Humans are sociable creatures, as we are designed to communicate and socialize with one another. That’s one of the many reasons why frequent lockdowns from the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has affected us so badly, since we are now confined to the 4 walls of our homes as much as possible, and for some that means being alone for days on end.
This is one of the many reasons why gaming has blown up so significantly in the past year, as not only are people finding the need to use their spare time doing something (like gaming), but it also provides a digital way of socializing with other people. It’s not a perfect solution, but it works pretty darn well.
So with the COVID-19 pandemic still continuing through this year, and with most countries still in a national lockdown, we want to know from you guys what are the best co-op games for socializing during lockdown?
There are many games to choose from, and many types of games too for a different experience. One such genre would be a typical MMO like World of Warcraft, which provides a lot of socializing and interactivity between players, but also offers (usually) a substantial amount of narrative-driven and gameplay-oriented content.
On the other hand you could have various party games, particularly ones that offer an online multiplayer between a large group of people. Games like Among Us blew up last year exactly because of this, since it’s a fun little party game to play with friends over a few sessions.
Or there’s your typical online shooter like Call of Duty Warzone, which will require some sort of team communication if you fancy playing competitively. There’s also a lot of sites out there that will even offer a platform for you to meet and chat to like-minded gamers who are also looking for a group to join and play with.
So what do you think? What are the best co-op games for socializing during lockdown? What is the best type/genre of game for the same reason? And do you think these types of games or the number of players will decrease as the COVID-19 situation gets better? Let us know!
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PC Specs
Me and my group have been playing PSO2. Been pretty fun so far especially with all the customization available. We definitely will be down day one for Phantasy Star New Genesis.
PC Specs
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin are the best co-op game.
PC Specs
Why would I want to socialize during lockdown and rob myself of the solitary bliss of gaming in peace?
PC Specs
Depends on the person. But at the end of the day - we're social animals and we go insane without human contact. At the very least - the in-person social skills go down the drain. I watched that happen to a few of my friends. One is now on heavy medication and is in-and-out of mental wards. Another locked himself out of friend contact for the sake of gaming, then came out looking like a hermit - we had to help him get back on his feet. The last one was fvcked by the isolation of the first lockdown, he'd just stare at me l when we first met up months later
PC Specs
Some people like being hermits, I suppose. Some are ok with just online interactions. But they will all still inevitably be "awkward" (and I hate using that term, because it makes it sound lighter than what it is to normal people) in IRL social situations. That's how you end up with "Geek Love" type stuff (google it, it's hilarious!) xD
I've seen cocky friends fall hard when they SAID that they don't need to socialize, that they don't need a partner, etc. It's all "haha fun" until you realize how screwed you are, and then it's too late.
PC Specs
Bro I was just joking. Sarcasm really does not come through in text form
But yeah I see your point that excess in anything is unhealthy and games are just games and can become addiction if you sacrifice daily life habits or behavior just to game.
PC Specs
Yeah, text sucks. I always rate text-based comms the lowest, followed by phone calls, video calls and then on top - real meetups. C'est la vie!
PC Specs
I play games for a solitary, emotional, and story-driven experience. I am in no way competitive, so I'm a casual gamer, one who doesn't play with people they don't know. An uncooperative game like Journey is good enough for me. I had to figure out that I was playing with someone, an exciting concept. I do like to play with family, but not online. Then they're like everybody else. In person is best.
Now, who could be more awkward and conditioned for being alone than someone who lives in the autism spectrum? I've been formerly diagnosed. That isn't to say that I too haven't felt loneliness during the lockdown.
PC Specs
I don't play multiplayer games either, I find them to be a never-ending chore first and foremost, but then I too have no desire for "competitive" play - I grew out of that when I grew out of my teenage years. These days I either play single-player games (either new or "retro") or multiplayer almost exclusively either with my friends (they asked me to try Apex with them lately) or my missis (we play LOADS together, especially Monster Hunter games). In-person is always best for sure, but with buddies that I see fairly often - a call over discord is ok too.
PC Specs
In my opinion the best one to play with friends and relax at the same time is Stardew Valley.
PC Specs
I can definitely see that. What me my friends mostly played was Animal Crossing and that gave a similar feel.
PC Specs
when Epic made GTA V free almost all my friends who quit gaming in about 2008-10 got it and came online from their new modern laptops and man it was fun as hell. I did convince a bunch of my mates to get F1 2019 and we have had fun racing
PC Specs
then there was division which i got everyone to get and then it was free 2 weeks later but man it was fun. Any game can become a party game if you simply have fun with it and dont take it seriously so yeah have fun amigos and Enjoy AMONG US
PC Specs
Tried a bit of Apex as of late here and there on the weekends, but otherwise we just meet up in person as normal.
PC Specs
Totally, during lockdown last year I and some friends decided to buy FFXIV, and so far it's been one of the best MMORPGs I've played.