If you’ve struggled at being cooped up inside with nothing new to do, fear not – you’re not alone. How myself, and many others, have managed to cope with this exhausting pandemic may surprise you. So how have I managed to laugh and have fun with friends while also 100% social distancing? Two words: video games.
Social Distancing, While Also Socializing
While the COVID pandemic has inconvenienced and impacted us all, there’s something to be said for experiencing a pandemic in the technology age. Today, we have so many tools and resources available at our fingertips, and all it takes is the push of a button. Whether you use a desktop, console, or hand-held system like Switch, technology permits us to be more connected now than we’ve ever been. Video games allow you the opportunity to have new experiences and make new memories with friends in a way that is perfectly COVID safe.
As a hopeless extrovert surrounded by introverts, video games have been my life saver in the last 10 months. Which is also to say that video games can be that perfect system that brings different kinds of people together in a way they may not have been able to otherwise. Extroverts, introverts, those with social anxiety or other disorders, and people all across the world – all are equal in the realm of video games. By working together to accomplish a goal, the group bonds in a way that is entirely different from going to a bar for happy hour, and with people they might have never met otherwise.
The Virtual Hangout
If you’ve spent more than an hour playing video games in the last decade, you’ve probably heard of Discord. Discord is a free application, downloadable on computers, tablets, and phones, that allows you to create and join servers and chat groups for free. Unlike previous platforms, no one person has to host the server, which means you can drop in and drop out without worrying about limiting the experience for others.
Organized quite intuitively, Discord offers text and video channels, with the option to add as many as you want to a server. In addition, the platform offers a side panel which shows which of your friends are online and what they’re playing. Discord also gives you the ability to stream your game screen in voice channels, allowing anyone who wants to watch the chance to follow along with your adventures.
Easygoing Games
Although many video games can get your heart racing and your blood pumping, that’s not always what you want. For those times I just want to relax rather than fight for my virtual life, I keep a couple of easygoing games on hand. My top five stress-reducing games, most of which are available on Steam, are as follows:
– Human: Fall Flat
- Single or Multiplayer
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Classic Mac OS, Linux
- Easily the most hilarious, laugh until you cry or pee yourself game. I’ve spent countless hours with friends alternating between solving puzzles and having fits of hysterical laughter over the floppy movements of the avatars. There’s no time limit or life count, which gives you the opportunity to be as serious or as silly as you want when playing with friends in the virtual escape room game.
– Animal Crossing
- Single or Multiplayer
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, Wii U
- There’s nothing more relaxing than paying off crippling debt! No, but in all honesty, Animal Crossing is one of the most relaxing games on the market today. Living the life of a simple islander, picking fruit and planting trees or traveling to a friend’s island – to pick fruit or plant trees. The game plays in real-time depending on your time zone and location, which includes new changes every season, which bring with them new goals and prizes to be won.
– Jackbox
- Multiplayer
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, tvOS, Microsoft Windows, Classic Mac OS, Linux, Fire OS
- The ultimate party game pack for a night in. You can cast Jackbox to your TV and play it in person or organized online with far-away friends. Made for all ages, entertainment levels, and interests, Jackbox is a fast paced game that allows you to move from one objective to the other easily – and is the perfect game if you want to have fun with friends but don’t have the time available to commit to a long play session.
– Tabletop Simulator
- Multiplayer
- Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux
- The base game contains 15 classic games, but there is an endless number of community created games in the Workshop, including everything from Catan to Sushi Go!, allowing you to play your favorite board or card games online when you can’t meet in person for a game night with your friends.
– Planet Zoo – Sandbox
- Single Player
- Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, iOS, Unix
- All the fun of the challenge and career modes, with none of the financial stress. This game offers you the ability to be as creative as you want with your exhibits and attractions. You can even make blueprints to use in the other game modes! Not to mention, the ability to turn off animal aging, birth, death, and many more options.