Gamers have known for years what the rest of the world is finally learning: that there's real connection on the other side of that screen. What once was a simple one-player entertainment has become that really powerful social tool, giving people actual avenues through which to build their relationships, form communities, and stay connected from far-flung distances. Slot Online types of sites are perfect examples of how game designers can allow people to connect, cooperate or look at this page for a sense of belonging in the trying times.
The Emergence of Gaming as a Virtual Alternative Social Space
To some, during this period of lockdown and social distancing, millions have turned to gaming as a way to fill that void left when face-to-face interactions are missed. Video games then became the substitute for in-person activity such as happy hours and casual get-togethers as a creative and engaging way to stay connected.
A game like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Among Us, and Jackbox Party Packs grew to become some sort of cultural phenomenon, wherein old players as well as new players would bond and play together. These games provided a way to fuel small talk, shared laughter, and the promise of living in normality in times that could not embrace traditional gatherings. With 100 million downloads, Among Us transformed mobile devices into virtual meeting spaces, while Animal Crossing gave players a tranquil escape where they could virtually visit friends’ towns, throw birthday parties, or even host weddings.
Longstanding Social Bonds in Gaming
While many learned of gaming's potential for socialization during the pandemic, video game communities have been thriving for decades. Indeed, Mark Griffiths, professor of Nottingham Trent University, has been studying the social aspects of gaming for quite some time. Back in 2003, Griffiths found that MMO-gamers like Everquest were developing very deep connections, and indeed many said that their favorite part of playing was the socialization.
Griffiths notes that in most MMOs, people form long-lasting friendships or even romantic relationships. Of his surveyed players, 10% had established romantic relationships; thus, MMOs are far from isolating virtual spaces. The idea of socializing in a game is not new at all, he says.
How Gaming Brings People Together
This is one of the reasons why Social Gaming makes video games so socially unique and appealing—they can engage global players. For example, Slot Online and many other games have created virtual arenas where players from different backgrounds can collaborate, compete, and communicate with one another. These are not just entertainment platforms, but a source of purpose and accomplishment that brings people closer together.
This interconnectivity is more than casual friendships. It has been a tool for some through which to establish communities that are safe and all-inclusive. Take the case of Jay-Ann Lopez from London. As a gamer and an advocate for women of color, Black Girl Gamers allowed her to create a safe space for women to share their experiences. What started out as a small Facebook group expanded into an energetic community among other platforms such as Twitch.
Mental Health Benefits
The impact of gaming on the social arena is more than anecdotal. Psychologists are now learning the mental health benefits of effective games and apps as a form of entertainment—especially during isolation. Lin Zhu, a University of Albany graduate student, has found that games, such as Animal Crossing, managed to give players a much-needed escapism and safety during pandemic times.
Through stress reduction and community, gaming has proven of immense importance as a tool to cope with stress for both children and adults. Organizations such as the World Health Organization have even considered this to go as far as establishing initiatives like the #PlayApartTogether campaign, so people can stay in touch even while on lock-down.
Similarly, Twitch and other streaming channels have made broader the social coverage of gaming. In one quarter of 2020 alone, Twitch streamed more than five billion hours of content. At this rate, it would thus allow for live chats with streamers and fellow fans, making playing video games a communal activity. Such interactions often extend beyond the realm of the virtual world, and Twitch might be used for launching a book, having a concert, and even a virtual graduation.