Once perceived as an anti-social pursuit, gaming now offers people a way to connect with peers around the world through streaming, forums, and social media. How do these diverse communities go beyond gameplay to support individuals in their search for escapism and creative expression?

Twitch has established itself as the leading player in live gaming coverage, but it’s not the only thing drawing people back on a daily basis. As the platform’s content has diversified beyond esports, the interactions between streamers and viewers have made into a hub for community and discussion.

Taking inspiration from Pokemon Snap, a PC game called Toripon involves simply taking pictures of virtual birds. As political unrest, financial uncertainty, and social concerns cause stress to mount, people are looking to brands that facilitate escapism through lighthearted, low-stakes content.

Image-sharing platform Imgur has launched an app that allows users to subscribe to feeds from their favorite games. While there are plenty of social networks through which to share IRL adventures, Melee offers a focused channel through which to curate content and connect with like-minded people.