Gaming has become an integral part of many children’s lives and can offer a huge amount of fun, enjoyment, teamwork and imaginative adventure. However, if not managed correctly it can also lead to problems such as gaming disorder and leave children and young people vulnerable to cyberbullying and online scamming. With the ability to play and chat with friends around the world, online gaming is a space that requires careful monitoring.
Games that have been developed to be played online are known as networked video games. They can be played on a variety of devices from dedicated video game consoles such as PlayStations, Xboxes and Nintendo Switches to PCs, laptops and mobile phones. Online games can be either single player or multi-player and may or not require an Internet connection to play. Typically, they are played on servers hosted by the video game publisher which can be located anywhere in the world.
Unlike the social spaces of the Web or chatrooms, which are designed to facilitate social interaction, online video games provide a space that is primarily characterized by playful activities. These unique characteristics have resulted in a space that is uniquely accommodating of socially inhibited individuals, who are often referred to as shy. Previous research has linked shyness, or more specifically emotional sensitivity (ES), with increased online video game involvement and in-game friendships.
While online video games are a relatively new social space, they have quickly become an important and popular form of entertainment for teens. In fact, almost all teens who report playing video games report engaging in some type of online gameplay with other players. This is particularly true for younger teens, who are more likely to engage in online multiplayer gaming with friends that they know in person than with friends that they have only met online.
Teens who report playing with or against others online are also more likely than their peers to feel connected to these people, even though they do not consider them to be their friends. However, these feelings are not as strong for older teens, who are less likely to say that they ever feel connected to people with whom they play online.
While some of the most popular online games require a paid subscription, there are plenty of free games available to download. These can be found by searching the Internet for the game in question along with the word “ROM.” Some of these sites are legal, but it’s important to check before downloading any software from a non-official site, as there could be spyware or viruses present. It’s also possible to purchase a physical copy of some classic games from some department stores. However, this method can be expensive and may not always provide a full gaming experience. For a complete and immersive experience, it’s best to stick with video game consoles that support online gameplay. A number of these are available to rent for a small fee.