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In the fight against the spread of coronavirus, WHO now recommends playing video games as a safety measure. In the wake of a constant upward trend in confirmed COVID-19 cases, more social distancing measures are being undertaken by cities and nations across the world.
With entire countries like Italy and Spain under complete shutdown, now more than ever, people are left with no choice but to remain indoors. WHO has now recognized that video games could be the next best recommendation for social distancing.
According to USA Today, Director-General of WHO Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called the playing of video games a good means for individuals to not only isolate but also connect socially in the comfort of their homes. The recognition and support from WHO is a noteworthy stamp for the games industry. Another key factor in the support from WHO has been the sheer size of the gaming audience and market. With approximately more than 2.2 billion gamers in the world, the video games industry has a considerable reach for impact in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
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Since the rise of COVID-19 cases and with more people staying home, online gaming has seen a sharp spike in the number of players worldwide. Major titles like Pokémon GO and PUBG have seen a substantial increase in gamers opting for video games during this increased social distancing and city lockdowns. Gaming companies like Activision Blizzard, Riot Games and Twitch have come together with other companies in the industry to promote gaming and social distancing called #PlayApartTogether. The initiative aims to keep gamers informed about the current COVID-19 pandemic as well as safety and health guidelines stipulated by WHO. #PlayApartTogether calls on gamers across the world to practice safe social connection by means of playing video games with friends and family online.
Gamers across the globe are engaged in the activity now more than ever with likes of Steam seeing record-breaking numbers since the outbreak. Despite the past negative stigma which too often labelled gaming as an antisocial pastime, it has now become one of the most social activities able to keep people indoors while bringing them closer through online play. This looks to be one of the rare moments where gamers can actually play their part in saving the world by doing what they love. The COVID-19 can prove to be a highly beneficial time for game studios and gaming companies as more people turn to games for distraction and digital socializing.