News Gaming WHO Launches Campaign to Encourage Video Gaming Together The same organization claimed it was bad for you not too long ago by Senior News Editor Rob LeFebvre has been a freelance technology writer for 10 years and an educator for 20. His articles have appeared in 148Apps, Cult of Mac, Engadget, and many others. our editorial process Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Rob LeFebvre Published March 30, 2020 04:50PM EDT Tweet Share Email Gaming Phones Internet & Security Computers Smart & Connected Life Home Theater Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming View More Why This Matters When the organization that has historically cautioned people about 'gaming addiction' comes out in favor of playing games together while quarantined, you know the world has changed. Rob LeFebvre / Lifewire The World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with several big video game publishers to promote the #PlayApartTogether initiative. It encourages people to play video games with each other while engaged in sheltering in place and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. What's that, now? This is the same global organization that pushed the notion of "gaming addiction" in the recent past, so you know things are changing when they partner with gaming companies like Activision Blizzard (Overwatch, Destiny 2), Riot Games (League of Legends), and Pocket Gems (War Dragons), along with streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. The big picture: The idea here is to encourage people to follow WHO guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by social distancing, washing your hands, and good respiratory etiquette. What they said: "Physical distancing shouldn’t mean social isolation! Let’s stay physically apart – and take other public health steps such as hand hygiene – to help flatten the curve and #PlayApartTogether to help power through this crisis," said Riot Games' CEO Nicolo Laurent in a statement. "For Rioters, playing games is more than just a game; it’s a meaningful life pursuit. And now, for the billions of players around the world, playing games could help the pursuit of saving lives. Let’s beat this COVID-19 boss battle together.” The bottom line: People are spending more time indoors to help flatten the curve; video games can be a solid part of keeping yourself and your kids engaged and entertained during the crisis. Now even the global health agencies agree. Via: Digitial Trends Learn More About Multiplayer Gaming 12 Great Local Multiplayer Games You Can Play Offline How to Play Minecraft Multiplayer Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit