By Jolin Hoang | Staff Writer

   From the fantastical world of role-playing to the action-packed shooting games, the gaming community is vast and is built on the friendships of the many who find the experience memorable. 

 Whether it is online or together with friends, the concept of gaming brings people together. As it continues to expand virtually and industrially, it also introduces many new players and friendships.

  The game “Among Us” has recently become popular among young individuals, as it is similar to another party game called “Mafia.” Gabrielino High School freshman Dusten Lo said, “I’m usually the one who either gets out the imposter or gets out a crewmate. It’s not like [the game gets] ‘broken-friendships heated’,” he explains. “We are laughing in the end.” 

    Among Us is very interactive as players discuss together, accuse each other, and cover for each other; The game itself is competitive. 

   “Red is sus,” a player would say, meaning a player seems suspicious. Even if you are not the Imposter, someone could easily frame or accuse you well enough to convince the entire crew to vote you off. During such cases it is disappointing and unfortunate, but the adrenaline is what makes the game entertaining to play.

   Due to the pandemic, in-person gatherings have been put on hold due to the escalating COVID-19 cases. But gaming does not come to an end. The game “Minecraft” is also very popular among young players, because it has multiplayer and singleplayer settings, where online servers can be created, which allow you to play with friends.

 There are two modes: Survival and Creative. Minecrafters can either create magnificent builds in Creative mode, or collect resources and make every effort to survive in Survival mode. 

   “ It’s a lot more fun to play with friends because I enjoy their company and we’re doing something that I love as well,” says Tiffany Tiet, freshman.

   The experience is entirely different when compared to solo and multiplayer gaming. In multiplayer, Mincrafters can play pranks on each other and joke around. The purpose does not have to be winning or beating the game, it could be the time spent or the new memories created with friends.

   The gaming community allows the connection of friendships, even from other countries, or on the other side of the world. Common interests, skills, and abilities gives everyone a chance to meet and interact with new people. The current relationships and friendships with certain people could have never been achieved without gaming.