Summer of Gaming

As we look forward to the hotly anticipated release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X later this year, we take a look at a summer of gaming. It's most definitely not just for young kids! Today's games have the ability to really get us thinking, they can emote, excite, thrill and even scare players more than any film (the first person element to gaming really plays a main part here).

Here's our pick of the best games to immerse yourself in: for teamwork, problem solving, skills development, mental wellbeing, and of course, pure enjoyment...

Dreams - A release that has revolutionized gaming since its debut in 2019. If you've always played a game and wished you could enter that desolate landscape in the background or make your character look or behave a certain way (let's be honest, who hasn't?) Dreams has the ability to do just that. Let mini games inspire you, and then design and create your own games. Learn to animate and make music and share ideas in the online community.

Love Dreams? Like this? Check out Art, Construction and Computer Game Design courses.

Call of Duty - Modern Warfare - An online battle royal lets gamers practise tactics and stealth as they enter a warzone. Teamwork and problem solving make up a huge part of the online multi-layer element. It's tense, demanding but ultimately so rewarding.

Like this? Check out courses in: Public Services, Sport.

The Witness - A game that uncovers different ideas, thoughts and theories as players explore an abandoned island, solving puzzles along the way. This semi- open-world experience is about epiphany - that eureka moment when our mind switches from confusion to understanding.

Like this? Explore Sociology, English Literature, Maths.

Life is Strange - An adventure game that unfolds like one of Netflix's greatest shows (it was first released in five episodes, adding to the 'TV series' feel). Players follow 18-year-old Max, who finds she has the ability to rewind time. Highly emotive, a clever script and haunting soundtrack that stays with you, Life is Strange lets the gamer control the outcome, solving puzzles, raising questions about ethics and moral choices along the way.

Like this? Study Psychology, Media, Photography.

FIFA 20 https://www.ea.com/games/fifa/fifa-20 - A top fixture on the annual gaming calendar (even more so thanks to the hiatus of football due to coronavirus) FIFA 20 lets players complete a league and cup competitions in stunning, realistic looking style. Tactics play a big part, just like in the real game, and gamers makes managerial decisions and face setbacks by way of injury and financial crisis, just like in real life. Playing online with friends also means you can socialise - virtually at least!

Like this? Study Sport, Business.

What games get you thinking? Have we missed something great? Let us know about your summer of gaming: comms@escg.ac.uk