Benefits of Multiplayer Gaming Communities
As our generation comes to an end, many of us are beginning to look back at the golden years of our childhood with fond memories and a desire to experience that again - but how can we do this if the gaming community is dwindling? Although positive results have arisen from the research, large scale commercial success has remained limited because of the continuing focus on adolescents and children. However, the gaming community does have some unique aspects, that have garnered relatively less attention than that of new electronic games. In fact, our generation is now looking backwards to an era that seemed to come to be defined by massively multiplayer online role playing games or MMORPGs.
What distinguishes the modern gaming scene from other hobbies and social groups such as football or heavy metal music? Unlike music and other hobbies, the game industry has developed its own sub-cultures based around specific genres such as first person shooter, MMORPGs and console games such as Guitar Hero. These provide a special opportunity for gamers to interact with one another and share their own individual creative visions. With the increasing popularity of gaming consoles, online communities have begun to form around these popular games, providing an incredible opportunity for gamers to not only interact with one another but also to share in the success of their peers.
In a recent study by Dr. Robinette Kiehn from the University of Michigan, participants were asked to play a computer game similar to an arcade game via a networked computer. The system was set up so that a player could be connected to different members of the gaming community via a modem and play the game in real time using either text commands or a headless cms (chat client software). The results showed that there was a strong correlation between player participation and performance within the networked community. The more people played the game, the better they performed. This study is similar to those in which students were asked to play a video game and judged its difficulty level by a panel of expert gamers; again, those who were actively involved in the gaming community were better adjusted while playing the game. While it's clear to see the benefits of being part of an online gaming community, it may be even more important to consider the hidden advantages of being a member of a networked group.
One of the most profound benefits of participating in an online gaming community is the opportunity to develop deep social ties and bonds with other like-minded gamers. Far from the stereotype of lonely, nerdy men wasting their time alone, these players are anything but. They are typically successful, intelligent men who enjoy a wide range of interests and hobbies. They share secrets of how to improve their gameplay, tips for improving their internet connection speed and strategies for surviving online battle rooms. Far from being basement dwellers, these gamers are geeks who are taking the world of gaming to new levels.
Not only do members of a gaming community have access to a rich pool of friends and fellow gamers who share similar interests and strategies, they also have the chance to play their favorite video games against each other. By creating networks and raiding together to defeat online enemies, members of these communities can exercise their competitive side and build strong networking relationships. They may not become World War III heroes, but they will feel that they have succeeded at something that gives them satisfaction and makes them happy to be part of a community that shares their passion for gaming.
Another fringe benefit of joining an online gaming community is the ability to participate in a robust social media presence. These players regularly communicate using forums, blogs and photo and video sharing sites. While some gaming groups may limit participation in these social media venues, many have huge followings and thousands of members who regularly comment, share photos and videos on blog posts and chat on forum threads. These players, many of whom are headless cms, also regularly contribute to the larger gaming community through viral video blog posts and participate in charity events that raise money for charity.
Social interaction is one of the strongest benefits that multiplayer video game consoles provide players. Gamers who join gaming communities tend to spend more time chatting and building social relationships than they do playing their games. They also frequently discuss current events and share personal events. In fact, some players actively participate in charities associated with their game platforms.
Gaming communities are a valuable part of the online gaming world. Through head-to-head competition and word-of-mouth advertising, these players have a chance to exercise their competitive and social skills. They also exercise the value of friendship and community building. These players often build stronger connections to their peers than they would on any other platform. Gamers may participate in these communities, build friendships, and engage in charity events without ever leaving the comfort of their home. This combination of social interaction and word-of-mouth advertising provides a strong community platform that attracts a diverse cross-section of players.
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