One of the biggest advantages of the Internet age is how effectively it can contribute towards bringing us together. Gaming is a strong illustration of this, where opportunities and experiences connect us in ways never before possible. From local meetups to making international friends, here’s why we think this component of gaming is so important, and what we think the best examples are.
Forging Friendships
As traditional video gaming became more popular, the size of digital communities ballooned to an immense size. From the old world of having smaller groups of followers, modern gaming has millions of active participants. This has allowed the concept of local meetups and fan groups to become a very real possibility even in smaller towns and cities.
Broadening from this point, advancements in internet speeds and bandwidth then made it feasible to play with people hundreds of miles, or even entire countries away. Today, many players have traveled this route to find close friends globally, with some even connecting with romantic partners through the communication potential of international online gaming.
Of course, traditional gaming is just the start, as newer developments have also generated significant potential. Love them or hate them, the surge in AR-based mobile gaming titles were undoubtedly an enormous hit in the industry. As simple AR concepts, by basing the titles in the real world, they give players an unprecedented opportunity to share a communal experience.
These titles manifested into accidental meetups and friendships being forged even by those not traditionally interested in video gaming or its communities. Talking with somebody from a completely different walk of life – thanks to a shared goal of catching a Charizard, might not have been something that many people predicted, but it proved intriguing nonetheless.
Broadening Experiences
On a more indirect level, we also can’t overlook the benefits which have been brought about by the introduction of international games and themes. These can help us step outside of the familiar and into unexplored territories, even if we don’t realize the references being made at the time.
One of the most popular examples of this has been found in the work performed by online casino gaming. Formerly carried by local games, modern online casinos give players access to worldwide favorites with just a few clicks. For example, if you want to play teen Patti online, and discover why this game is a mainstay in India and South Asia, doing so is now possible from many established casinos. The vastness of the online industry allows us to discover new things, and in turn, gain a greater appreciation for what others have long-loved, from cultures we would have never previously thought to explore.
A More Communitive Future
As isolating as life can be today, any opportunity for us to connect and share experiences can offer a positive result. Gaming accomplishes this better than most, building an immense national and international network of relatable understandings, interests, and passions. Like people, too often can we separate ourselves from others, creating a disparate and often harmful us-vs-them ideology.
Gaming might not be a cure-all for issues like this, but it does play an important part in bridging the gap, in allowing us to shake the hands of others to accomplish a common goal. More than just a game, this is a way for us to share our collective human experience.
