What are .io games?
GameDev Team• 10+ years experience
Last reviewed March 1, 2026
what are io games
io games explained
io games meaning
Quick Answer
.io games are multiplayer browser games where you compete against other players in real-time. Named after the .io domain extension.
Detailed Answer
.io games are a genre of multiplayer browser games that originated with Agar.io in 2015. They're characterized by simple graphics, real-time multiplayer gameplay, and the goal of growing bigger or stronger by consuming resources or defeating other players. The name comes from the .io domain extension that many early games used. These games are free, require no downloads, and feature leaderboards showing top players.