Hisense Brings Online Gamers Together IRL: Exploring Friendships Forged in Virtual Worlds

Hisense Brings Online Gamers Together IRL: Exploring Friendships Forged in Virtual Worlds

In a world where gaming has become a global connector, it’s no surprise that meaningful relationships are being built entirely online. According to research, 57% of gamers regularly play with friends they’ve never met in real life (IRL). To celebrate these unique connections, Hisense hosted the Game At First Sight event in London on November 28, 2024. This one-of-a-kind gathering united online gaming duos from across the globe, allowing them to experience the thrill of playing side by side for the first time.

The event was inspired by fascinating insights into the gaming community. Hisense’s study revealed that:

• 89% of gamers have never met most of their online gaming friends IRL.

• A third of gamers have between five and ten online friends they’ve never met in person.

• 73% of gamers believe their online friendships are meaningful, with 37% saying these relationships have helped reduce loneliness.

Despite these strong bonds, barriers such as distance (55%), time constraints (46%), and travel costs (38%) often prevent gamers from meeting in real life. However, Hisense’s event proved that these obstacles could be overcome to create unforgettable experiences.

Hosting the event were hi-profile online gamers Mr Gibbon from Ireland and Anna Demetriou from the UK who had also played together online but never met. The event showcased Hisense’s cutting-edge C2 Ultra and PX3 Pro Laser TV projectors, designed for the ultimate Xbox experience – every gamers dream!!

These state-of-the-art devices boast features like:

• Massive Displays: Up to 300” (C2 Ultra) and 150” (PX3 Pro), perfect for split-screen gaming.

• Fast Refresh Rates: Ensuring smooth motion and reducing frustrations like input lag.

• Eye-Friendly Gaming: The PX3 Pro eliminates harmful blue light emissions, making it ideal for extended sessions.

From Among Us to Real Life: Bjetka and Jacob

Bjetka Zmelikova, 25, from Prague, and Jacob Stewart, 26, from the US (now based in London), are the perfect example of a friendship forged in gaming. They met during a game of Among Us on Discord in 2020 and have since logged over 1,000 hours of gameplay together. Their friendship blossomed during the pandemic, providing both with much-needed support.

“I leaned heavily on online interactions for my mental health during lockdown,” Bjetka shared. Their first IRL meeting at the event was not just about gaming but also a celebration of their shared bond. Jacob even extended an invitation for Bjetka to attend his wedding next year, making this reunion even more special.

A Decade in the Making: Jules and Liam

Jules Gill, 38, from Wales, and Liam Ramsey, 34, from Perth, Australia, have been online friends for over a decade. Over the years, they’ve supported each other through life’s toughest challenges, relying on their gaming sessions for camaraderie and comfort. Meeting face-to-face for the first time at Hisense’s Game at First Sight event was a profoundly emotional experience.

The pair finally had the chance to enjoy their favourite games together in person, marking a milestone in their extraordinary friendship.

A Global Friendship: Robyn and Stefica

Robyn Bruce, 32, from Scotland, and Stefica Schwarz, 26, from Canada, also met for the first time at the event. Despite the distance, their friendship has been a constant source of support, with Stefica even helping Robyn pick out a virtual outfit for her first date with her now-partner.

15 Years in the Making: Luke and Edd

For 15 years, Luke Brewton, 36, from Hailsham, and Edd Pearson, 44, from Hertfordshire, have been gaming companions through life’s highs and lows. Despite speaking daily while playing, and living in the same country, they had never met in person until the Hisense event.

“We’ve supported each other through births, breakups, and so much more,” Edd said. Their story is a testament to the deep connections that gaming can foster."

From joyful reunions to heartfelt moments, Game at First Sight was an emotional celebration of gaming’s power to unite. Host and Twitch star Mr. Gibbon, shared:

“Gaming friendships provide a support network that some may struggle to find offline. Witnessing these gamers connect in person has been truly heartwarming.”

Hisense’s Chris Joughin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how their technology enhances the social experience of gaming.

“By breaking barriers like screen size and lag, we’re ensuring gamers can immerse themselves in shared adventures, whether online or in person.”

The Game at First Sight event was a celebration of the friendships, resilience, and community fostered through gaming. It highlighted how technology and shared experiences can unite people across continents, proving that the connections we build online can be just as real and meaningful as those made offline.

Learn more about this event at https://uk.hisense.com/c2launch