Research shows that gaming, particularly the networked type, has the power to reinforce a sense of friendship and connectedness for teens. About eight-in-ten gamers say they feel more connected to their gaming buddies.
Pew Research reports that teen gamers play with lots of different types of people, from friends they know in person (89%), to friends they know only online (54%), to others who are not friends (52%), etc. Thanks to online multiplayer titles like Battlefield or Call of Duty, more than ever teens have a great opportunity to interact and spend time with friends or to make new acquaintances through verbal communication and collaboration / gameplay.