The online gaming phenomenon is alive and well in the UK. Any suggestion that gaming is “just for kids” is blown out of the water by the latest statistics published by Uswitch. These show that more than half of UK adults in their 20s and 30s are gamers, and although that proportion drops for older age ranges, still, more than a third of those in the 45-54 age bracket regularly play games.
Gaming is rapidly taking over from TV as a pastime for evenings spent at home. but how is that affecting relationships? After all, sitting in front of the TV together is the archetypal “quiet night in” activity, while video games are a notoriously solitary pursuit. EE commissioned a survey earlier this year to address the question, and the results might come as a surprise.
Britain’s gamers are the new romantics
58 percent of the 2000 respondents say that gaming together “boosts romantic relationships” and almost as many said it diffuses tension after an argument and helps to keep the peace. 28 percent of those in an existing relationship say they make a point of finding time for gaming together at least once a week.
The feedback from singletons was even more revealing. Almost half said that they find “an interest in gaming” to be a romantic quality in a potential partner. Those looking for love consider gaming interests to be a more reliable indicator of compatibility than star signs.
From puzzles to casinos to racing games – a range of genres
There was no single gaming genre that stood out among Britain’s romantic young gamers. Puzzle games that couples could take on together such as Wordle are marginally most popular. Unsurprisingly, online casino gaming is also among the most favored, especially for adults. This makes a lot of sense, as a night at the casino is a popular activity for a real-world date. Couples can try to bring one another good luck as proof of their compatibility. And as this Rogue Casino review demonstrates, there are bonuses and special deals to be had at an online casino in the UK that you simply wouldn’t find in a real world one.
Multiplayer racing games were also popular among romantic gamers. That seems surprising at face value, but all that jostling for position, bumping one another off the track and maybe even holding back occasionally can take on all sorts of hidden meanings when you are side by side on the sofa!
Using gaming to help relationships thrive
Adam Lyne and Jessie Jackson met via Twitch through their mutual passion for gaming. They have subsequently become famous for their wisdom when it comes to relationships and gaming, and EE sought their advice on how gaming can help in relationships. Here are their top tips:
- Set aside time for regular gaming once or twice a week, as it helps couples spend time together and communicate.
- Be patient with each other. If your partner isn’t so good at the same game as you, spend an evening teaching each other tips and tricks on your favorite games. It’s more fun when it’s competitive.
- Don’t overdo it. Find a balance between playing online games together and other date activities such as eating out or catching a movie.
- Try different genres on the different days of the week, or just according to your mood.