Gamers have two days to celebrate their love of gaming, first on July 8 then on September 12. National Video Game Day and National Video Games Day are two separate celebrations, despite their similar names, and they differ primarily in their focus and the dates on which they are observed.
National Video Game Day, celebrated on July 8, (see our article here) tends to focus on the personal experience of gaming. It’s a day to appreciate the joy and entertainment that video games bring to individuals. This day encourages gamers to play their favorite games, reminisce about their first gaming experiences, or explore new titles. The focus is more on the individual enjoyment of the video game experience.
National Video Games Day, observed on September 12, is more community-oriented and celebrates the broader video gaming culture. This day acknowledges video games as a social and cultural phenomenon, spotlighting how they bring people together through multiplayer games, online gaming, and gaming communities. It’s a day to appreciate the evolution of video games, the innovations in the industry, and the shared experiences that come from gaming with friends or attending gaming conventions.
So, while both days celebrate video games, National Video Game Day emphasizes personal enjoyment, and National Video Games Day celebrates gaming culture and community.
Top Multiplayer Video Games
Here are five of the top multiplayer video games for 2024 (PCGamesN) that you and your friends can dive into:
Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is the sequel to 2019’s blockbuster Modern Warfare. Featuring the return of the iconic, team leader Captain JohnPrice, the fearless John “Soap” MacTavish, the seasoned Sergeant Kyle “Gaz” Garrick, and the lone wolf himself, fan favorite Simon “Ghost” Riley, players will witness what makes Task Force 141 the legendary squad it is today.
From small-scale, high-stakes infiltration tactics to highly classified missions, players will need to leverage new weapons, vehicles, and cutting-edge equipment to take on their enemies. Gear up and take the fight offshore as you siege enemies underwater, breach a highly fortified enemy base, infiltrate along the canals, and liberate much-needed allies at a black site hidden within the mountains.
A staple in battle royale games, Warzone offers intense team-based action, where strategy and quick reflexes are key. It features fast-paced combat across large maps, with cross play functionality so you can play with friends across platforms
Fortnite
This free-to-play battle royale continues to dominate the multiplayer space, with its combination of creative building mechanics and third-person shooting. Constant updates and live events keep the experience fresh .
NBA 2K25
Known for its robust multiplayer modes, NBA 2K25 lets you team up or go head-to-head with friends, offering a realistic basketball experience with legendary players like Michael Jordan
Helldivers 2
A thrilling co-op shooter where you and your team fend off alien invasions. It’s designed to be played in small squads, making for highly tactical and engaging multiplayer gameplay. Become a Legend – You will be assembled into squads of up to four Helldivers and assigned strategic missions. Watch each other’s back – friendly fire is an unfortunate certainty of war, but victory without teamwork is impossible.
Street Fighter 6
If you’re into fighting games, Street Fighter 6 offers a welcoming yet competitive multiplayer experience. The game’s stable netcode ensures smooth battles, whether you’re playing with friends or against random opponents.
These games offer a variety of genres to suit different tastes, from shooters to sports and fighting games!