Press Start: How Video Games Can Bring Friend Groups Together

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Fostering Connection, Collaboration, and Fun on Campus Through Video Games

Gone are the days when gaming was considered a solitary hobby. Today, video games offer dynamic social experiences that rival traditional in-person gatherings. Multiplayer games like MarioKart, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox encourage teamwork, strategy, and communication. So whether it is teaming up in missions, competing in friendly matches, or simply hanging out in virtual worlds, gaming provides college students with a unique and meaningful way to bond.

After a long day of lectures, exams, and assignments, college students need a way to decompress—and video games provide the perfect escape. More than just entertainment, gaming offers an interactive and rewarding way to relieve stress. A Harvard study, The Link Between Video Games and Stress Relief, supports this, stating, “Video games are one of the most effective tools for fostering feelings of competence and satisfaction”(Beckenham). Whether it is solving puzzles in The Legend of Zelda or engaging in matches of Call of Duty, gaming provides a mental reset that not only alleviates stress but also enhances overall well-being. By offering a break from reality, video games give students a chance to recharge, relax with others, and feel accomplished—without the pressure of academic deadlines.

Arguably, gaming’s greatest strength is its ability to break down social barriers and bring students from different backgrounds together. Whether it is through gaming clubs, esports teams, or casual online sessions, gaming offers a unique way for students to meet and bond over shared interests. Pacific even has an esports lounge in the library where students can connect with others who share their passion for games, offering a sense of community right on campus. This lounge often hosts tournaments, game nights, and other events that allow students to form friendships that extend far beyond the digital world. 

Personally, one of my favorite college memories is the weekly video game nights I share with my friends. Every Friday, we order food, play Mario Kart or Roblox, and take a break from homework to enjoy a few hours of pure fun. These nights allowed me to connect with so many students I might never have met otherwise! The chance to bond with such a diverse group of people and collaborate during our gaming sessions has become the saving grace of my busy academic schedule.

So, for students looking to connect, unwind, and have fun, picking up a controller or joining an online match might be the perfect way to do it. After all, in both gaming and college, the best experiences come from working together, supporting one another, and, most importantly, enjoying the journey.

Works Cited:

“The Link between Video Games and Stress Relief – PieSev.” Harvard.edu, 2016, 

websites.harvard.edu/piesev/the-link-between-video-games-and-stress-relief/.