It’s estimated that there are over 3.2 billion gamers worldwide with 1.17 billion of those playing online. That’s around 1/8th of the world’s population. With that kind of reach, it’s easy to see why online gaming has such a huge impact.
The impact goes far beyond simple enjoyment and entertainment though. Gaming also has cultural significance and helps bridge cultural gaps worldwide. People can speak to and play with others from the opposite side of the globe, and gaming has become far more accessible to people from different cultures and with different economic means.
If you are an avid gamer, it’s important to understand this cultural impact so you can appreciate just how special online gaming is, and the positivity it has around the world and this is what is discussed below.
Anyone can access online games
In the modern world of gaming, cross-platform compatibility is huge, and many popular titles are available across Xbox, PS5, PC, mobiles, and the Nintendo Switch. This includes not only expensive franchises like Call of Duty but also Indie games like Big Helmet Heroes.
This means that there are often no barriers in terms of device sales or limitations in a particular country. For example, perhaps in a specific country there is a shortage of PS5 consoles – no worries, gamers can in most instances get the same game on a different device and play regardless.
Games bring people together from different cultures
The world is becoming more interconnected and cultures mix frequently. However, there is still a divide, and online gaming helps bridge that gap. People who enjoy video games can play with and against each other from every corner of the world.
The cultural gap is also lessened due to chat systems, voice chats, and other communication channels. For example, two people from two completely different continents can speak with each other and learn about their respective cultures simply by chatting to each other while playing a game online.
For example, a group of people from five different countries and backgrounds can play together on a Minecraft server in real time and build entire worlds using only their imagination.
This is just one example – plenty of video games allow people to explore their cultural differences, grow as people, and communicate with those who they wouldn’t normally have a chance to in the physical world.
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Gamers have more free entry-level options
Historically, would-be gamers would have to either own an expensive desktop computer, laptop, or the latest games console to play games. In addition, the games themselves were typically expensive.
This often meant that gamers from particular backgrounds or with families that didn’t have as much disposable income could feel left out or even be unable to game. Today, that isn’t as much of an issue thanks to the advent of F2P games. It also helps that games are now available on other devices like smartphones and tablets.
Technology has become cheaper, and smartphones are far more widespread. Combine this with the fact that many games are free to play – particularly on mobile – and online gaming is far more accessible to people from all socioeconomic classes. This also makes games more accessible in areas of the world where current-gen gaming hardware is still prohibitively expensive.
Games can work as cultural ambassadors
It’s worth remembering that the games themselves can help connect cultures and bring people together. As far back as the 90s, titles like Pokemon, Okami, Street Fighter, and Dragon Quest have all been helping Western countries get a small taste of Japanese culture and philosophy. Similarly, the American gaming industry has also had a huge impact on how the rest of the world views the country. All while also playing a role in the promotion of English as one of the most popular second-language choices for bilingual speakers.
Meanwhile, open world titles like Assassins Creed and the GTA series give people a chance to feel what it is like to walk the streets of cities in other countries. Sure, these are summarized and often stylized representations of other cities, but both series have been praised by their 3D work and how accurately they represent specific buildings and locations in the digital world.
Dispelling cultural barriers
An important thing to remember about gaming is that those involved generally do not care about cultural barriers. They just want to play games, have fun, and create memories.
Because of this, cultural barriers, politics, and other agendas are often completely removed from gaming. This can create a positive environment and it’s refreshing to see in a world where these issues are often placed forefront in outlets such as the TV, news, and digital media.
