Once perceived as an anti-social pursuit, gaming now offers people a way to connect with peers around the world through streaming, forums, and social media. How do these diverse communities go beyond gameplay to support individuals in their search for escapism and creative expression?

Gamers in search of compelling video content may flock to Twitch and YouTube, but Discord has become the platform of choice for those seeking a community they can easily drop in and out of, offering spaces in which to arrange play sessions, discuss tactics, and bond with others over a shared hobby.

Twitch has established itself as the leading player in live gaming coverage, but it’s not the only thing drawing people back on a daily basis. As the platform’s content has diversified beyond esports, the interactions between streamers and viewers have made into a hub for community and discussion.

Boasting over 45 million players and the Twitch record for most live viewers on a stream, third-person shooterFortnite Battle Royalehas taken the gaming world by storm. But given that it uses a free-to-play model, how is it avoiding the controversy that often surrounds in-game microtransactions?