From fighting computer-generated enemies to exploring open worlds, gaming might seem like a lonely activity. But this stereotype overlooks the sense of community on the other side of each screen.
There are over 208 million gamers in the U.S. alone. With online access, the experience has evolved into a huge, interconnected space. The appeal is clear – but what about the risks, and where is the industry heading?
Building Bonds Through Gaming
Whether playing with real-life friends or strangers, it’s not all about competition. You can find communities where people share your interests, like strategy, sports, or fast-paced shooters. This belonging may be especially meaningful for those who feel isolated in other areas of life.
A key aspect is the ability to collaborate. Popular titles, including Fortnite, often require teamwork, and winning together helps forge bonds – gaming has even been the catalyst for romantic connections. Platforms like Discord make it easy to stay connected with gamers outside of playtime, too.
Pitfalls of Online Play
Multiplayer titles, live-streaming, and e-sports all offer great ways to meet others – but there is a dark side. Toxic behaviour, from petty insults to discrimination and cyberstalking, is prevalent in online communities. Some 78% of U.S. gamers aged 18-45 say they’ve experienced harassment.
Friendly or not, these interactions aren’t always smooth either. Online gaming services can be tempting, high-profile targets for volumetric DDoS attacks. This attack involves flooding a gaming server with junk data, making games unplayable. For players, this results in frustrating lag and disconnection.
The Future of Virtual Connection
So, what does the next level of social gaming look like? First, technology such as virtual reality (VR) promises lifelike interactions in fully realised worlds, potentially changing how society views gaming itself.
We should also expect more integration between different platforms and devices. Cross-platform play opens an even broader network, joining PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and PC fans. Breaking down hardware barriers allows players to chat and party up with friends from other platforms.
As in many other industries, AI looms large in gaming. By analysing player stats and behaviour, it can help to create fair and enjoyable matchups – fixing a common bugbear.
The social dimension of gaming will only deepen as the technology becomes more interconnected. But the challenge will remain to foster inclusive, respectful environments where everyone can thrive. Safety, in terms of both the cybersecurity issues that can threaten these online venues and the conduct of those who use them, will continue to be a subject of constant iteration.
