Communities play a vital role in every aspect of life, even in the seemingly isolating world of gaming. To the inexperienced eye, it can look like gamers disregard the need for social connection and physical interaction, but many find a sense of belonging and community in lobbies, chat rooms, and Discord servers.
Being part of gaming circles is often as engaging and rewarding as playing the game itself, whether that’s multiplayer fun in MMOs or enjoying the thrill of bingo apps. In this article, we explore the role of communities in gaming and their importance.
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There’s an undeniable link between gaming and social connection, particularly for men. Research suggests that 43% of men play games to connect with their friends and to meet new people, compared to just 21% of women.
This shows the importance of gaming, not just in helping people to engage with online communities, but also in maintaining friendships that exist outside of the digital realm. With the advancement of digital connectivity, online gaming seems to have taken the place of other methods of socialising.
2. Connecting to the world
Online gaming gives people the opportunity to connect with people from all around the globe and all walks of life. This brings an undeniable sense of connection to the world that has rarely been achievable before.
Gaming unites people in a way that few things can, with the playing experience being a universal language that crosses ordinary barriers and divides. Much like music, gaming gives people shared experiences and interests, no matter their background.
3. Collaboration in online communities
Online gaming communities foster valuable lessons and learning opportunities for all involved. Collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution are critical skills necessary in both online and offline communities, but the gaming scene gives people a chance to develop this experience before applying it in the real world.
In this way, communities online can provide learnings that people can benefit from in their work and personal lives.
4. Rules and guidelines
Community rules and guidelines are an important aspect of gaming communities. Each community has its own set, created specifically to make sure that the environment is a welcoming place where users can interact and engage safely with each other.
Codes of conduct and regulations are there to ensure the digital safety of its members. Cyberbullying is not uncommon, and steps must be taken to limit its impact on gamers’ well-being. For this reason, rules and guidelines that promote respectful communication and ensure fairness are there to ensure everyone can socialise in a safe space.
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