Why parents and grandparents are turning to online gaming
In the past year, a great deal has changed. Lockdown has meant we all had more time at home. For some this was a blessing, for others it was isolating. However, most people will agree it was a time that created more stress, worry, and a lot of re-adjustment.
So perhaps it’s no surprise that when spending more time indoors and wanting to relieve the intensity of homeschooling or loneliness. This has led to many parents and grandparents have become more acquainted or even fans of online gaming.
Credit: Unsplash.
An escape
Given how much negativity we’ve all had on our minds in the past year, it makes sense that playing some form of game can be a great stress reliever.
Playing games with others can be a perfect way to connect during a lockdown and this seems to be where the biggest increase in grandparent gamers has come from.
Grandparents can learn to play something from their own home with their grandchildren and they all enjoy a positive experience together.
Gaming is well known to make you forget about issues in real life. So during the pandemic, whether you’ve had work troubles, or missing relationships and family, this is a great solution.
It’s easy to find games now which every age of gamer can relate to. I partially like the metal pinball game as I remember this fondly. It’s something that will be seen to some as ‘grandparents games’ but it is a classic and you can tune out your everyday life when you play it.
Active minds
We know that for grandparents keeping an active, busy mind is exceptionally good for their mental and physical health.
It’s interesting then to see that many of the most popular games in this age group are often classic puzzle games. Those using logic or online card and tile games.
Parents have also turned to strategy online games such as Sudoku, bridge, and finally chess which has become one of the most popular games in 2020. Video games are known to have great benefits in boosting thinking and problem-solving skills. Having to solve a problem which doesn’t involve everyday life issues is quite freeing.
The fact that recognised games have been transformed into online versions, has meant that many people who wouldn’t have considered online gaming before are now enjoying this type of activity.
Credit: Plays.org.
To relax
I’m sure many of us know someone who claims to be a gamer because they feel it relaxes them. In the past, it’s been hard to see how this is possible due to the stereotypical notion of what gaming is.
Now that games have moved on so much from the traditional fights, races, or wrestling it’s obvious how this has become a relaxing outlet.
Games have much more customisation now making them very personal.
You can create gardens, islands, shops and much more. There are options to grow plants and build structures. Players comment on how they have an online routine where they pop in each day to see how their online worlds are growing or transforming.
Credit: Unsplash.
Stability
Routines give us all reassurance which has been rather missing in the past year. Gaming is one of the things which is filling that gap for us. It’s a place to go which you can turn on and turn off anytime. Speak to people, have connections, see progress and escape from the monotony of every day.
I’m sure this online space will keep adapting and giving comfort to many people of all ages. Used responsibly it’s a positive addition to life at home.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.