Digital bonds: A gamers' perspective on the role of online gaming communities in fostering social interaction and identity.

This study examines the social dynamics and identity formation within online gaming clans, focusing on the game *World of Warships* through an ethnographic approach. It highlights how joining a clan marks a transition from solitary play to social inclusion, fostering feelings of acceptance, camaraderie, and shared identity through unique language, rituals, and daily interactions. Drawing on Benedict Anderson’s concept of "imagined communities," the research situates gaming clans as global, digitally mediated communities that transcend traditional demographic and geographic boundaries while also acknowledging internal tensions such as exclusion and toxicity. The findings emphasize the importance of informal, non-competitive socialization in online gaming and suggest that fostering inclusive and supportive environments is crucial for sustainable community development. Limitations include the study’s focus on a single game and demographic, with recommendations for broader comparative research across diverse gaming genres and communities.