The social side of gaming: How Kiwis are sustaining their social lives through online play
Gaming has penetrated the streets of New Zealand cities with a huge number of people involved in it as a form of entertainment. According to a 2023 report by the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA), at least 76% of all Kiwis play video games, with most households having at least one gaming device. This gaming has brought in another form of social interaction between Kiwis of all ages.
The rise of online games has not only come as a revolution in the gaming industry, but it has also created a whole new landscape for social interactions. For example, various forums for slots nz online fans have come up which help online gamers interact and share more ideas.
No one could have foretold that this would be the life people would be living just in the first quarter of the 21st century. This article will highlight more about how the online gaming community in New Zealand is being transformed socially.
Kiwis to the world
The gaming world of New Zealand has created groups and individuals that have taken gaming to a whole new level. For example, a group of YouTube content creators(Viva la Dirt League) was honoured by the creators of the popular online battle royale game, PUBG. This group of friends was invited to the PUBG Global Invitational in Berlin where they did exceptionally well in the competition, coming in third.
Although they don’t categorise themselves as very good gamers, the Viva la Dirt League crew has been coming up with YouTube sketches based on popular and fictional online games. For example, their series, PUBG Logic, is a sketch series based on the world of PUBG, where the actors act as avatars in the real game.
This kind of activity places New Zealand’s gaming industry at the top of the global map. That’s why Chelsea Rapp, Chairperson of the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZDGA), said that gaming is so much bigger than what many regard it to be.
Connecting gamers from all over the world
One of the most notable aspects of online gaming in New Zealand is its ability to create and sustain communities that span the globe. It is not uncommon to hear of close friendships, business partnerships or even marriages that began during gaming sessions.
For instance, a feature in the NZ Herald described a couple who met and developed a relationship while playing Xbox online, later passing their enthusiasm for gaming on to their three children. While it may seem an unconventional story, such connections are far from rare within the gaming community.
Online platforms provide spaces where individuals with shared interests can connect with ease. Whether competing for the top position on a leaderboard or working together to complete missions in a collaborative game, these interactions often develop into strong and lasting bonds between players.
Building gaming communities
Online gaming communities have evolved into vibrant hubs where players connect to share experiences, exchange strategies and form lasting relationships. For individuals moving to a new location or finding social interactions challenging, these networks can provide an accessible entry point into new friendships.
Gamers are often known for their willingness to support one another. When a post appears on platforms such as Reddit from someone seeking a particular type of gaming group, responses offering recommendations and introductions are typically quick to follow. In many cases, hundreds of suggestions point towards established communities suited to different play styles and interests.
The growth of social media has further streamlined this process, enabling players to join groups where gameplay can be discussed, news on favourite titles shared, and encouragement provided during both in-game challenges and personal difficulties.
Using gaming as a social outlet
As modern life increasingly produces isolated individuals, online gaming has emerged as a valuable social outlet where people can step away from daily pressures and connect with others who share similar interests. Studies indicate that Generation Z is among the demographics reporting high levels of loneliness despite being surrounded by others. In response, many turn to online gaming as a space where they can feel engaged and connected.
Gaming offers an environment where self-expression, personal growth and creativity are encouraged. Many titles include in-game chat and voice communication systems that allow for real-time conversations during sessions. For some, the primary attraction lies less in the gameplay and more in the opportunity to maintain ongoing conversations with like-minded individuals.
Numerous gaming communities also organise physical events and tournaments, providing occasions to meet in person and deepen relationships first formed online.
From screens to friendship
Online gaming has become a significant part of life in New Zealand, with research suggesting that a large proportion of the population identifies as gamers. In this context, online platforms provide an ideal environment for social interaction.
The communal side of gaming has become a unifying force, drawing together individuals from varied backgrounds. Whether the preference is for expansive role-playing worlds or fast-paced competitive play, there is a community tailored to almost every style of gaming.
The editorial unit
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