The rise of “social” games

Gaming has always brought people together. In the past few decades, however, games have gone from simply connecting like-minded people (via internet forums, for example) to providing players with a platform for socializing while they play.

From writing to magazines to learn more about specific games to logging into your Steam account and playing with your best friends, let’s explore how gaming has become one of the most popular ways to interact with other people. We’ll also talk about some of the best games for players who are interested in making socializing the main purpose of their time.

From solitary to interactive

When you think of video games, you might immediately picture a gaming console. Although these have become a ubiquitous part of the industry, the history of video games actually began decades before their invention. During the 1940s and 1950s, computer scientists started to work on simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe to attract public attention and support.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that the industry was kickstarted into the rapid pace of development and improvement we see today. It all began with a group of MIT students and a passion project: Spacewar. While the game remained mostly limited to college campuses due to the computing power needed to run it, it established an audience for video games and encouraged the industry to explore further.

In 1972, the world saw its first console in the “Brown Box”, renamed the Magnavox Odyssey. From there, increasing numbers of games were included on computer demo floppy discs, and gaming consoles were refined into what we know and love today. During this time, video games as social connections became more advanced. Video games attracted like-minded people from the start, whether they were other computer scientists or consumers connected via magazines and newsletters.

Today, whether they are close by or across the world from one another, gamers can interact with each other while playing their game of choice. Let’s take a look at some of the best games on the market for cooperative play and socialization.

World of Warcraft

It’s hard to find a title that is better suited to playing with friends than Blizzard’s World of Warcraft (WoW). An industry pioneer and classic, WoW has long brought players together. First, players can connect with their friends via chat inside the game. This is a surprisingly easy way to catch up on life while grinding out quests and leveling up. You can even build entire guilds around your friends and loved ones. This makes it even easier to connect in the game and hang out virtually.

Among Us

If you’ve searched for the perfect multiplayer game in recent history, there is a good chance you’ve encountered InnerSloth’s Among Us. It was a viral sensation during the pandemic, allowing players to connect with each other virtually when they couldn’t do so in person.

The game is simple: A group of players work together to prepare their spaceship to leave inhospitable locations, but one (or more) of them are secretly sabotaging the rest. Players have no choice but to communicate to find the betrayers and prevent them from causing further damage.

Mario Kart

Millennial readers will likely have an instant reaction to this title. Nintendo’s Mario Kart is a classic multiplayer game that surely made (and broke) millions of friendships around the world. During the game’s heyday, it was played in person with friends and loved ones. Players race around the racetrack with the goal of winning, but in order to secure a victory, players must sabotage each other along the way.

Today, you can enjoy Mario Kart remotely like the other titles on this list. A version of the game can even be played on your cell phone.

Stardew Valley

Now that we’ve covered some of the most exciting, high-stress cooperative play games on the market, let’s talk about one of the most relaxing. ConcernedApe’s Stardew Valley is a farming simulator where players collaborate to build the most efficient, successful farm they can. It’s the perfect choice for friends who are looking for an excuse to catch up and hang out while working toward a shared goal.

Casino games

One surprising category of games that is good for socializing is casino games. Players might not be able to play directly with one another, but they can easily chat while playing and compare notes on wins and losses. The best games require excellent online operators, of course, and trustnplay.com can help you find a suitable fit.

From relaxing evenings to action-packed gaming sessions, socializing while playing has never been easier. If you’re looking for a way to connect with loved ones, consider giving one of the games on their list a try.