July 8, 2020, is National Video Game Day, a day to celebrate all of your favorite video games, replay a classic, or finally try a title you’ve always been curious about. Although the history of the date is unknown, with the holiday also being associated with various dates in September, April and June, July 8 seems to have become officially accepted as National Video Game Day in recent years.
Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, physical events celebrating National Video Game Day were canceled. However, fans took to Twitter instead, using the hashtag #ThanksToVideoGames to discuss the various ways in which video games have improved their lives.
Some examples credited video games as providing a means of escaping from their stressful daily lives, especially during the current uncertain times.
https://twitter.com/ErrisTwitch/status/1280964684229808129
#ThanksToVideoGames I’ll always know there’s worlds out there waiting for me if I ever need a break from the real world pic.twitter.com/p5Ls3t9Z2b
— ATHKR (@itzATHKR) July 8, 2020
#ThanksToVideoGames I made best friends,enemies, countless memories, and it's given me an escape to a world that isn't falling apart quite like ours. pic.twitter.com/CQENlMgGMp
— OnkuxD (@onkux) July 8, 2020
Others expressed how video games had helped them make new friends and bond with their families — and even allowed them to virtually “hang out” during quarantines and periods of mandatory social distancing.
https://twitter.com/hyperbolu/status/1280963440010502155
https://twitter.com/Sailormoon639/status/1280958612349878272
#ThanksToVideoGames Not only do i play games to explore new worlds but I can share that with my kids and it has given me the passion to create my own worlds pic.twitter.com/zI8HFgvSmq
— Ya Boi Dee (@Supes00) July 8, 2020
Some Twitter users even met the love of their lives through video games!
I met the love of my life in #FinalFantasyXIV. @LovelyGamer001 pic.twitter.com/heuyS0G5Vk
— Blackstar Uzumaki (@blackstarof07) July 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/SabinaNoRxp/status/1280845210520629252
The heartwarming messages just don’t stop. Video games have inspired people to pursue a career…
#ThanksToVideoGames for allowing me to draw cool stuff and go to college for graphic design. pic.twitter.com/W05j6lA4Zy
— KuraiYuki (@Kuraccino) July 8, 2020
…or got them through dark times (including quarantine!)…
#ThanksToVideoGames I am the person I am today and I couldn’t be more grateful. They bring me so much joy and happiness in my life, and without them, I don’t know where I would be today. They also help during quarantine so that I don’t feel bored. Happy #NationalVideoGameDay! pic.twitter.com/VblwTaGBes
— Matt | 6amerBr0 (CEO of Palutena) #RIPRuby (@6amerBr0) July 8, 2020
…or taught them new skills, such as driving, shooting, reading maps, or even learning an entirely new language.
#ThanksToVideoGames i learnt how to drive pic.twitter.com/RzTJxk6UTu
— Hello (@ilikeyour_user) July 8, 2020
#ThanksToVideoGames I honed in my English reading skills and learned how to read maps. pic.twitter.com/A7YTGY4D2g
— Ninkobra (@Ninkobra) July 8, 2020
Even some official game developer and publisher Twitter accounts got in on the hashtag fun. In particular, the Pokemon Twitter reminded us all of the vital life lesson taught by a beloved Youngster NPC in an early Pokemon title: “I like shorts! They’re comfy and easy to wear!”
#ThanksToVideoGames, we learned that shorts are comfy and easy to wear! pic.twitter.com/i5YPg92tkd
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) July 8, 2020
Personally, #ThanksToVideoGames, I found a home away from home, met lifelong friends, traveled the world, and of course, got a job right here at GameLuster!
How have video games changed or improved your life? What message will you be sharing using the #ThanksToVideoGames hashtag? How will you be celebrating National Video Game Day? Let us know!
