Why More Pacific Youth Are Turning to Gaming
Posted by Talei Roko
It’s 2 a.m. and a 19-year-old student in Nausori is glued to their phone, running missions in Call of Duty: Mobile. For some, this is just another sleepless night. For others, it’s where they feel most alive — strategic, focused, part of a team.
Gaming isn’t just a hobby anymore. It’s a lifestyle, a community, and for some Pacific youth, an escape
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The Rise of Gaming in the Pacific
Fiji and other Pacific Island nations have seen a rise in mobile and online gaming over the past five years. With cheaper smartphones, better internet access, and games that are free-to-play, young people are spending hours online.
Games like Mobile Legends, FIFA, and Valorant are wildly popular, and platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming are slowly gaining local traction.
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Escapism or Identity-Building?
Critics often call gaming a waste of time — but they’re missing the point. In many cases, games give youth a sense of control and purpose that real life doesn’t offer. You can’t always pass your exam or fix family issues, but you can win a ranked match.
For some, especially those struggling with mental health or isolation, gaming communities become lifelines — spaces to belong, be seen, and even lead.
But we also have to ask: Are we using gaming to avoid real-world problems, or to prepare for them?
🔗 Aggregation
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A recent Samoan News Hub article on Online gaming and pacific youth: More research needed. Read more on: Online gaming and pacific youth: More research needed
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A USP student survey showed that 6 out of 10 students game regularly — not just for fun, but to relax and connect with friends.
Final Thoughts:
Gaming doesn’t make you lazy. Sometimes, it reveals how you think, lead, and solve problems. But balance is key. Are you gaming to grow — or just to hide?