Are Online Games Considered Social Media?

When thinking about gamers, the stigma is someone who spends all day glued to their computer in their parent’s basement. When thinking of social media, you think about a spot where like-minded people share their interests. Today, 60 percent of people are gamers who socially network through these platforms. 

By definition, gaming is social media, a network of people all focused on doing something they enjoy and sharing their interests with others. Not only is it a social medium, but all other mainstream social media companies have taken on gaming as a way to engage customers.

Thanks to gamers wanting to share their concords with the world, online games have become a networking device. Allowing anyone to watch, communicate, and play together. Read on to learn more about online games and their status in social media.


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Relevance Between Online Gaming and Social Media

The need to share scores and achievements with the world has become so popular over the last few years online gaming has developed into a new form of social media and social networking.

Online gaming has become increasingly popular as it is more easily accessible. Players can socialize with others while remaining immersed in the game.

Players

Players are able to stream their gaming, or record it and share all of their exploits through social media platforms. Popular ones include:

  • TikTok
  • Youtube
  • Instagram

Social media has become a universal tool for social networking, and gaming has only boosted engagement.

Social media plays a huge role in how players learn new information about their games as well. Players are able to share code and information about challenges and tournaments.

Gaming Companies

Social media is boosting sales for gaming companies because the outreach is huge. Companies are able to target larger demographics over different platforms to create new engagement and to keep current players.

Online Gaming as Social Media

Online gaming has many similarities to social media. It is just a newer platform that has garnered huge engagement over the last few years.

Those identifying as “gamers” rose 33 percent over the last three years. As gaming technology advances, the integration of online gaming to the social media landscape has grown. 

Effects on Standard Social Media Platforms

Your standard social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter allow for the same ways of networking. Online gaming has grown so much over the past few years that these bigger companies are taking notice and making moves.

In 2020 Facebook came out with a gaming app designed to allow players to create and watch live gameplay. Head of the Facebook app Fidji Simo stated, “Investing in gaming, in general, has become a priority for us because we see gaming as a form of entertainment that connects people.”

Gaming Consoles

Your typical gaming consoles are not so popular anymore. Why go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a console when you can play on devices you already own. Here is a list of gaming consoles from most popular to least.


  • Phones - Cell phones have become the most popular gaming devices. Their lightweight and easily accessible making them ideal for on-the-go gamers. The majority of users are more likely to open their online games than they are to open any other social media platform.
  • Computers - Computers like phones are easily accessible and are carried around most places. Gamers spend an average of 15% of their workday playing games.
  • Consoles - Your usual gaming consoles like Xbox, Nintendo, PS4. 
  • Tablets - Tablets, though easily accessible and lightweight, are not used by the biggest demographic of gamers. They are more popular with the older demographic of gamers.

The most popular gaming consoles at the top of this list are the ones that allow the easiest access to both online gaming and social media.

Demographics and Stats

Gaming as a whole has a widespread demographic. The online aspect has engaged a wide variety of people. The popularity of online games has grown so much that the statistics might surprise you. 

  • There are more than 2.5 billion gamers around the world
  • 65% of American adults play daily
  • 64% of US households own a gaming device
  • Games Revenues for 2020 reached over $153 billion
  • 38% of gamers are between 18-34, 6% are 65 years old and up
  • The average age range of an American gamer is 35-44 years old

Gaming Types

Gaming has spread so quickly over different demographics because of its diversity. There are a multitude of game types and several different ways to play those games. 

Single Player Games

Single-player games are the most popular online games as they hit big with almost all age groups. Games such as Candy Crush, Angry Birds, and Solitaire hit big on phones with a widespread demographic. Gen Z tends to be drawn to person shooter and battle royale games. 

There is also an abundance of single-player games, a bit more complex than the casual ones. Here are some of the most popular single-player games.

  • Witcher 3
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man 
  • Doom Eternal
  • Red Dead Redemption
  • Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
  • The Outer Worlds
  • Death Stranding
  • Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
  • Fallout 4

Massively Multiplayer Online Games

MMOGs are extremely popular and are more your mainstream video games. These games allow thousands of different players to work together or play against each other. The communication levels are controllable and easy. There is an MMOG for everyone out there.

Some of the most popular MMOGs include:

  • Roblox
  • Fortnite
  • Minecraft
  • Final Fantasy 14
  • World of Warcraft
  • Star Wars: The Old Republic

Online Casino Games

Gambling is a thrilling feat but not everyone has the ability to visit casinos. Online casino games allow players to play roulette, poker, slots, and blackjack. Though with any gambling, make sure you are fully aware of the rules and regulations of each game and site.

Sports Games 

There is an array of sports games out there. Single-player games that are easily played on a phone or multiplayer NFL games that allow you to be the quarterback of your favorite team. Some of the most popular sports games are:

  • Madden NFL 21
  • FIFA 21
  • NBA 2K21

Multiplayer Aspect and Social Interactions

Multiplayer gaming is a great way for people to socially network. Gaming is more socially engaging than any other social media platform as its players are engaged consistently for longer periods. Many gamers find it easier to communicate on online games than on any other platform.

The benefits of the multiplayer aspects and online gaming are huge and can help younger kids and adolescence work on skills needed to succeed in life. 

  • Teamwork - Multiplayer games allow gamers to communicate and work together while working towards the same objective
  • Different Modes - Different games offer different modes of play that allow gamers to adapt and find new ways of playing, all while helping each other
  • “Easy to learn and fun to master”- It is easy to learn which keys to hit, but consistently building and working towards an end goal is fulfilling.
  • Progression System - Your learning to stay consistent and work towards goals.

Networking and Community Building

The multiplayer aspect of these online games allows players to build relationships and communities. The social interaction between players working together on a multiplayer game creates a community around a common interest and goal. A community is built on shared values and shared understanding. 

  • Social interaction is a strong motive for playing multiplayer games and for connecting with like-minded gamers
  • Games can provide tools for interactions between two people or several people and even large groups
  • Multiplayer games allow a wide variety of people from different places to connect and build relationships through shared interests
  • Some gamers even keep in touch offline via text, email, and even face-to-face
  • These long-term interactions lay grounding for formations of communities.

Conclusion 

Social media is a network of like-minded people doing something they enjoy and communicating about it. Gaming has become such a leading networking device that standard social platforms are taking notes.

Online gaming is another social media platform growing drastically on a daily basis. Online gaming platforms allow gamers to engage with other players who share the same interests and goals. Some games even help players form lasting relationships.


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