Because Gaming generally has a bad reputation, sometimes it can be difficult for one to find people to play games together. A large number of people believe that gaming is a huge waste of time—they tend to associate it with laziness and even aggression.

In fact, a Mott Poll report shows that 86% of parents believe that their children spend a little too much time on computer games. Over half of the parents of teenagers note that their children play for three hours each day at the very least, which, obviously, would make every parent concerned.

But little do they know that gaming has plenty of benefits such as improved cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. And let’s don’t forget about making friends.

Gaming has become one of the biggest markets in the entertainment industry. Over the last seven years, the number of active video gamers has grown by 32%, bringing the global total to approximately 3.09 billion in 2023.

While there are statistics that show a number of benefits associated with gaming, addiction is very possible and can be serious—it can cause significant mental, social, and physical health issues.

If you become concerned that you or a loved one is beginning to be addicted to gaming, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider or a mental health professional so that you can receive the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

Having said that, gaming is more fun when you play in moderation with people you know and like. There are many gamers worldwide, and there are many ways you can meet them. It can be challenging to find communities of people with similar personalities and preferences—even more so in your area.

But with our suggestions below, you’ll soon find friends with whom you can spend your time. And maybe you’ll become friends for life.

1. Play at a local gaming cafe

Gaming cafes are often filled with people of all ages who love playing video games and hanging out with other gamers, which makes it easy to meet friends there. The great thing about such cafes is that you could simply sit there enjoying a cup of coffee while observing other gamers and perhaps learning something new in the process.

Also, if you’re a competitive person, such cafes are great for you. You can play together with other people who are sitting next to you. It’s priceless for those who appreciate human interaction and don’t like spending too much time with people online.

2. Meet with new people through your current friends

One more obvious way to meet new gaming friends is through your existing friends. If you already have friends who play with you, it’s very likely that they also have someone who would like to play with you and discuss anything gaming-related.

Participating in group activities with your friends’ friends provides an opportunity for you to widen your friend circle. So the next time you and your friends make plans, ask them to invite more people who are interested in gaming.

3. Participate in nearby gaming conventions

Gaming conventions are events where people interested in video games, board games, and other types of games come together to play and meet like-minded people. They often have social events and meetups. It might surprise you just how many of those are happening right in your community. Search your community bulletin boards, local newspaper, or online.

Such conventions are a huge opportunity to learn from others. For instance, what if you meet game developers there? You can ask questions about how games are made and what is needed to become a game developer. Even better, you can become friends with such people and take your experience to a whole new level.

4. Join online forums, groups, and communities

Online groups, forums, and communities specifically for gamers are great for meeting new friends. To find something suitable near you, you’d need to search online or ask anyone you know.

Online forums and groups provide an opportunity for people to make friends with like-minded individuals. For those who may not be outgoing or experience difficulty meeting people, online spaces simplify the friend-making process.

Once you find the right online community, you’ll begin forming long-lasting friendships. And if, for some reason, you come across someone with whom you feel uncomfortable communicating, err on the side of caution and terminate contact.

You also need to remember that some people may not be who they claim to be. Before letting new people into your life, you first should check their identity, and PhoneHistory can help you. You just need the phone number of the person you would like to be friends with, and PhoneHistory will provide the information about the owner of the number. What if your potential friend pretends to be someone they are not?

5. Use gaming apps

There are a number of gaming apps through which you can find gaming friends—WeGamers, UNBLND, GamerLink, GameTree, and PLINK, just to name a few. They enable you to widen your friend circle without even leaving the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

While gaming does have a bad reputation among certain people, which can make it difficult for you to find people near you to play with, there are billions of people worldwide who play. So being open to meeting new people and making an effort can work to your benefit.

However, if gaming takes you to a place where you begin to neglect your physical and mental health, family, and friends, as well as your career, then you are an addict and should refrain from playing. On the other hand, if you’re one of those who can attest to the numerous benefits of gaming, then make the most of it.

Playing alone can be boring, so to spice things up, explore the various ways through which you can meet new friends to play with. The internet puts information at your fingertips, so join as many communities, conventions, forums, and groups as you can.

You do, however, need to be mindful of the people you meet. While most people may be genuine, others may mislead you with bad intentions. In your quest to find gaming friends, it’s important that you are cautious along the way and have fun at the same time.