Beyond the Screen: The ESEA Community's Favorite Games Right Now
Picture this: It’s a Friday night, you've survived the week, and it's Forget Netflix and chill; we’re talking about falling deep into the digital world, where your squad’s already online, the banter’s flowing, and each match feels like a fresh part of your game saga. For ESEA uni students and young ESEA people across the globe, gaming isn’t just a way to pass the time – it’s the ultimate place to link up, vibe out, and flex your skills. Whether you’re after a bit of friendly competition or just here for some quality time with mates, the gaming world is where the ESEA community comes alive. Here’s what’s got everyone locked in and coming back for more. Valorant – The Ultimate Team Test If you’re one for images and world-building, Genshin Impact is the move. Explore beautiful scenery, finish quests, and make new pals (and foes) along the way. Genshin’s got that open-world vibe that lets you roam, collect, and improve your way to fame. Plus, it’s free-to-play, so no excuses here. Genshin Impact – An Adventure Like No Other If you’re one for visuals and world-building, Genshin Impact is the move. Explore stunning landscapes, complete quests, and make new pals (and enemies) along the way. Genshin’s got that open-world vibe that lets you roam, collect, and upgrade your way to glory. Plus, it’s free-to-play, so no excuses here. FIFA 24 – For the Footy Fanatics FIFA nights are practically tradition. You can’t beat the fun of scoring a last-minute goal against your mate or the wild celebration dances after a win. FIFA’s where we see a mix of friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) competition. And with new features in FIFA 24, it’s got a fresh twist that makes every match feel a bit like you’re on the real pitch. Fortnite – The OG That Still Slaps Fortnite’s still here, and it’s not going anywhere. Between the crazy skins, epic collabs, and the fact you can just hang out with friends while also pulling off mad plays, Fortnite’s the social spot as much as it is a game. Jump in solo, duo, or get a full squad – it’s a good time, every time. Among Us – For When the Drama’s Real Bit of a wild card, but Among Us remains iconic for those late-night drama-filled game nights. It’s about deception, detective work, and a load of “trust no one” vibes. It’s honestly a perfect laugh with friends or strangers on Maccha – especially if you’re one for bluffing your way out of sticky situations. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II – Classic, but Better Can we talk about Call of Duty? It’s still the go-to if you’re all about action-packed gameplay with a side of adrenaline. Modern Warfare II has those intense multiplayer rounds and campaign modes that hit different, especially if you’ve got your crew on board. Plus, it’s practically a rite of passage for anyone who loves a bit of FPS action. Perfect for nights when you’re feeling competitive and ready to climb those ranks. League of Legends – For the Strategists If you’re the type who loves outsmarting the competition, League of Legends might just be your calling. It’s all about teamwork, planning, and a bit of smack talk (all in good fun, of course). League’s a classic among the ESEA community for a reason – it’s where you can show off those big-brain plays and work with your team to earn a win. If you haven’t tried it yet, maybe it’s time to see what the hype’s about. Minecraft – Creative Mode Activated Not every game night needs to be all excitement; sometimes, it’s about chilling and getting artistic. Minecraft is for the builders, the thinkers, and anyone who’s just down for a relaxed time with mates. You can explore, build, or just walk around and chat. Whether you’re working on a huge project or just want to see what you can build, Minecraft’s got endless possibilities, making it a top pick for a reason. Rocket League – Football, but Make It Cars This one’s for the sports fans with a twist. Rocket League mixes football with, well... cars. It’s fast-paced, ridiculously fun, and surprisingly addictive. Imagine getting a goal with a flip and a boost – it’s like FIFA meets Mario Kart, and it’s big in the ESEA game groups. Plus, it’s ideal if you’re looking for something a bit different and ready to test those driving skills in a whole new way. The Sims 4 – Living Out Your Best Virtual Life If you’re all about building worlds and people, The Sims 4 is the place to let your mind run wild. This isn’t your normal game night, but honestly, sometimes you just want to sit back, create some dream homes, and maybe cause a little virtual drama. The Sims is a vibe, whether you’re building your dream life or throwing in a few twists just to see what happens. It’s like reality TV but better because you’re in charge. Gaming, Vibes, and Community: Maccha’s All-in-One Platform for ESEA Community Maccha’s your go-to spot for meeting with other ESEA gamers who get the culture, know the vibe and are always up-to-date on the games that count. Whether you’re hooking up for some serious competition, going into creative mode, or just here for a casual laugh, Maccha’s got everything you need to level up your game experience. With Maccha’s Events feature, it’s easier than ever to set up and join game nights, events, or even laid-back sessions with like-minded mates who are on your vibe. Want to plan a Valorant fight, a FIFA tourney, or a chill Minecraft build session? Just head over to the Events tab, and you’ll find a list of events that let you dive into your best games with the community. Maccha isn’t just a site – it’s where ESEA players can connect beyond the computer, find teammates, or even meet new friends. So, grab your controller, join in, and jump into the best game experience the ESEA community has to offer. It’s not just about games; it’s about making those shared moments, building bonds, and finding a place where you truly fit. On Maccha, gaming is more than a pleasure – it’s how the ESEA community bonds and builds something special. Final Wordings Maccha’s your spot for connecting with other ESEA gamers who know the culture and the games that matter. So grab your controller, log on, and jump into the best that gaming has to offer right now. Whether it’s serious competition, creativity, or just casual fun, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to game on with your people – because it’s not just a game; it’s the place where the ESEA community connects!
