There are several gaming communities specifically designed for veterans, as well as general gaming communities that are popular among veterans due to their welcoming environments and shared interests. Here are some of the best gaming communities for veterans:
1. Stack Up https://www.stackup.org/
Description: Stack Up is a nonprofit organization that supports veterans through gaming. They have multiple initiatives, including the Stack Up Overwatch Program (StOP, which provides 24/7 mental health support for veterans, active-duty service members, and civilians. They also send supply crates filled with gaming gear to deployed military units and offer Air Assaults, where they fly deserving veterans to gaming events.
Why It’s Great for Veterans: Stack Up provides a strong sense of community and support tailored to the needs of veterans. They offer numerous ways for veterans to connect, including through their Discord server, which is a hub for gaming, support, and camaraderie.
2. The Warrior Gaming Foundation https://warriorgmrfoundation.org/
- Future VA-hosted gaming tournaments.
- VR gaming integration into physical, occupational, and recreational therapy.
- VA’s use of immersive technology to help Veterans with PTSD, anxiety, depression, acute and chronic pain, insomnia, and more.
3. MilitaryGamers.com https://www.militarygamers.com/
Description: MilitaryGamers.com is one of the largest online communities for military veterans and active service members. It offers a private and secure environment where members can play games together, discuss various topics, and share experiences. The community spans across multiple games and platforms.
Why It’s Great for Veterans: The site is specifically designed for military personnel, ensuring that members have a common background and understanding. The community is well-organized, with support for a wide range of games and regular events.
4. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Gaming Events https://carryforward.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Description: The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) offers gaming events and tournaments as part of their larger mission to support veterans. These events provide a fun and supportive environment for veterans to connect through gaming.
Why It’s Great for Veteran: WWP gaming events are specifically tailored to the needs of veterans, providing not only entertainment but also social connection and support.
5. Operation Supply Drop (OSD) founder moved to StackUp (closed?).
Description: Operation Supply Drop is a veteran support organization that uses gaming to build a community and provide support for veterans. They host gaming events, both online and offline, and have a strong presence in the veteran gaming community.
Why It’s Great for Veterans: OSD focuses on using gaming as a means of support and engagement, creating a welcoming environment for veterans to connect and find community.
6. Veteran Gaming and Wellness (VGAW)
Description: VGAW is a community focused on gaming, wellness, and mental health for veterans. They provide a space for veterans to game together and discuss mental health openly and honestly.
Why It’s Great for Veterans: VGAW emphasizes the importance of mental health and wellness, offering a supportive and understanding community for veterans.
7. Reddit Communities (Subreddits) https://www.reddit.com/r/Veterans/ https://www.reddit.com/r/VeteranGamers/
Description:Several subredditst cater to veterans who game, such as r/Veterans and r/VeteranGamers. These communities provide a space for veterans to share gaming experiences, discuss military life, and support one another.
Why It’s Great for Veterans: Reddit offers a broad platform for discussion and community building, allowing veterans to connect over shared interests in gaming and military experiences.
8. Discord Servers for Veterans
Description: Many Discord servers are specifically created for veterans or have channels dedicated to veterans’ interests. For example, the Stack Up Discord server is a popular place for veterans to gather, play games, and support each other.
Why It’s Great for Veterans: Discord offers real-time communication, both text and voice, making it an excellent platform for veterans looking to connect with others, play games together, or find support.
9. Games for Troops https://gamesfortroops.org/
Description: Games for Troops is a community that focuses on providing a gaming experience for troops overseas and veterans. They send gaming care packages to deployed troops and offer support for veterans through gaming.
Why It’s Great for Veterans: The community not only supports deployed troops but also provides a network for veterans to stay connected and engaged through gaming.
10. Video Game Vets (VGV) https://www.youtube.com/c/VideoGameVets archived tutorials from 2017 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VideoGameVets
Description: Video Game Vets is an inclusive community that connects veterans through video games. They organize events, host gaming sessions, and provide a space for veterans to share their experiences and support one another.
Why It’s Great for Veterans: VGV focuses on building a supportive and inclusive environment for veterans, using gaming as a medium for connection and support.
11. Extra Life – Military Gaming Program https://www.extra-life.org/
Description: Extra Life, a program that raises money for children's hospitals through gaming, has a dedicated military gaming program. This initiative helps military personnel and veterans participate in gaming marathons and events to raise funds for charitable causes.
Why It’s Great for Veterans: This program allows veterans to engage in gaming for a good cause, building a sense of purpose and community while supporting charitable efforts.
12. REGIMENT https://regiment.gg/ Regiment Gaming is a military gaming community that focuses on uniting military service members and Veterans through the power of gaming. REGIMENT has nearly 20,000 members and has raised over $100,000 for Veteran non-profit organizations. REGIMENT hosts weekly online events and prize giveaways, and it has volunteer staff on its Discord channel to assist anyone who wants to connect with a VA resource or just talk.
