windows Mobile). Click here to visit Mahjonggames.
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Comments
online boggle is another great game for seniors. You can play for free at ewordchallenge.net
pogo is awful! Hacked often, predatory fees and downloads.
Thank you for your article. This is so informative and I really gained knowledge about your topic.
I think you should add Goldtoken.com to your list! It has numerous board and card games and the most of the people playing on it are very friendly and it almost becomes like playing with family! I have been playing on it for over 10 yrs., and many of the newer players indicate that they’ve played on other sites and are much happier at Goldtoken. (which I can’t attest to) I have no connection to this site other than being a longtime, satisfied player and suggest people check it out.
Amazing! Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts.