Gaming can be a bit of a solitary affair for many of us. We play at home and although we might sometimes link up with friends for a quick multiplayer game, it can often be just ourselves and our monitors when we are in the thick of a gaming hobby. That’s fine if it’s the way you like it, but if you want your gaming hobby to be a bit more sociable, here’s what you can do.
- Embrace Social Gaming (Yes, It’s a Thing)
If you want to make friends and game at the same time then social gaming is the thing for you. It’s gaming that allows you to connect with more people, whether you are playing in the same room as them or online in the virtual world. Platforms like Among Us, Jackbox Party Packs, and even retro classics like Mario Kart, or casino games are basically designed to make you laugh, bond, and probably yell, “IT WASN’T ME!” while everyone votes you out.
If you’re feeling ambitious, try organizing a virtual game night. Bonus points if you throw in some ridiculous challenges like “loser has to wear a tin foil hat on camera.”
- Ditch the Headphones and Use Your Mouth
This might be controversial, but if you’re playing multiplayer and not talking to your teammates, you’re doing it wrong. Sure, there’s a risk someone will call you a noob in a way that cuts deeper than it should, but isn’t that part of the charm?
On platforms like Discord, you can chat, strategize, or even just roast each other mid-match. It’s like a live-action comedy roast, but instead of celebrities, it’s your besties (or strangers you’ll probably never meet, but hey, still counts).
- Make It a Couch Co-op Affair
Ah, couch co-op. The OG social gaming experience. There’s something beautifully chaotic about having your friends over, shoving controllers into their hands, and letting the trash talk fly. Whether you’re reviving each other in Overcooked or sabotaging friendships in Super Smash Bros, nothing beats the energy of a good, old-fashioned living room gaming sesh.
Just remember to stock up on snacks. Nobody wants to hear, “Who ate the last slice of pizza?” mid-boss fight.
- Try Streaming (You Show-Off, You)
Why just play games when you can perform them? Streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube turns your solo grind into a community event. You’ll meet like-minded gamers, share tips, and laugh about how bad you are at landing headshots.
Pro tip: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Whether you’re a pro gamer or someone who accidentally blows themselves up in every match (cough me), people love watching relatable content.
- Join a Gaming Community IRL (Yes, They Exist!)
It’s 2024—gaming meetups aren’t just for awkward handshakes and sweaty palms anymore. From board game cafés to esports lounges, there are tons of places where you can meet fellow gamers IRL. Propose a LAN party or hit up conventions like PAX. Suddenly, gaming becomes less about the screen and more about shared laughs, epic fails, and inside jokes.
Don’t be the awkward silent type – put yourself out there and make gaming the hub of your social life!
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