Post by Jeff Brunelle. Find him on Twitter.

Whether it was the Paratrooper game on my grandparents’ old Apple computer, Backyard Baseball, Age of Empires or Counter-Strike, I’ve always had an affinity for computer games. Even though my tastes have changed over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate all types of gaming – especially multiplayer.

I think it all goes back to when I was a kid and would go to gaming centers with my friends to have multiplayer tournaments.  We thought it was so cool to go to these places so we could interact with each other through a computer screen.

I admit, I’m a big nerd, but I really thought it was something special. Why would I play against a computer-powered character when I could play my real friend who was hanging out right next to me? It was more social, more fun.

OMGPOP is a relatively new online multiplayer game community.  Essentially, it’s “a place to hang out, play free online multiplayer games, chat and make friends.” While playing games in the virtual environment, you can interact with each other through chats and comment on how the game is going.

In many cases, you can even see your friend’s screen and how well they are doing during the game. This feature, along with OMGPOP’s exciting artwork and user experience, adds a whole new layer to online gaming.

Some games, like Blockles, which is similar to Tetris, create a feeling of competition because you can see the other player’s screen and how big their stack is compared to yours. Start talking trash and it can get pretty entertaining. Other games, like Letterblox, a Scrabble-like game, are more fast-paced and time aware but similarly competitive because you’re racing against the clock.

Then there’s Draw My Thing, which is similar to Pictionary and nearly just as exciting because guessing answers happens through live chat. When playing games at OMGPOP, you may not be playing in-person, but the chat feature gives you a chance to feel like you are interacting on a personal level.

As great as it is to play with anonymous strangers on the web, it’s a blast if you can play with your friends.  A few weeks ago, my roommates and I were sitting around our apartment playing Letterblox against each other. That might sound lame, but it was actually a ton of fun.  We used chat, we yelled out loud at each other, and we had a good time hanging out.  For me, it added a new level to my gaming experience – I was being social while using the web, and it was enjoyable and upbeat. Sound effects, colors, and statistics like “Time Wasted” all add to the entertaining and addictive environment.

Thanks to that interactive experience, OMGPOP is kind of like an oasis for wasting time or clearing your mind. Just jump on your computer, login and start playing fun, visually appealing games. No friends online? No biggie. Just hit ‘Play Now’ and dive into a game with other random people looking for a new, interactive way to waste time. Be unproductive together! Because let’s face it, if you’re not going to be productive you might as well waste time together.

With OMGPOP, you can have fun with your friends and make new friends while doing just that. In their words, “that’s why we know, for a fact, that this will be bigger than unicorns and wrestling combined.” For more updates and info, check out the OMGPOP blog.

Check it out and tell me what you think!

Photo: David Sandell