Video games have gotten a bad rap when it comes to maintaining personal relationships. More often than not, the gamer in the relationship is considered lazy, emotionally stunted, and a bad force in society. Even though over 20% of marriages end within the first five years, couples have undoubtedly mentioned that video games impacted this final decision.
But like most good things, video games have gotten a bad reputation when people take this hobby too far. In fact, the World Health Organization has recently classified video game addiction as a type of medical issue, known as gaming disorder.
Unfortunately, hobbyist video gamers are still lumped into this category. There are plenty of people who manage to find a work-life-video game balance. It’s the rotting few in a bunch of good apples that deleteriously affect society’s views on gaming. Just like 59% of workers claim that communication is the biggest obstacle to success, gamers who don’t communicate with their partner are apt to follow a similar path in their relationships.
In fact, it was only after playing video games with her partner that Eve Peyser’s views changed.
“It took a couple of months to crack me, but my view began to change with the first game my boyfriend persuaded me to play,” she explains in an interview with The New York Times. “My boyfriend’s gaming never actually put a strain on our relationship, but when I started playing with him, it went from being one of his boy hobbies I could never possibly understand to an experience we could share, something that highlighted why we worked so well together.”
Now, the duo is smiling more than ever. And since more than half of people agree that smiling is the most important feature as we age, finding ways to continue to smile is essential in a healthy relationship.
That being said, let’s look at some of the best games to play with your partner before the cold months of winter strike.
Bomberman
Let’s start with a classic: Bomberman is a co-operative game that came onto the scene over 30 years ago. It’s a strategic, competitive option that relies on manipulation to trick your opponents into falling for your traps. Rounds often go quickly and there aren’t too many mechanics involved, making this a fun game for just about anyone, gamer or not.
Portal 2
The first Portal game was — quite literally — a game-changer for puzzle games. But Portal 2 flipped the script and became the first game in the franchise to offer a two-player option. If you’re a puzzle lover and want to work cooperatively with your partner to meet a common goal, this is the modern game for you.
Left 4 Dead
Everyone loves a good zombie game, right? If you’re not in-tune with the online hijinks of today, this cooperative option enables players to kill zombies in campaign-mode. This allows users to save and pick up where they left off next time, a welcome change from the online games we know and love.
This popular shooter game relies on a heavy dose of cooperation in order to make it through each level. Even if you’re scared of zombies, knowing your partner is at your side can make you brave enough to tackle anything — including the witch.
Monster Prom
This lighthearted game is a welcome option after fighting zombies for a few hours. It doesn’t take itself seriously, nor does it rely on serious competition to beat the game. All you need for this simulator is a good sense of humor as you navigate the ups and downs of monster dating.
Little Big Planet
This co-op game is another puzzle option. Only this time, it features cute stuffed toys that you can customize to your liking. Beat big bosses and try to make it to the end of each level without dying. Luckily, your partner can bring you back to life so you’re never out of the game for too long.
Did you know that 52% of young couples claim that gaming has helped improve their relationship? Whether you want to introduce your loved one to a new hobby or find new ways to improve your teamwork, relying on video games might be the perfect option for you.
