Anthony Jackson

Undergraduate student stress is prevalent across the world. However, many deal with this stress in what can be considered an unconventional way: Video games.

Usually when you think of someone who plays video games you wouldn’t think of a busy college student, but a study conducted by Pew Research Center found that 70 percent of college students play video games at least “once in a while”.

When asked what games people play in order to de-stress or cool down, there were a range of different responses.

“I play Pokémon. It’s peaceful and repetitive; it requires strategy, so I still think somewhat critically which is why it’s great for me to de-stress,” said Teyone Webb, a Junior at Delaware State University.

“I play fighting games, usually with some friends because it’s just more fun that way. It helps me relax and have fun with other people and get my mind off of whatever is stressing me out,” said Brandon Brockett, a Sophomore at DSU.

It is through these games that people form connections as well as see themselves through stressful times. Not everyone that plays video games is a slacker, sometimes, they’re just a little bit stressed out, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Not only is playing games beneficial stress relief, but watching others play games can be a form of entertainment and relaxation at the same time.

“Sometimes I’ll open Twitch and just watch someone livestream a game. Watch it as if I was watching something on TV; it’s just as relaxing I feel like,” said Teyone.

Twitch is a live streaming site where tons of people come to watch other people play games or to stream their games live to an audience. As of now, Twitch’s monthly active user count is well in the millions.