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For many Veterans, transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding the same sense of camaraderie and belonging they once had in uniform. Isolation is a real issue, but gaming has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight.
Brick By Brick Vets
Nonprofits like Brick by Brick Vets are leading the charge, using gaming to help Veterans reconnect, find purpose and build lasting friendships. One powerful example of this is a Veteran who struggled with isolation until Brick by Brick Vets stepped in. By providing a gaming console and an online community, it helped that Veteran break free, finding support among others who understood the journey.
Brick by Brick Vets isn’t alone in this mission. Several Veteran-led gaming communities are reshaping what Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) look like in the modern era. These groups aren’t just about gaming—they’re about creating safe spaces where Veterans can connect, share resources and support one another—both mentally and emotionally.
Warrior GMR
Focused on gaming as a means for engagement and building a similar sense of community, Warrior GMR connects Veterans to resources while providing a space for meaningful conversations. Through its Veteran Resilience Support System (VRSS), it emphasizes mental health awareness and provides support systems for Veterans struggling with PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Military Veteran Gaming (MVG)
Military Veteran Gaming (MVG) strives to improve Veterans’ quality of life by creating space where they can heal through gaming. Working with VA, MVG is aiming to establish structured D&D campaigns on its Discord server, allowing Veterans to engage in storytelling, teamwork and problem-solving in a supportive environment.
Regiment Gaming
Regiment Gaming is America’s largest military gaming community, founded in 2020, with the mission of uniting Veterans and service members through the power of gaming. Video games have been proven to help Veterans with recovery from physical and emotional trauma. Regiment’s focus is overcoming issues that service members and Veterans face.
Combat Tested Gaming
Combat Tested Gaming recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for Veterans to foster connections and combat isolation in an supportive environment. It aims to fulfill this mission by bringing Veterans together through esports. Combat Tested Gaming is about more than gaming—it’s about leveraging social engagement and skill development opportunities to build a strong community of support.
Madfinger Gaming and Gray Zone Warfare
Madfinger Gaming is a studio driven by a passion for creating immersive, tactical experiences, and Gray Zone Warfare is a prime example of that vision in action. The team’s dedication to delivering dynamic open-world battlefield pushes the boundaries of what players can expect in a tactical first-person shooter, blending realism, strategy and engagement. Madfinger Games is committed to supporting Veterans, recognizing their service, and providing them with a community and platform where they can engage and find camaraderie.
These organizations aren’t just about online engagement. They are hosting gaming tournaments, online and in-person, giving Veterans another avenue to engage with their peers in a friendly, competitive setting. Whether it’s through Discord servers or Twitch streams, these groups are ensuring that no Veteran faces isolation alone.
The future of Veteran support is changing. Gaming is proving to be more than just a pastime—it’s a powerful tool for connection, healing and resilience. As these communities grow, they are proving that support doesn’t have to come from traditional means; sometimes, it’s as simple as picking up a controller or rolling the dice.
If you or a Veteran you know is looking for connection, check out one of these incredible communities—because no one fights alone, even in the virtual world.
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I’m a gamer but I stick to MMOs, like Elder Scrolls Online, with occasional RPG sessions using Champions/Hero System.
Five years with World of Warships and forums.
There’s a “New Neighbors” club in Lubbock, TX, with about 185 members who play various card & domino games on a regular basis. I tried to get the same idea going with vets. Went to the Lubbock VA last July & talked to Eddy Gallardo. He said a “Lori Sims of Lubbock Vet Connect” would call me. She never did. I emailed Eddy back and he never responded. Any doctor or psych would tell you that human contact through fun games is an excellent way to get vets involved and probably reduce the rate of suicides, which the VA seems to be very concerned with. So why am I having so much trouble getting help to get something like this started??? Is it all talk but nobody really caring?
Re: Brick by Brick
As far as I can tell this org is WAY more interested in collecting mass likes, subs and reposts using vetetans as bait than doing any actual veteran focused community outreach.
They occasionally give away a PC to their social media consumers regardless of service status.
A 14 year old millionaire has realistically better odds of getting a free computer from BbB than actual veterans.
I haven’t been able to afford a modern home PC in a decade but congrats on gathering 17,000,000 entries for a prize you’ll give to someone that already has that exact thing.
#highfive?
Im a disabled vet, i try to play games with people but it seems im always alone.. im totally down to play with other vets.. only thing is my computer is older now and im not sure what newer games i can play.. but im down to play what ever i can with you guys.. please send me information please.
Stack up in van nyes is also a gaming community rotating around vets.
Nice report from the team thanks.
I am very surprised that Stack Up charity (which does AMAZING work for veterans through gaming, and has for years), is not on this list. That is such a missed opportunity for such a great charity!
I have been part of a couple of these communities and found a few very click-like communities. If you dont fit in with them the way they want you to, or if you are not as active as they would like you to be, they push you to the side. Even if the reason for being less communicative is because of mental health issues or even physical issues.
Stack Up has always been my go-to for my veteran gaming charity interests. They are always welcoming, and have a very large Discord community, and tons of various benefits! They even have localized groups called The Stacks that help veterans in-person to get out of their homes and be social.
Just seems like a very short list of the same old groups that keep getting the spotlight. And that is quite a shame.
Looks good. How do I get involved. It would take my mind off of situations and help with depression.
I am a gammer also
Awesome Video….#VETSTRONG..share this