Gaming is the practices of playing video games. Playing video or electronic games using a console, or computer, a mobile phone, VR goggles (virtual reality) are all type of games. While, Social interaction is a social exchange between two or more people. These interactions form the basis for social structures and therefore are key objects of basic social inquiry and analysis. Games have had a profound impact on social interaction, both online and offline.

Solitary to Social Activity

Games have evolved from primarily solitary activities to highly social ones. Over the past decade, people would often play games like solitaire or chess by themselves. Presently, many of most popular games are multiplayer games like fortnight and Among Us, which encourage people to interact and work together to achieve a common goal. 

Evolving from Decades to Gaming

Gaming has certainly evolved over the decades. Early video games like Pong and Pac-Man were simple and had very basic graphics. But as technology has advanced, games have become much more sophisticated and complex. The cost of technology serves and the internet has dropped so far that internet lightning speeds is now accessible. They now often feature broad storylines, realistic graphics and complex gameplay.

The high increase in the complexity of games has led to some interesting developments. For example, professional gamers have emerged, and some make a living out of playing video games. 

Impact of Gaming on our Society

Gaming has come a long way since its early days, and it has significantly impacted our society. It has become more than just a hobby to lot of individuals, to many it’s a lifestyle. Gaming has become a language on its own, with its terms and coded words.

One of the most significant impact of gaming is its ability to bring people together. Gaming has given room to people all over the world to interact and connect with each other, it has also provided platforms for people to form communities and share their experiences with others.

Gaming has given rise to some of the world’s most innovative and creative minds, given rise to game developers who has gone on to become entrepreneurs, creating their own companies and startup. It has inspired new technologies and inventions, from virtual to reality headsets to motion-sensing controllers.

Gaming has indeed been a significant part of our society for thousands of years, it has provided platform for individuals and groups to form communities and share their experience. It has also played a major role in shaping how interaction with others has evolved. 

Roles of Gaming 

Games are fun activities where you can relax and be entertained. In time past games are used as teaching and educative tools. Some people consider their fellow gamers to be their closest friends, even when they’ve never met in person. Gaming can be like a battery recharge for mental and emotional energy. Games contribute to the intellectual and psychological development of every individuals, stimulating imagination, curiosity, choose and decisions while playing.

How to Encourage Social Interaction through Games

Social interaction can be very difficult for some individuals, both adults and children. But imaginative, physical, board or interactive games can be great fun and highly educational. One way to encourage social interaction is to create games that requires cooperation and teamwork. Another way is to create games that promotes collaboration, as they require players to communicate and cooperate in other to complete the task and win.

Games that required teamwork and communication can provide a safe and fun environment for people to practice those skills.

Online Gaming Community

Online gaming community is a group of people who play games together online, often using platforms like Steam, Discord or Twitch. These communities ranges in size, from few friends playing to massive groups or thousands of players around the world. These communities create their own rules, codes, rituals and conducts.

Gaming communities are the developers of gamers-culture. This include in-game slangs, memes, and references that are unique to the gaming community. Some argues that the cultural elements of online gaming are what makes the experience so compelling. Other, however, argues that the community can be toxic, with members engaging in bullying and harassment.