Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in many different ways. One significant impact on daily life was the increased indoor time due to quarantine measures. Data collected suggests video games have become more popular than ever during these unprecedented times (Epstein, 2020).
 This study aims to explore the experiences and psychosocial well-being of individuals who played single and multiplayer video games during the pandemic.
 Data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to multiple online communities and forums from June 28th to July 29th, 2021. The total collected responses were n=260. 132 participants identified themselves as playing mostly single-player video games and 128 identified themselves as playing mostly multiplayer games.
 The results show during the pandemic individuals spent more time playing both types of video games. Motivations for playing single-player games trended towards decreasing anxiety and stress, and avoiding real life, whereas multiplayer motivations tended to trend towards socialization rather than decreasing stress or anxiety. During the pandemic, 40-50% of single and multiplayer gamers indicated decreased mental health. However, both types of players reported improvement in mental and social well-being while playing video games. More multiplayer gamers reported improved social well-being while playing compared to single-player gamers.
 The survey respondents tended to report having more positive experiences with single-player and multiplayer video games during the pandemic. Results presented video games as a way for individuals to socialize or decrease stress and anxiety. In addition, the comparison between the two types of gamers revealed that single-player respondents tended to play for relaxation, stress reduction, and perhaps improvement in mental health, while multiplayer gamers play to increase social interaction and improve social well-being.
 Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of video games during the pandemic after everyone has returned to a pre-pandemic state.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the lives of most people
Multiplayer, called massively multiplayer online game (MMO), is an online video game in which a player interacts with other players, sometimes with many players in order to play
This study aims to explore the experiences and psychosocial well-being of individuals who play single and multiplayer video games during the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the lives of most people. It has changed the way we work, go to school, socialize, and spend our free time. With shelter-in-place mandates and lockdowns, we rely on more indoor activities. One popular activity throughout the pandemic is playing video games. We can play them alone or with others online. Single-player video games are usually games played by one person. There may be single and multiplayer modes within the game, but the game itself only requires one player for it to work. Multiplayer, called massively multiplayer online game (MMO), is an online video game in which a player interacts with other players, sometimes with many players in order to play
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
