In Nigeria, a popular pastime among young people is forming virtual friendships through the mobile game 'Call of Duty Mobile'. The game, which has been downloaded over 100 million times globally, allows players to form squads and compete against each other in a virtual battlefield. According to Google Play Store, Nigeria ranks 11th among countries with the most downloads. The game's popularity has led to the formation of online communities, where players build trust and relationships with each other.
Adesogan Greatman, a final-year mathematics student at the Federal University of Lokoja, is an avid player of 'Call of Duty Mobile'. He spends at least six hours a day playing the game, and has formed friendships with people from different countries. Greatman plays the game's Battle Royale mode, where players compete against each other on a large map, collect weapons and equipment, and try to be the last player or team standing. His gaming sessions involve choosing a landing spot, gathering supplies, fighting opponents, and improving ranks and skills.
Yusuf Jonga, a lawyer, is another enthusiastic player of the game. He plays under the moniker Soul_Brotha and has been playing since the game's release in 2019. Jonga prefers the multiplayer mode, which involves short and intense matches. He commits about five to six hours a day and 35 hours a week to the game. According to him, the experience is thrilling, with racing hearts and sweaty palms. The game's design also plays a significant role in keeping players engaged, with a ranking system that resets every season.
The ranking system in 'Call of Duty Mobile' is a key factor in its addictive nature. Players climb from Rookie to Veteran, Elite, Pro, Master, Grand Master, and finally Legendary. However, at the start of a new season, the game automatically resets every player's profile two ranks below. This means that even the top players have to start again from a lower rank. Joseph Igoanua, who plays as CJEX or "Bandit", explained that this design decision encourages players to keep playing to regain their top rank.
Beyond the ranks and ratings, 'Call of Duty Mobile' has also become a platform for forming lasting friendships. Greatman, Jonga, and Igoanua all have friends they met through the game, some of whom they have never met in person. These friendships often extend beyond the game, with players communicating on WhatsApp or other social media platforms. For Jonga, his in-game friendships eventually moved to WhatsApp, where he and his friends would discuss gaming schedules and strategies.
However, not all players have the same experience. Leo Tarbunde, a medical doctor, plays the game but does not use it as a social platform. He prefers to play with his friends from real life and does not engage in online communities. For Tarbunde, the game is more of a contest than a social space. Despite this, the game's impact on social relationships cannot be denied. Many players have formed meaningful connections with others through the game.
The question remains, however, whether these online friendships can be considered "real" friendships. While some players, like Greatman, have lost contact with their online friends after losing their game account, others, like Jonga, maintain active relationships with their gaming friends. Ultimately, the nature of these friendships depends on the individual player's experience. One thing is certain, however: 'Call of Duty Mobile' has become a significant part of the lives of many young Nigerians.
Key points
- The game 'Call of Duty Mobile' has been downloaded over 100 million times globally, with Nigeria ranking 11th among countries with the most downloads.
- Players of the game form virtual friendships and communities, often extending beyond the game to WhatsApp or other social media platforms.
- The game's ranking system, which resets every season, is a key factor in its addictive nature and encourages players to keep playing.
