Want to know how social features in mobile gaming have built social interaction and engagement? In this article, we are going to explore how mobile games are fostering interaction between players.
Mobile games are not only a source of entertainment anymore. In almost every online mobile game, there is a multiplayer feature that ensures virtual interaction between players. Here is how mobile games have become more social:
- Online games have a common lobby for players playing co-op games.
- Players can communicate through in-game chat features.
- Creating guilds and clans, players ensure a sense of community.
How Did Mobile Games Become Social Hubs?
Born as a form of pastime, online mobile games have become a social playground for people. Players form teams, build communities, and foster communication among each other in-game.
Here are the ways in which mobile games help in socializing:
Chat systems, friend lists
In-game chats have been a medium of communication between players. Moreover, players do not need to change to different apps to chat with their friends. Live chat rooms within the game also help players to explore the game with their friends. According to a survey, 84% of respondents have affirmed that online gaming has helped them to interact with people with related interests.
Multiplayer lobbies
In multiplayer games, lobbies help players to connect and communicate with each other, especially while playing co-op games. This has been a great way of building community and strengthening the power of socializing.
Guilds, clans, and team-based challenges
Clans and guilds are formed to cultivate a sense of community and improve the overall experience of players through interactions. These are used to create allies and trade in-game items. Many clans or groups have leaderboards, which spark a friendly competition between the clan or guild members.
Some Popular Game Types with Social Features
Many popular online games have different social features to interact and communicate with other players. Different genres of online mobile games have incorporated social features into their games. Here are some of those:
Puzzle & Casual Games
Candy Crush Saga, one of the popular puzzle games, has incorporated the team-play feature. Plus, there is a dedicated social hub within the game where players can add friends and exchange in-game items inside social hubs.
Battle Royale & Strategy
Among battle royale and strategy games, Call of Duty Mobile is one of the most popular. There are ample opportunities for in-game team building and communication within the game. Players can play in squads and team up in different game modes. In addition, they can also communicate with each other using voice and text chat.
iGaming Platforms
There are very few people in India who do not know how to play rummy. Thanks to the easier access of the internet and mobile devices, there are several iGaming platforms like online rummy apps available that offer online gameplay. Therefore, players can play rummy in real-time with real players and also communicate through in-game chat.
What are the Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Social Gaming?
Playing online games using social features has multiple advantages. First and foremost, it helps in reducing social anxiety and self-isolation. Here are some key benefits of using social features within the games:
Reduced isolation and loneliness
Communicating and interacting with other people through games has reduced loneliness massively. Moreover, they do not feel anxiety or show avoidant conduct while socializing through online games. A study conducted by the ESA in 2023 exhibited that around 58% of people feel less lonely while playing video games.
Boosted confidence and team spirit
People who struggle to be confident find online games to be a great help to boost their confidence. Playing in a team of good players also helps you win and uplift the team spirit.
Cooperative problem-solving and strategic thinking
When playing together or against each other, players become more competitive. They start to focus more on the strategic implications of the game, which would guide them to win. For example, while playing rummy online, you focus on the gameplay of the opponent and curate strategies as on it.
How Does iGaming Incorporate Real-Time Social Play?
In the field of iGaming, the use of social play has established a clearer way to play or communicate, and interact with other players. Here are some features that iGaming platforms use to ensure social play:
Table chat in online card games like Rummy and Poker
Many online rummy and poker platforms allow people who play rummy or poker to create a table and connect with different players through table chats.
Playing with Friends, real opponents across the globe
Playing online rummy and poker with friends and opponents in real time will help them foster a sense of connection and interaction.
Here is a comparison table of social features between mobile games and iGames:
| Features | Mobile Games | iGaming Platforms |
| Chat Functions | Real-time & groups | Table chats and live chat |
| Multiplayer Mode | Co-op and PVP | Competitive Matches |
| Community Events | Leaderboards and Raids | Tournaments |
| Emotional Engagement | Moderate to High | Moderate |
Table 1: The Differences in Social Features in Online Mobile Games and iGaming
Also Read, Wheon Games
To Summarize
Social interaction through mobile games focuses on creating groups of like-minded people who interact with each other. Players who are indulged in online gaming usually have a better team spirit and can communicate effortlessly with each other. Thereby, an interactive engagement is experienced by them.
Use Social Features of Mobile Games to Make Friends
Looking to make friends through online games? Try to socialize with people and meet new like-minded individuals using the social features of the online games!