Why Playing Video Games Is GOOD For You
8. Multiplayer Builds/Strengthens Social Skills
So let's just address the elephant in the room. Yes, multiplayer lobbies CAN be filled with some of the worst examples of humankind.
Racism, sexism, homophobia, and more details about your mums apparent sexual exploits than you'd ever want to know can flood some franchises' online components, but here's the thing; this is a classic example of the few (read: louder) speaking for the many as online and multiplayer experiences in general can be some of the most rewarding and important aspects of video games for positive social development.
On a personal level, online video game multiplayer has afforded me the chance to connect with people from around the world, people who i've never actually met in real life but who I would still firmly define as being people I trust and care for.
Solutions have been found, problems overcome all thanks to working together online. Whether it's a brainteaser in Portal 2 or saving your friend from being overwhelmed in Borderlands, co operative and competitive gaming breeds sportsmanship and communication, both of which we could do a lot more with in this day and age.