12 stories about how games brought people together in quarantine

The World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In the year since many of us turned to video games to pass the time.

In a survey of more than 3,000 Inverse readers, we asked about people’s favorite games and how their gaming habits have changed.

“Three generations of my family — me, my children, and my grandchildren — have spent quality time together in multiplayer games. We are spread across the States and wouldn't have this interaction any other way.”

Sea of Thieves

“Gaming has actually strengthened my bond with my brother and gotten me more involved on Discord so I can talk to old friends and make new ones.”

Stardew Valley

“While I was out of work on the other side of the world, I would get up early and play games with my friends back home in Ireland and the UK, who would be playing at night.”

League of Legends

“Now that remote work has changed our way of life, gaming provides experiences my husband and I can enjoy apart, even if we’re in the same room. It’s a great respite for self-exploration.”

Immortals Fenyx Rising

“As a mom, it really brings me closer to my son. I always enjoyed video games, but now we make time to play together after dinner almost every day.”

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

“We started Halo Mondays when the pandemic started, and it’s been a great comfort to reconnect and talk to other humans. I’ve gone from a Halo n00b to a ninja with a Battle Rifle.”

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

“I desperately wanted more lighthearted social interactions, and online gaming provided exactly that. It was crucial for my well-being during the lockdown.”

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

“Gaming brought my son and me together, creating joy and laughter as we worked through many levels and puzzles. Even when we got frustrated as hell, there was pure happiness and excitement when we finally overcame it.”

Little Nightmares 2

“Since I cannot visit my partner overseas, we play together or stream a game and help each other over Discord.”

Sky: Children of the Light

“Gaming has become my husband and I’s new date night. We make dinner or order delivery and do quests or explore new worlds together. We even have friends join if we want to hang out or double date.”

World of Warcraft

“My boyfriend and I are long-distance, and multiplayer games help us feel closer together.”

Valheim

“We’ve been playing Call of Duty with our daughter in the Air Force, who we haven’t seen since Covid-19 lockdowns started.”

Call of Duty

Now read: One year into the pandemic, Inverse is investigating how quarantine changed every facet of our lives, from video games to food to life-changing decisions.