‘Gaming is a preferred coronavirus pandemic pastime,’ says WHO

What is the best thing you can do while you are at home fighting the deadly virus? Games, says World Health Organization. The WHO says playing video games is the best way to combat social isolation during the virus outbreak. This new campaign is called #PlayApartTogether with 18 of the world's biggest game industry leaders participating to fight the cause.

Gaming industry leaders have come together to remind everyone of the importance of social distancing to avoid spreading the deadly virus, but also giving people a unique way to stay connected with each other remotely.

Each of the game industry leaders is participating to encourage its users to follow the WHO's health guidelines, which include physical distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other preventive actions people can take to reduce the further spread of virus.  

"It's never been more critical to ensure people stay safely connected to one another. Games are the perfect platform because they connect people through the lens of joy, purpose and meaning. We are proud to participate in such a worthwhile and necessary initiative," said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard.

Jeff Karp, managing director and president of Big Fish Games, said, "There has perhaps never been a more pivotal time than present, for solidarity around a cause. Together, with our global community of games publishers and the technical guidance of the World Health Organization, we hope to reach millions of players across our titles with the campaign. 

As a helping hand, Playtika is also offering in-game incentives to the more than 30 million players who play its titles every month to try to encourage participation in the campaign.