Video Games for UW-Green Bay students have been a great way to connect with friends. Some students view them as a way to wind down after a long day of class.
At UW-Green Bay’s Esports Lounge, students have access to personal computers, gaming chairs, and a wide variety of games, including Fortnite, League of Legends, and Rocket League. UW-Green Bay Esports coordinator Kenneth Kresina said the space encourages students to socialize beyond their dorm rooms.
“Getting students out of their own dorm rooms and introducing them to other people who enjoy the same games they do is a big goal,” Kresina said. “Multiple social circles and friend groups have been formed inside the esports Lounge, whether through participation on one of our competitive teams or by attending community events.”
Video games are a common hobby among adults; according to the Entertainment Software Association, more than 60 % of adults play video games weekly. The average age of adults who play video games is 36. About two-thirds of Americans ages five to 90, or 205.1 million people, actively play video games. Demographically, around 47 percent of women and 52 percent of men play video games. However, for older generations, women play more than men, with 52 percent of boomer women playing video games, compared to 46 percent of men who are a part of the boomer generation (Armstrong, 2025).
Although gaming has become a growing activity among the general population, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk associated with playing video games in the long term.
According to Mayo Clinic Health System, some side effects include too much screen time, addiction, and negative effects on social and mental health. The organization notes that while playing video games, the brain processes the scenario in the game as if it were real; for example, if the situation is violent or dangerous, the person’s body may react. It also mentions that too much screen time can be linked to obesity, insomnia, and depression (Luker, 2022).
However, gaming can bring friends together. Recent UWGB graduate, Dylan Schmidt, said, “I enjoy playing fantasy modes in sports games. Playing video games with friends has helped me connect with people who I might not have otherwise without them.”
Kresina said, “The most exciting part of gaming to me is its ability to bring people together. While most people think of a ‘gamer’ as someone who sits on their computer at home and is largely anti-social, the power of video games brings people together in the same way that comic books or movies do.”
UW-Green Bay junior Andrew Fronsee said gaming also offers personal satisfaction and stress relief.
“The feeling of accomplishment, whether it’s unlocking a feature or winning a competitive match, is a big part of gaming,” Fronsee said. “Video games are a great way to relax after a long day, and it’s fun to set additional goals for yourself.”
Kresina also mentioned that having an open mind to the positive power of video games and their ability to bring people together. “Video games don’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea, but for some people, video games have a profound impact on their entire career, attitude towards life, or even their core identity & values,” Kresina said.
As video games continue to grow in popularity, they remain a meaningful way for students to spend their free time and stay connected with friends even after graduation. Through spaces like the Esports Lounge and shared gaming experiences, students are able to build connections that bring people together both on campus and beyond their time at UW-Green Bay.