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Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Virtual gaming is the newest adda for love and bonding
Introduced as a medium of collective entertainment, MMORPG games like World of Warcraft, DOTA 2, Counter Strike, Call of Duty (COD), PUBG, and more, have become something much bigger in today's generation. For the Mumbai-based couple Shriya Srivastava (31) and Sumit Pande (30) a random match in COD became a starting point for their life together. The couple said, 'We enjoyed playing together, and over time, we grew closer. Soon, our friendship blossomed into something more, and we found ourselves eagerly looking forward to our next game sessions.' Shriya recalls how gaming became their safe space. 'As a female gamer, I used to keep my mic off, but with Sumit, I didn't feel the need to do that. The game became a medium for us to connect.' For many young Indians, online gaming has replaced the park bench, the mall hangout, and sometimes even the coffee shop. It's where they connect daily, share stories, laugh, and sometimes even fall in love. The rise of cloud and mobile gaming has made this possible. Affordable smartphones, cheap data, and easy access mean anyone, anywhere, can log in and join the fun. Video gaming a the new socializing Shriya and Sumit's story is not the only one of its kind, for 27-year-old Harshal Vaidya, who travelled to Europe to meet his friends that he made through video games, gaming has been a bridge to the world. He says, 'In the offline world, you're never sure if you'll find common ground. Online, you already know you share something, whether it's a game or a favourite streamer. That makes it easier to bond.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo ALSO READ: Beyond Hashtas: Clout Chasing Confused for Luck? As Anuj Mankar of the Indian Digital Gaming Society explains, 'Mobile gaming has become a democratized social space—cutting across geography, language, and economic barriers. Games like BGMI, Free Fire, and Call of Duty: Mobile are now virtual town squares where young people forge friendships, share strategies, and engage in real-time dialogue.' ALSO READ: Are hologram concerts rewriting the rules of musical shows? Gaming's role in youth culture is undeniable. Pop culture specialist Divya Dixit, CEO of Recz, a social recommendations app, calls it 'the new adda for Gen Z.' She points out that gaming has its own language ('OP', 'GG'), its own celebrities (Mortal, Scout, PewDiePie), and even influences fashion and music. 'Rappers create music about PUBG and BGMI, and gaming beats are a vibe. Streetwear brands are collaborating with games — think Free Fire x HRX. Streamers' merchandise drops are as hyped as launches. Even party themes are going full gamer mode.' An AI generated representation of how video games connect people from different locations or even timezones. With each new generation of games, developers are adding more relatable, interactive features, making it easier for players to express themselves and perform actions that mirror real-life interactions. Counselling psychologist Priyankka Sanap describes today's online games as 'digital playgrounds' that can be especially valuable for introverts or those with social anxiety. They offer a safe space to communicate, collaborate, and share goals. But she warns about the risks of replacing real-world connections entirely. 'Gaming connections are valid and powerful, but young people need emotional tools to handle the highs and lows, just like in real life.' The couple's journey wasn't without twists. They drifted apart, dated other people, and even stopped talking for months. But fate kept bringing them back to the game, and eventually, to each other. 'On a trip together, I realised that the guy I had been searching for was right next to me,' says Shriya. They married not long after. Whether it's World of Warcraft, PUBG, Dota 2, Counter Strike, or Call of Duty, the virtual world can foster very real relationships. As Divya Dixit puts it, 'From Recz's lens, gaming communities aren't just about chatting — they're about doing things together. Unlike social media, where people scroll and react, in gaming they team up, strategize, and win or lose together. It builds real-time trust and deeper bonds. There's a feeling of belonging to a tribe.' In today's India, that tribe just happens to gather not at a park or a café, but in a digital arena where friendship, love, and community all get their turn in the spotlight. DYK? 39% of adults, 18 and older, say they met a good friend, spouse, or significant other through video games (Source: Entertainment Software Association (ESA)) Platforms like Gamer Dating, Hype Dating, and Lyka cater to gamers. Multiplayer games (Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite) act as informal dating hubs—friend lists, clan chats, and matchmaking features spark real connections while playing the game .
Hans India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Top 10 finalists announced for Innovate2Educate Handheld Device Design challenge
New Delhi: The Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Sunday, announced the top 10 finalists for the Innovate2Educate: Handheld Device Design Challenge. This competition is part of the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 and aims to inspire innovation among young minds by combining technology, education, and gaming. The challenge received a tremendous response with 1,856 registrations from across the country. After a rigorous evaluation by a panel of experts, the top 10 ideas were selected. Among the finalists, "Karnata Parva" from Karnataka has developed Code Craft Junior, while "Vidyarthi" from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh created a Smart Learning Tablet for Kids. This device is a low-cost, voice-assisted educational companion that works without internet and provides a screen-free learning experience. "Tech Titans" from Tamil Nadu have designed a Smart Handwriting Learning Device that blends traditional writing methods with modern technology, offering real-time interactive feedback in multiple languages. Another innovative project, "EduSpark" by "Protominds" from Delhi, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, introduces an AI-powered handheld device that adjusts educational games like Sudoku and math challenges according to the child's learning pace. "APEX Achievers" from Tamil Nadu created "BODMAS Quest," a gamified solution to help young learners easily master mathematical concepts involving brackets, orders, division, multiplication, addition, and subtraction. "Scienceverse" from Indonesia also secured a spot with their focus on the importance of interactive educational devices for children. From Tamil Nadu, "V20" impressed the jury with their "VFit" concept, promoting interactive learning through play. "WARRIORS" from Delhi came up with "Maha-Shastra," a handheld device combining quizzes, AI-powered tutoring, and offline collaboration features through LoRa-based meshtastic networks, designed to serve students aged 5 to 18. "KiddyMaitri" from Mumbai, Odisha, and Karnataka focused on addressing foundational numeracy gaps among Indian students. Their handheld mathematical gaming console promotes learning in native languages, inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Lastly, "E-Groots" from Tamil Nadu created a Micro Controller Mastery Kit to help children learn and experiment with microcontrollers in a fun and engaging way. The top 10 finalists will showcase their ideas at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, where the winners will be felicitated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting during the grand finale.
