“ Cozy ” cravers and community builders Squire says a lot of gamers these days are drawn to “ cozy games ,” or games with an aesthetic that “
evokes the fantasy of safety , abundance , and softness .”
Animal Crossing ,
Hearthstone , and
Stardew Valley are all examples of cozy games . These games don ’ t pose any real threats , so players can experiment and be vulnerable as they get to know their in-game neighbors , go on solo adventures , or design virtual homes and farms . The general vibe is chill and laid-back , and they let players tap into sincere emotions , as well as find a sense of community — a soothing virtual balm at a time when people are urgently craving spaces free of danger and hostility .
Competition is , of course , a key element of the gaming experience , and an important way for gamers to build community and camaraderie . Alice Balashova , 24 , who goes by the streaming name Aliface on Twitch , created a worldwide
Tetris tournament as a way to foster online community during the pandemic for members of the hundreds of chapters of the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers honor society . Some chapters still host weekly Tetris game nights , and her friends and family started having their own Tetris gaming parties on Discord while under lockdown . She thinks the reason why gaming builds such a strong sense of comradeship is simple . “ It doesn ’ t matter who you are IRL , because we all got on this game to play ,” she says . “ Be it to grind a specific rank or to grab that legendary gear in a single-player game , we all sit at our computers or consoles all over the world excited to take up the next challenge .”
Social spectators Another segment of the gaming world that matured during the pandemic is livestreaming . While sports like basketball and football had to hit pause , some people looking to watch competitive sports turned to esports , leading to a huge rise in viewership . According to
the latest Streamlabs report on the livestreaming industry , Twitch viewership more than doubled in a year , from 3.1 billion hours watched in the first few months of 2020 to 6.3 billion in that same span in 2021 ; watch time on YouTube Gaming nearly doubled in 2021 ; and Facebook Gaming topped one billion hours in a single quarter for the first time ever .
“ Sports fans now have favorite [ esports ] players , favorite teams , and are more familiar with the category ,” Rodriguez says . “ Instead of turning on ESPN , I can log on to Twitch for free and watch my players .”
And while watching a
battle royale with gamers ’ favorite players is certainly a massive draw , another finding in the Streamlabs report shows that competition isn ’ t necessarily what attracts the most eyeballs to streaming platforms . The most frequently watched category on Twitch ? The non-gaming category
“ Just Chatting ,” which is exactly what it sounds like : a venue for players to just chat — about gaming or anything else — and an example of how the impact of gaming is much bigger than the actual play .
Ebby says he imagines people gravitate toward these chat channels because they offer an outlet for authentic connections .
“ It fills the gap for the social interactions a lot of people yearn for .”
WHAT TYPE OF GAMER ARE YOU ?
Gaming makes your brain faster , smarter , and more attractive . It ’ s scientific ! Take our quiz to find out your gaming style .
Part 1
An unfamiliar monster enters your favorite tavern . A . Attack ! B . Buy them a drink .
What ’ s more satisfying ? A . Winning . B . Wandering .
Another sidequest appears ! A . Too busy saving the world . B . Okay , let ’ s go !
The best loot in this game is ... A . The most powerful . B . The most complex .
I prefer to be ... A . In the fray . B . In the forest .
Part 2
It ’ s here . Launch day . What ’ s first ? A . Story Mode . B . Multiplayer .
New high score ! I ’ m going to ...
A . Click “ New Game ” and try to beat it .
B . Show my friends and bask in the glory .
The best part of getting a new skin is … A . Adding it to the collection . B . Showing it off .
This final boss can ’ t be killed . A . I guess it ’ s time to grind . B . I guess I better call for backup .
The game genie grants you one wish .
A . Awesome ! I ’ ll ask for B . Amazing ! I ’ ll get VIP tickets access to every game . to every con .
Part 3
This is your 17th attempt at the final boss . A . Rethink my strategy . Again . B . Get good .
Your island home needs a new bridge .
A . I know exactly where to B . Let me try a few put it . different spots .
Red alert ! The enemy comes at dawn .
A . I gather my best generals B . I follow my gut and and make a plan . start issuing orders .
The seer offers you two objects . A . I ’ ll take the scroll . B . I ’ ll take the sword .
You finally reach the river , but the water is high .
A . I ’ ll wait for conditions B . I ’ m fording the river now . to improve .
( turn for key )
HP / INNOVATION / FALL 2021 69