Video games have changed a lot over the years, and not just on a technical level. Gaming has gone from something that was only for children or niche hobbyists to a popular pastime that has been embraced by mainstream society. Billions of dollars are spent on video game development, and major releases are given as much attention as major blockbuster films. This has been the case for some time now, but it still catches some people by surprise. The truth is that video games are huge, and gaming has been accepted as a normal and healthy hobby. In fact, gaming even brings people together in some surprising ways.

GAMING AS A SOCIAL ACTIVITY

Gaming is often seen as a solitary activity since you can do it from your own couch or in front of a computer monitor, but there’s always been a social aspect to it. The first really popular video games were played in arcades, which were popular hangouts for young people in the 1980s and the 1990s. Once home consoles become more popular, gamers started to congregate in each other’s homes for some “couch co-op” multiplayer games. Multiplayer games have largely moved online, but people can still connect and play with each other. In fact, gaming online with friends is easier for a lot of people, especially adults who often can’t find the time to get together in person. In other words, modern online gaming is often the only chance people have to connect with one another. Since these games are online, gamers can connect with people from around the world, which opens their social circle up even more. Gamers probably have friends that they will never meet in person, but they are still friends that they met through their favorite hobby.

A MUTUAL INTEREST

Gaming also gives people the chance to connect even when they aren’t playing any games. Video games are a huge part of our culture right now, and they give gamers something they can talk about with each other. All you need to do is go online to Reddit or other message boards to find people who will gladly discuss their favorite games with anyone who will listen. If you’re a retro gamer who seeks out used game stores, you’ll also find plenty of like-minded people who will gladly discuss their favorite games from decades past.

So yes, video games do bring people together, just like any popular hobby. Whether you like to play games online with friends or you like to discuss retro games with others, you’ll be able to connect with plenty of gamers just like you.