Festival Vibes in the UK: How the ESEA Community Celebrates Culture Together
When it comes to parties, the ESEA community in the UK brings a unique mix of custom, energy, and national pride. For East and Southeast Asian groups across the country – from London to Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond – these events go beyond just marking times on a calendar. They’re about reconnecting with history, making shared culture events, and building neighborhood ties. Whether you’re British Born Chinese, or part of a South Asian social group, the variety of the ESEA community comes through every event. Here’s a look at some of the biggest ESEA cultural events in the UK and how you can join in on the festival vibes. Lunar New Year: Welcoming the New Year Together Lunar New Year is the biggest traditional event for the ESEA community, bringing families and friends together to welcome a fresh start. Customs include cleaning homes, to get rid of the old, and in with the new. Families gather for meals, which often are elaborate with endless plates of food on the table. People exchange red packets - from older relatives to young unmarried ones. In all Chinatowns around the world, celebrations take place - from Lion Dancing, to Martial Arts performances. It's a time for the British Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and other Asian groups to meet, share customs, and bring a bit of home in the Western cities that they live. Lantern Festival: Light, Unity, and Community The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year, and for many, it’s the festival’s most exciting night. Across East Asian communities in the UK, lantern events are planned in local parks, community halls, and meeting spots, lighting up the night with bright colours and providing a sense of unity among the ESEA community. It’s a memorable experience to see a sea of lights representing hope, dreams, and togetherness enjoyed by Chinese, Japanese, and Korean groups alike. For those looking to experience the beauty of this custom, the Lantern Festival is the perfect place to make new connections and engage yourself in ESEA culture. Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrating the Moon and Heritage Mid-Autumn Festival usually occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Lunar calendar. On this day, it is believed the moon is the fullest and brightest, coinciding with the time of year to harvest. Although a Chinese festival, neighboring countries have similar festivals. Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is usually celebrated by eating mooncake - a thick pastry cake with various fillings - from duck egg to taro. The celebration usually takes the form of a family gathering for a meal, showing gratitude for the harvest, and praying for desired wants, such as a spouse, fortune, or a good future. Dragon Boat Festival: Racing and Remembrance Dragon Boat, also known as Double Fifth Holiday, is a traditional Chinese holiday that celebrates the life of Qu Yuan. He was a famous historical figure who protested against imperial corruption. On this day, cities with a sizable Asian population will host Dragon Boat racing. Professional and corporate teams will race against each other. Usually, as the competition advances, winning teams race against each other until there is a winner. Besides watching or participating in the race, families will eat dong zi (rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves), and some follow other practices, including giving children 5 threads of silk for good luck. Finding Your Place in the ESEA Community Finding community events is usually done through word of mouth. Follow your local Chinatown organization, and stay connected to cultural organizations on Instagram. Maccha aims to be the one-stop shop for your source of ESEA cultural events. We bring together the ESEA community and help businesses promote cultural events. These events and meetings celebrate the variety and power of East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures in the UK, giving everyone a place to connect, share, and enjoy. If you’re looking to strengthen your relationship to your roots or meet new people, try the Maccha community app. Find these events in one click, or find the latest update in our forum. See you there!
Why Dragon Boating is So Special for the ESEA Community
If you’re Asian, you probably have tried Dragon Boating. Perhaps it was a one-off event, or you were committed to a club and attended regularly. Dragon Boating has been around for 2,000 years, and its spirit is kept alive by young overseas Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipinos and other ESEAs. Dragon Boat Festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Lunar Calendar. Today, races and events are managed by the International Dragon Boat Federation. Why do young people still participate in Dragon Boating, despite it being a niche sport in Western countries? Meeting Friends while Keeping Fit A Dragon Boat typically sits 20-22 people. The speed of the boat depends on the team paddling in rhythm. A drummer bangs the drum at the front and the whole boat “reaches” and paddles in sync. A cultural sport, it’s likely that other Asians participate. This attracts those that want to share the cultural sport with others from a similar cultural background. Dragon Boat clubs usually have other fitness related events to prepare for competitions - from group gym sessions, to other related sport events, such as badminton. Joining a team opens up many other physical activities, which promotes healthy living. This is a major attraction for people who prefer socials which don’t include going to a bar and getting drunk. The International Dragon Boat Federation organises competitions internationally, and teams will travel abroad together to compete, which further strengthens the bond in the team. Dragon Boating has built such strong connections, this has even led to marriage! It is well known in the community that some couples met on the boat. Many clubs allow paddlers to join on a pay as you go basis with no commitment. However, if you find yourself paddling frequently, membership may work out cheaper. Choosing the Right Club A simple Google search will reveal clubs near you. But which one do you join? Firstly, finding a club that is located near you is important, to ensure you can get to training easily. However, some will be more serious than others. If you are a ‘social paddler’, who wants to paddle just for fun, then there will be teams who take a more relaxed approach. However, there will be clubs who are very serious about competing. They may have a ‘second team’ for the more casual paddlers. The best way to understand which is the right fit is to talk to the captains, and have a trial session. Dragon Boat racing often opens the door to many other socials - from kick off parties, to international trips. If you’re looking to meet other Asians, it can be a fantastic way to find new friends (or more!). These events aren’t just about the sport; they’re about building bridges between different cultures and celebrating our unique identities. Maccha: Promoting Cultural and ESEA Events Dragon Boating is just one way to meet other Asians. If you have other interests, you can discover something that suits you at Maccha. We’re all about pushing cultural events and activities that bring the ESEA community together. Whether it’s Dragon Boating, food events, or club nights, our community app serves as an ESEA hub for sharing these incredible experiences. We believe in building links among the ESEA community and backing local projects that celebrate our varied heritages. Through the Maccha app, you can quickly find and join cultural events, meet new friends, and get involved in activities that show your shared identity. Let’s amplify our voices and showcase the beauty of our cultures together!