I love spending time at home, but it’s definitely a challenge being stuck indoors indefinitely without being able to socialize as usual. I think we’re luckier nowadays, though, thanks to online tools like social media, online MMO games, casino games, and video chatting platforms.

These tools offer us something we didn’t have 100 years ago during the 1918 H1N1 pandemic. I’ve been playing online games to stay connected with friends and pass the time. With that in mind, here are my top 11 reasons to play quarantine games during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Socialize

It’s easy to socialize safely while practicing social distancing when there are tons of games to play with friends online on offer. I find that doing an activity like playing online games can be more fun than just making a video call, sending a few texts, or giving them a phone call.

Online gaming offers the perfect place to catch up and do an activity together without breaking any of the lock-down rules.

Make New Friends

There are tons of fun games to play online. MMOs (massively multiplayer online) games host thousands of players at the same time. Interaction with players from all over the world is guaranteed.

Playing online games and interacting with real players offers the chance to safely and hygienically make new online friends. Maybe when this is all over, everyone might even get to meet up offline or host an esports mini-tournament using platforms like Battlefy.com?

Keep Busy

Who’s heard of quarantine bangs and quarantine bread baking? Now that the majority of the population is stuck at home, they are getting to try out things they wouldn’t normally do. Activities like people cutting their hair/bangs because the hairdresser is closed, or baking a loaf of bread to avoid that extra trip to the grocery store are pretty common.

Well, there are also quarantine games with which to keep busy. Also, they don’t have to be pandemic themed games either. There are a variety of themed games in genres like fantasy, war, sci-fi, sport, or online casino games, and so much more that will appeal to almost anyone.

Take A Break

If you’re quarantining with the family or the kids, then I’m sure it can get a little rough sometimes. As much as I love my family, it’s hard not to suffer from a spot of cabin fever during this lock-down.

That’s why it’s important to take a break and spend some quality time alone. There are tons of fun games to play online to unwind and take some alone-time. In this ResearchGate study, researchers found that playing games reduces stress and improves immune function as well.

Have Fun

Laughter and fun are essential to maintaining mental health. That’s why it’s equally important to do fun things like finding fun games to play online and getting chores done around the house. Now that some of us have more time, we might feel that we need to achieve more.

I think building new skills and working hard is important. However, placing unnecessary strain and demands on ourselves to continue to achieve and doing things can take a toll when we don’t allow ourselves to have any fun.

I’m a firm believer in the “work hard, play harder” mentality. It’s important to grow and learn as a person, but it’s also equally important to have fun, relax, and take time out from work and learning. It’s that balance that’s key to maintaining my progress and efficiency at work.

Online gaming is the perfect way to have some fun and take a break from work and the demands I place on myself.

Distract Yourself

There are so many fun games to play online that it’s easy to find one you like and play to take your mind off the current situation. I find that events like this pandemic can have an adverse effect on my mental health. Focusing on playing an online game distracts me from what’s happening in the world.

Make The Time Pass

If you’re like me, then perhaps time feels like it is passing slowly now that you’re at home most of the time and only go out to get groceries or take a walk. Playing online games is a great way to make the time pass. The saying “time passes quickly when you’re having fun” definitely applies to playing online games.

The best online battle arena games are League of Legends, DOTA 2, and Starcraft. They’ve earned their reputation for amazing graphics and gameplay that transports its players out of the real world and into amazing settings. These offer the perfect place to make time pass.

Play For Prizes

Online games aren’t only for fun—some payout real money and prizes. Just enter an online game tournament or play online casino games for real money. There are tons of fun games to play online for real money, including table games like poker and blackjack, MMO tournaments, and slot games.

For those who aren’t interested in MMO type games and prefer games of chance, an online casino game offers the perfect alternative.

Beginners don’t need to worry. Players don’t need to be a pro to play in a tournament or at an online casino. There are plenty of games that welcome players from every level. Playing at a casino online is a great way to play some video slots or a quick hand of blackjack.

A Tip for Safe Online Gambling

For those interested in playing at a web-based casino, blogger, and expert on online casino scams, Michelle H. Thomas recommends to always stick with a trusted casino when playing online with real money.

She knows only too well how easy it is to be tricked online and lose a lot of money in the process. She has dedicated her blogging skills to informing the public about the risks of gambling and helping them find the most secure and reputable operators available.

Up Your Skills

If you’re a beginner or you’ve never considered eSports as a hobby or career path, you may be surprised to learn that there are pro players out there who earn a living playing online games. If that’s something of interest, then maybe now would be the perfect time to up your skills and start competing online?

For those who’ve always been interested in eSports and regularly get involved in online games tournaments, then what better time than now to improve your skills on some of the best online games. No matter how good you are, there’s always room to improve.

Charity

Some international esports organizers have even hosted charitable tournaments like the Mineski Global Lockdown Games in the Philippines and the Fntic #GamingForGood charity tournament in India. Perhaps we’ll be seeing some charity tournaments popping up in Canada and the US as this pandemic unfolds.

Tournaments like the Mineski Global Lockdown games have already raised funds in support of COVID-19 efforts and are continuing to gain support according to news channel ABS-CBN News.

For those interested in helping others out, these tournaments are a great way to help out while safely tucked away at home, limiting the spread of the Coronavirus. Winning some money at a live dealer match, slot game, or online table game also offers the option to give a share to a charitable cause.

You’ll Be At Home!

The greatest contribution to make to the COVID-19 fight is to stay at home. Staying at home means flattening the curve, reducing the spread, and ensuring as few deaths and infections as possible.

In staying at home, we are also supporting our amazing healthcare workers who are out there risking their lives. By staying at home, we are ensuring that hospitals aren’t overrun, and our healthcare system can cure everyone who is currently being treated.

That being said, it’s not easy to stay cooped up at home. Finding games to play with friends online is a great way to contribute to the fight without sacrificing your sanity and driving yourself crazy at home.

Conclusion

I think online gaming is a great way to relax, have a bit of fun, distract ourselves, safely “meet up” with friends, and make the time pass. Playing quarantine games can surely help to flatten the curve and keep ourselves entertained while we stay at home.

There are so many fun games to play online you’re sure to find one to entertain you during this crisis.