Videogames to keep you connected in the era of social distancing

COVID-19 ushered in the era of social distancing which means that a lot of us will be staying at home in the coming weeks but that still doesn’t mean we can’t stay social through other avenues — like videogaming.

Here are some interactive videogames that you can enjoy in the comfort of your home while still staying connected with friends online:

“I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator”

For PC

This game was developed as a commission for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in an attempt to further ingrain this fast food chain’s brand into popular culture. The objective of the game is to charm a dapper anime trope rendition of KFC founder Colonel Sanders by way of text-based decisions and exchanges. At the culmination of the game you find out whether or not you’ve won his deep-fried saturated heart. Maybe going out to date with that cutie from Tinder isn’t feasible at this moment, but at least you can have a virtual date with the Colonel. I love you, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator can be found free on Steam.

“Animal Crossing”

For Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android (Pocket Camp)

Animal Crossing is especially fitting since it’s a game that centers around social simulation. You can engage in a number of wholesome activities that include decorating a campsite with a flare of your own, going fishing, finding fossils, catching bugs, collecting resources, visiting friends, and even lending a neighbor a helping hand – something we can all learn from during this time. Animal Crossing is $59.99 for the Nintendo Switch and free on mobile.

“Minecraft”

For PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android

In Minecraft, up to eight players can collaborate online to construct anything they can creatively conjure up. One interesting thing about Minecraft right now is that a virtual library was recently inserted in a map of the game which features a digital library of banned literary resources. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders are trying to make it so that individuals living in restrictive countries can have access to this censored information. This price of Minecraft varies but you can expect to pay about $19.99 which is what it is listed in the Playstore.

“Fallout Shelter”

For PS4, iOS and Android

Fallout Shelter is a resource management simulator, again, something extremely relevant to the current climate and how we’ve all bore witness to in the recent resource scarcities such as toilet paper and other everyday items. Playing an overseer role, is it your duty in Fallout Shelter to maintain the happiness of vault dwellers, procure resources, and expand your shelter. Fallout Shelter is free on all platforms.

“Grand Theft Auto V”

For PC, PS4, Xbox One / Red Dead Redemption II for PC, PS4, Xbox One

Similar in the sense that they were both created by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption are two open world interactive games where you can play online with friends or strangers and participate in various events and/or missions. Pick up GTA if you’re feeling more like a heist and Red Dead if you’re feeling like more of a western twist. The price of Grand Theft Auto V now varies but can be purchased for about $15 and Red Dead Redemption II can be purchased for $59.99.

“Mario Kart Tour”

For iOS and Android

Mario Kart Tour is a mobile racing game where tours are named after real life places and courses feature roads from places like New York City and Tokyo. The multiplayer function allows you to play and compete with up to seven people that you know or even around the world. Mario Kart Tour is free on mobile.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare”

For PC, PS4 and Xbox One

Modern Warfare is the latest installment of the “Call of Duty” videogame franchise. What makes this first-person shooter particularly significant to this is that it’s one of the few games that can be played cross-platform which means you can play with friends or anyone around the world regardless of their gaming preferences. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare can be purchased for $59.99.

“Overcooked”

For PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

In this wholesome game about being a chef, you and up to three other players prep, cook, serve, and clean in a kitchen with various obstacles that bring a whole new meaning to “if you can’t stand the heat stay out of the kitchen.” One great thing about this game also is its degree of inclusivity. You can unlock and select from a diverse array of chefs of different ethnicities and backgrounds my personal favorite being the Raccoon Chef who is in a wheelchair. The price of Overcooked varies but you can expect to pay in the range of $5.99 an $16.99 depending on the version.

“Pokémon Go”

For iOS and Android

The initial intention of this game was to get people mobile and while it did succeed, developers are now adapting to the world’s current circumstances and making it so that players can play more indoors. More Pokémon will spawn within personal distance and items such as the incense packs that attract Pokémon for up to an hour are also being discounted. The Go Battle League also allows you to battle your Pokémon with other players worldwide. Pokémon Go is free on mobile.