Video Games and Relationships

With recent events causing us to find different ways to stay connected and communicate, it’s no wonder that online gaming has become one of the ways for friends and couples to stay connected while doing something entertaining. Video game sales rose quite a bit during the pandemic with everyone trying to find something to occupy themselves during stay-at- home orders and nationwide shutdowns.

Even before the pandemic of COVID, people were taking advantage of the online capabilities of gaming to hang with their friends, communicate, and battle enemies together or against each other. Video games and online play have, in my opinion, become more poplar than it has ever been.

Online Connections

With online apps being almost main in the way we staying connected lately. Games have become not only entertainment but a way of keeping in touch. Not only can you see each other (if you are streaming or have cameras connected), you can talk to each other through headsets. With the PS5, the controller has a built in microphone so you don’t need a headset at all!

Friends can still communicate at have fun while staying at home. Families are able to play games and connect through fun games like Mario Party or Mario Kart, Overcooked, Jackbox games and more. Even when at home with your family in the room. These and other games are a great opportunity to have a night of family connection and a great time!

Gaming Concerns

As with nearly any activity online, there are concerns. We’ve spent years being taught that communicating with people online was bad, and it definitely still is if you are not careful. But with the growth of online gaming, more and more people are turning to online for gaming. Wether it’s to play online with friends or just to challenge themselves against others on the network, online gaming has become a preferred way to pace the time.

There are also concerns of over use, seclusion, and anti-social tendencies and more. Though some may experience these, everyone who has a hobby can experience these if they are focused. Playing video games as a hobby is like any other, and no different than say knitting or fishing. Can it go overboard or to the extreme? Absolutely, but you have those around you to bring that to your attention and hopefully you’ll recognize that you need to return to the real world once in a while.

Though there are concerns for gaming online, there are some benefits to playing games and online communication.

Benefits of Online Gaming

As with anything, there are benefits to online gaming that some may not have thought about.

Playing video games online can build confidence. If kids are communicating through headsets, but not video, they may feel more comfortable being themselves without the visual pressure of acting like someone they’e not. They are able to project exactly how they want to be perceived.

Online game play can be an incredible way to bonds, teaching morals, culture and of course communication. Playing together and working toward a common goal, such as defeating enemies or completing a mission can bring others together in ways we never thought possible. Teamwork at it’s best!

Competitiveness will also bring people closer together. In recent surveys Mario Kart and Call of Duty were the top games played by couples and families. Nothing like throwing shells and bananas or sniping your family from a long distance to bring you together, right?

Relationships and Gaming

Studies have shown that just as many women own consoles as men, if not more so it only makes sense that relationships may form from the action of online gaming, or even at home gaming if you are getting together to game. Whether platonic or romantic, relationships form through the interest of gaming. Sharing a common goal, problem solving, communicating strategy and encouragement are all present during game play.

As time goes one and those that game together regularly may form romantic relationships through the act of gaming, spending time with one another they get to know one another more. The comfortable atmosphere of gaming platforms allows for many to bond without the typical pressures of online dating. One thing they know for certain already is that they have something common in the games they play.

The Two Headed Ax

With the benefit of online gaming and even friendships created through gaming, there are always going to be concerns as well as benefits to gaming and the use of online connection.

With the over use of gaming, some can cause the feeling of abandonment, become anti-social with other communities outside gaming, or use it to escape or avoid real life issues. Sometimes the best way to handle things is to compromise. Set some ground rules so everyone is happy with how often you play and make sure to make time for the important things in your life without avoiding those that need your attentions.

Though while you have the time to play, make sure you use it wisely and provide get out of it all you can before you get off.

Final Thoughts

As a gamer myself, I know that if I spend to much time playing, my relationships with my husband and children will suffer. Though I am able to keep a balance by playing with them and taking some time off the consoles to spend time with them.

There is nothing like spending the day playing a game we all enjoy. While other days it’s good to play one player game defeating machines in Horizon:Zero Dawn or Enemies in Assassin’s Creed.

Though I don’t do much online gameplay, I know it can be just as enjoyable to work as a team to defeat enemies, complete missions, and accomplish goals. Escaping to the world of gaming can relieve stress, empty your mind, and calm your soul. Just don’t forget about your responsibilities and relationships outside the gaming world. They need you just as much, if not more than you realize.