Social Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Social Gaming.
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What we've been playing - "I don't think this is this game's biggest problem"
Several individuals share their recent gaming experiences, including Kelsey enjoying Hitman World of Assassination, Connor revisiting MapleStory in anticipation of its classic version, Chris offering further thoughts on Marvel's Wolverine, Bertie finding unexpected joy in the cooperative game Big Walk, and Marie replaying Spyro: Reignited Trilogy.
What we've been playing - "We're in danger of making this a regular thing"
This week's "What We've Been Playing" feature discusses several games, including the blob-merging puzzle game Sobosuba, the classic Minesweeper, and the social adventure game Big Walk. The article also touches on the philosophical question of player engagement in games that largely play themselves, using Vampire Survivors as an example, and mentions brief dabbling in The Lord of the Rings: The War in the North and Hades 2.
It turns out touching grass is the answer: Gaming is great when you leave the house
This article argues that gaming, while often isolating, is best experienced socially, whether through large events like Gamescom or smaller local gatherings. The author shares personal experiences of engaging with other players at an in-person launch event for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, highlighting the connections and fun that come from real-world interaction over online play. Stepping away from digital platforms and engaging with games in person can combat burnout and rediscover the inherent fun of gaming.
Filling Big Walk with people who had no one to play with demonstrated how deceptively profound it can be
This article explores the profound impact of social connection in the game Big Walk, detailing an experiment where the author gathered infrequent online gamers. It highlights how the game's simple mechanics foster emergent social interactions and create memorable shared experiences, even among strangers.
Xbox Live Party Chat Poker Nights Are Back, Here’s How Cross-Play Changed The Game
Cross-play has revitalized social gaming experiences, particularly for activities like online poker nights, by removing platform barriers that previously fragmented friend groups. Microsoft's continued investment in cross-platform compatibility, exemplified by Xbox's approach since gamescom 2026, ensures that players on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC can easily connect. This shift has allowed social gaming circles to remain active for longer periods, transcending console generations and fostering stronger friendships through shared online activities.
Raph Koster on the birth of MMORPGs and sandboxes as the ultimate expression of social gaming
Raph Koster discusses the origins of MMORPGs and sandbox games, tracing their roots from MUDs to modern titles like Ultima Online and World of Warcraft. He highlights how sandbox games represent the ultimate expression of social gaming by fostering interdependency and allowing players to engage in ways that matter to each other.
The Best Casino-Inspired Xbox Games To Try
This article highlights several casino-inspired games available on Xbox, including The Four Kings Casino and Slots, Poker Club, Prominence Poker, and the Diamond Casino & Resort within Grand Theft Auto V Online. These titles offer various gambling experiences, from social hubs to competitive poker tournaments, all accessible from the comfort of home.
8 Ball Pool: Play Together Announces Steam Next Fest Demo
8 Ball Pool: Play Together will feature a free playable demo during Steam Next Fest from June 15 to June 22. The game combines realistic 8-ball pool matches with a social bar atmosphere and offers adjustable aim assistance for new players. Feedback from the demo will be used to improve the game before its full release.
Best of 3Bis brings social esports to the heart of Paris, France
Resonanc'E-Sport and Bar Le 3 Bis are collaborating to host 'Best of 3Bis – 2v2 edition', a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament in Paris on June 7, 2026. The event emphasizes social interaction and teamwork with a 2v2 format featuring friendly fire, running from noon until midnight.
How to host a games night people actually enjoy | Invision Game Community
This guide offers advice on hosting enjoyable games nights by focusing on creating a relaxed atmosphere and choosing accessible games. It emphasizes simplicity, flexibility, and encouraging social interaction over rigid structure to ensure all guests feel included and comfortable.
Global Expansion of Crash Games
Crash games are experiencing rapid global growth, driven by their simple rules, fast rounds, and mobile compatibility, making them ideal for modern player habits. Regions like India, Brazil, and various African countries are significant contributors to this expansion, facilitated by improved internet infrastructure, affordable smartphones, and accessible digital payment systems. While Europe has a more mature, regulated market, crash games are gaining traction there as an alternative to traditional casino offerings.
8 BALL POOL: PLAY TOGETHER - Own the Table in the Ultimate Social Billiards Experience
8 Ball Pool: Play Together has been revealed, offering a social billiards experience set in a realistic bar atmosphere. The game features skill-based mechanics, global ranking systems, and unlockable gear, aiming to provide a competitive yet engaging environment for players of all skill levels.
Gen Z in China Turns Shopping Malls into Real-Life Battle Royales - GameHaunt
Young adults in China are transforming empty shopping malls into real-life battle royale arenas after dark, utilizing augmented reality headsets and motion sensors. These events, inspired by games like PUBG and Peacekeeper Elite, involve 40-60 players running over 5 kilometers in 90-minute matches, blending intense physical activity with social interaction and offering a unique alternative to traditional gaming.
Sky Children of the Light is testing new MMO tech to ‘fully embrace its massively multiplayer nature’
Sky: Children of the Light is testing new MMO technology called Presence, which aims to allow more players to see and interact with each other simultaneously. Currently in open beta in Aviary Village for select players, this feature is intended to fully embrace the game's massively multiplayer nature. The game also features the ongoing Season of Carnival event, which includes player-created challenges and minigames.
Rec Room shutting down after failing to become 'sustainably profitable'
The VR chat and game platform Rec Room will be shutting down on June 1, 2026, exactly ten years after its initial launch. The closure is attributed to the platform's failure to achieve sustainable profitability.
Virtual hangout game Rec Room is shutting down in June
The virtual hangout game Rec Room will be shutting down on June 1st, 2026, due to profitability challenges. Despite reaching over 150 million players and having millions of monthly active users, the developers struggled to make the business sustainable. The decision was made to wind down operations thoughtfully.
Rec Room will be shutting down on June 1st
Developer Rec Room announced it will shut down its social and gaming platform Rec Room on June 1st, the game's 10th anniversary. Despite reaching over 150 million players, the company cited unsustainable costs and a difficult path to profitability in the current market as reasons for the closure. All first-party content will be discounted by 80% as a thank you to players.
VR Social Game Rec Room Is Shutting Down on its 10th Anniversary: 'Our Costs Always Ended Up Overwhelming the Revenue We Brought In'
The virtual reality social game Rec Room will be shutting down on its 10th anniversary due to overwhelming costs. The developers cited that revenue consistently failed to cover operational expenses.
Playnance crosses 1 million GCOIN holders as its Democratic Social Gaming Protocol goes live
Playnance has launched its Democratic Social Gaming Protocol, a framework designed to realign incentives between platforms, operators, and users through its native GCOIN token. The protocol has surpassed one million token holders and processes approximately 2 million transactions daily, indicating significant user engagement and on-chain activity.
Mom Builds Gaming PC to Dominate Fortnite Voice Chats
The article argues that the primary motivation for building gaming PCs is shifting from performance to social interaction, exemplified by Fortnite's voice chat culture. It highlights how clear audio and a comfortable setup are becoming as important as high frame rates for connecting with other players and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
