Moms that Game: Finding Relaxation and Connection Through Video Games

When you think of video games, you might imagine teenagers or young adults sitting in front of a screen for hours on end. But in reality, more and more moms are turning to gaming as a way to unwind and connect with their families. I will point out that often times on Friday nights it is highly likely that there is a glass of wine involved in my gaming sessions.

I got my first gaming console in 1988, it was a Nintendo that my father purchased me for Christmas. That Nintendo is one of those exposure points from my childhood that kept me interested in technology. I had been playing video games leading up to getting my own system starting out with the Atari 2600 on my cousin's floor-model TV. Those were the 80s but it was those experiences that got me excited about tech.

As a mom myself, I know firsthand the benefits of gaming. I play games like Hogwarts Legacy, Animal Crossing, and Disney's Dreamlight Valley as a way to relieve stress and have fun with my child. I makes me smile when my son comes and asks me if I can bring him some bells to his island. Trust me, I am enjoying the days of him asking me for bells and not cash.

Gaming is not just for kids anymore. In fact, according to a recent study by the Entertainment Software Association, nearly half of all gamers are women. Some of us women now have children and families so inturn a lot of them are moms and gaming is becoming increasingly popular as a way to stay relevant with their children and connect with them on a new level.

For me, playing games like Animal Crossing and Disney's Dreamlight Valley is a chance to enter a world of imagination and creativity, where I can design my own virtual space and interact with characters that bring joy and laughter to my life.

But gaming also has practical benefits. When I play Hogwarts Legacy with my child, we can engage in conversations about strategy and problem-solving. We work together to solve puzzles and defeat enemies, all while building a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Although it is a single-player game we create dialogue and conversation around puzzles or quests that I'm pursuing.

As a woman in gaming, I feel empowered because I am a part of a community that is often overlooked or underestimated. Women gamers are changing the face of the gaming industry, and it's important to recognize and celebrate their contributions.

So, to all the moms out there who love gaming, know that you are not alone. Gaming is a fun and exciting way to relieve stress and build connections with your family. As women in gaming, we can help shape the future of the industry and inspire the next generation of gamers.

Maybe this is the start of a "Moms That Game" series :)