As we all do our part to stay safe by social distancing, games have emerged as an avenue for connection, fun, and exploring new worlds. Numbers published by Verizon show that video game usage in the United States has increased by 75 percent during peak hours since the coronavirus quarantine began. Needless to say, if you don't play video games, now is a great time to start.

At iThrive Games, we understand what video games do for those who play them. They provide meaningful opportunities for players to connect with others, better understand themselves and, for teens especially, develop social and emotional skills that support their thriving. 

For anyone looking for a safe space to wander, explore, and connect with others, massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are the way to go.

What are MMORPGs?  

Massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are games set in a virtual universe where a vast number of gamers from all over the world play at the same time. Role-playing as their customized character, MMORPG players earn experience points and level up by completing quests, combatting monsters, and collecting money, equipment, and rare items that help their character advance. With character growth as the primary goal of gameplay set in a world that continues to exist and evolve while players are offline, MMORPGs offer an evolving gaming experience perfect for those who are practicing social distancing. 

Together Apart: How MMORPGs Foster Connection

MMORPGs are a great way to nurture your real-life relationships and foster new ones online. Teamwork and cooperation are common themes present in almost all MMORPGs as players are encouraged to participate in team quests and slay monsters with others to earn experience points together. Sometimes, players even take on roles to protect their friends against damage from monsters. Guilds and clans, which are in-game social groups that players can join, also offer another avenue for connection. With pronounced elements of collaboration, relationship-building, and trust, MMORPGs are a great way to stay connected while social distancing. 

MMORPGs To Play

Convinced? Here are four massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) to try and play:

• World of Warcraft (13+ years): World of Warcraft is set in the fictional world of Azeroth. Players use their customized character to explore a visually engaging landscape, defeat monsters, complete quests prompted by non-player characters (NPCs), and interact with millions of players.
• RuneScape (13+ years): RuneScape pulls millions of players all over the world into Gielinor. In this medieval fantasy realm, they can travel via foot, spell or ship to combat monsters, collect resources, challenge other players, and develop their character's skills.
• MapleStory (13+ years): MapleStory offers a world of wonder for millions of people. Acting as a character and citizen of Maple World, players venture into numerous towns and earn experience, items, and Mesos through the completion of quests and slaying of monsters. Gameplay orients around leveling up in the player's in-game profession.
• Elder Scrolls Online (17+ years): Elder Scrolls Online features a non-linear storyline that connects with other Elder Scrolls games. Set in Tamriel, a fictional continent, players enjoy a mixture of quests and random events with opportunities to earn event-specific rewards.

Tweet us @iThriveGames to let us know what MMORPGs you're playing while at home, and subscribe to our newsletter for access to free, game-based social-emotional learning resources and more recommendations for games to play while social distancing!