Gaming to Connect
The USO Gaming Event happening throughout Military Appreciation Month to connect our service members to family, home and country, kicking off May 6th - 9th during our streaming fundraiser weekend.
Together
We can connect our deployed service members to their family and friends.
USO Gaming ensures service members have a way to connect to loved ones and have a community to support them. The USO is committed to fostering strong online and in-person gaming communities across Twitch, Discord, YouTube, and Facebook, as well as building out gaming and esports centers within our USO centers throughout the Southeast Region.
USO Gaming is partnering with content creators, broadcasters, and streamers for the Gaming to Connect Event to raise funds in support of building Video Game Centers to connect deployed service members to their family and friends at home and also bring some great entertainment to our service members.
Fundraising Goal: $100,000
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Why Video Game Centers Are Important
- They Keep Deployed Troops Connected With Their Families and Friends
- They Strengthen Relationships Among Fellow Service Members
- They Help Provide Relief for the Feeling of Isolation
- They Help Alleviate Military Service Related Stress
About the USO Video Game Centers
Video game centers at USO locations are outfitted with multiple screens and consoles, designed specifically so that groups of service members can play together. This is significant, as studies show that playing video games on teams and with others – like service members do at USO-hosted video game centers and at tournaments – can improve teamwork in daily life. Many of these games require players to form collaborative relationships with other gamers and offer support – either within the game itself, or in conversations while playing, in which service members can discuss the challenges of their lives beyond the screen. This provides troops with even more opportunities to bond with their fellow service members and build a community of gamers.
While offering video gaming as means of entertainment is not new to the USO’s offerings, its latest online and social approach is a refreshed take on a now-classic USO amenity. In the last year, the organization has taken its gaming initiative to the next level by outfitting more of its locations with dedicated gaming spaces and hosting video game tournaments, both in person and online.
While each USO center has at least one video game console, several have entire rooms and spaces dedicated to gaming, such as USO Dubai, USO Ft. Hood, USO Camp Buehring and USO of North Carolina Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. There are many service members who are unable to afford their own video game systems; these USO gaming spaces supply them with the proper gaming technology and offer them a place to nurture their hobby, connect with others and engage in some friendly competition.
Learn more about Gaming to Connect
