Not so Silent but Appreciated: Social Networks in Gaming.
As we come into the new year having just had a locked-down Christmas, for many of us, I’m sure many are seeking the comfort and enjoyment of a good gaming session. Many are probably enjoying these gaming sessions with gifts from the holidays. They offer a great release from a day to day reality that, especially at the moment, can be quite bleak. As well as allow us to connect with our friends at a time when we can’t physically see them. However, it is weird that when most of us think of gaming we pay little attention to the wondrous features that keep us connected online even though we use them constantly. What is a game of Call of Duty without listening to the obscene language pumped into the team chat at max volume, or my personal bane the music sharer; usually pumping in songs that can only be described as mind-numbing.
All gaming platforms from Xbox to Playstation, from desktop to handheld, offer a variety of services to connect us to both friends from school, work, or even those met through gaming. Increasingly as gaming tech advances games have their own built-in networks or chats to keep gamers connected as the game progresses. Even solo franchises such as Assassin’s Creed has features to share pictures. interesting stories, and tips. Yet we as gamers pay so little heed to the details of them and what they add to the game.
Even if games don’t have a built-in chat you can still connect through your console of choice’s network, or discord has been gaining more and more prominence in my life as a way to chat to a single friend or multiple at the same time. It isn’t even necessary that you are playing the same game to enjoy the conversation and atmosphere, as I have experienced through being in the same chat as friends playing League of Legends and Among Us, just to name a few, and alleviated the desire to socialise that many of us just can’t do in person due to the circumstances.
Ultimately despite the lack of attention gamers pay to the networking aspects of games when speaking about them I do feel that all gamers appreciate them, now more than ever. The BBC even mentioned that due to the socialising aspects of gaming online many of the younger generation brought up on games are surviving better in the pandemic thanks to the limited social interaction offered through gaming.
The pandemic has undeniably changed life for the time being, maybe permanently, who knows, but for now, gaming offers those both experienced a new outlet through which to socialise and distract ourselves from the monotonous nature of lockdown life. I feel that it is only fair we raise a toast to the unsung heroes who first decided to add a chat to a game in thanks for keeping us sane for the time being.
Peoples' favourite boardgames are also beginning to adapt thanks to COVID-19 so no one can escape the horrifying boardgames nights you leave either feeling like a king or a joker. There’s even twitch for those people who prefer watching gameplay to actually gaming, and that has a chat that updates so fast it is often hard to track.
Jack Glidewell
Reviewed by Jack Glidewell
on
Sunday, January 03, 2021
Rating:
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.