I've been an avid gamer for most of my life. Growing up, my brothers and I had nearly every gaming system ever released up until 2010. Whether it was Nintendo, PlayStation, or Xbox, we had it, and we played it. Gaming has always been a huge part of my life, but like many women in the gaming world, I've faced an issue that most men don’t have to think about—playing online with men.
For years, I found myself either playing single-player games offline or playing online with my mic muted. It wasn’t just about avoiding harassment; it was about protecting my peace. If you know, you know—there’s always that one guy who just has to throw out slurs when he wins or loses, and honestly, I didn’t have the energy for it. So, I continued my gaming journey mostly solo.
Every now and then, I’d date someone who was also into gaming, and we’d try to play together. But between conflicting schedules and differing gaming preferences, it never really lasted. While I love my Call of Duty and Helldivers, I also enjoy games that are more labor-intensive—ones that take time to beat and really pull me in.
Since I tend to turn to the internet when I need solutions (as you might know from my other blog posts), I decided to see if I could find a better way to connect with like-minded gamers. This time, I turned to Facebook.
I reached out to my brothers in a group chat because I knew they were still active gamers. That’s when they introduced me to Melanated Gamers, a gaming group specifically geared toward Black gamers.
(Now, before anyone gets bent out of shape—yes, it’s a gaming community centered around African Americans. It’s not about exclusion; it’s about playing in a space where the chances of encountering racial slurs and toxic behavior are significantly lower. If you’ve ever been called something nasty mid-match, you get it.)
Out of curiosity, I decided to check it out. After answering a few preliminary questions, I was quickly welcomed into the group. And let me tell you—it was one of the best gaming decisions I’ve ever made.
Not only did I introduce myself, but I also found a real community—people who love different gaming genres across all platforms, just like me. It’s been refreshing to actually engage in gaming conversations without feeling like I have to shrink myself or stay silent.
So, if you’ve ever felt isolated in your gaming experience or struggled to find a safe, inclusive space to just enjoy playing, I highly recommend seeking out communities that align with you. For me, Melanated Gamers has been a game-changer—literally.
Have you found a gaming community that feels like home? Let me know in the comments! 🎮✨
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