Network latency affects the outcome of different online computer gaming actions differently depending on the gaming action. The article describes many of the reasons for latency, or network delays, such as reduced network capacity, bottlenecks, and lost packet repair techniques. The author describes several online games and describes the effect of latency depending on the game design. For example, a game that uses a machine gun to shoot a player, versus a pistol, can mitigate the impact of latency; with a machine gun a player can still hit a target even with a minor network delay.