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Revealed: The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming
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- 28% of internet users play games to meet new people
- A third of gamers say they play because they like to challenge themselves.
- There are 20,000 gaming jobs in the UK, providing plenty of opportunity for a career in the industry
- We spoke to three experts in the field who gave their insights into the gaming industry
There are lots of negative misconceptions about gaming, many of which are far from the truth. A new study turns stereotypes on their heads and reveals the emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming. Dr Rachel Kowert, Research Director of Take This – a mental health non-profit; Dr Matthew Barr, a lecturer of Game Studies at the University of Glasgow; and Noel McDermott, a psychotherapist and presenter of The Well-Being Show podcast, provide their thoughts and insights. Here are some of the highlights:
Gaming can boost mental wellbeing and help with feelings of loneliness
- Thanks to well-crafted storylines and lifelike graphics, games are the perfect form of escapism
- 34% of gamers identify the feeling of being immersed in a game as a key motivation to play
- The global gaming population is likely to have increased by 4% since the outbreak of Covid-19
Especially in challenging times, activities that provide a positive distraction and allow an individual to put their worries to the back of their mind can have a beneficial impact on mental wellbeing. Gaming is an excellent example of this, offering an immersive experience that can mentally transport you to another world.
Barr says, “Video games are good at getting players into the state of optimal experience that psychologists call ‘flow’, by offering an appropriate balance of challenge versus achievement. It’s that feeling of being ‘in the zone’, where you’re totally absorbed in the task at hand, and you’re operating at the top of your game. In turn, this has a positive impact on how players feel.”
This is because the sense of reward releases feel-good hormones called dopamine that boost the player’s mood. What’s more, gaming can offer meditative benefits by fully occupying your mind with the objectives of the game.
Kowert adds that, “Gameplay can also teach skills that have long been associated with increased happiness and prolonged life satisfaction, including openness to experience, self-care, a growth mindset, solution-focused thinking, mindfulness, persistence, self-discovery, and resilience.”
Gaming can maintain and build new relationships
- Half of gamers play with their real-life friends
- 28% of internet users play games to meet new people
- 1 in 3 internet users in the UK say the main reason they game is to have fun with people they know
Contrary to popular belief, gaming can be a sociable activity. Many games offer multiplayer modes or are designed to be played in teams, providing the opportunity for individuals to join forces with their existing friends or virtually meet new people – located anywhere in the world.
McDermott says, “Gaming, especially online, can provide immeasurable benefits to those who are lonely and isolated. It provides safe social contact and a place where skills can be developed. These skills can provide a much-needed boost to self-esteem.”
Research found that 60% of gamers report playing more games with social elements since the beginning of the pandemic, suggesting gaming can play a positive and pivotal role in connecting people at a time when face-to-face contact isn’t always possible.
Kowert explains, “Shared experiences, like playing games together, have been linked to increased self-esteem and a sense of belonging, as well as decreased feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation.”
Gaming can teach life skills and cognitive abilities
- There are 20,000 gaming jobs in the UK, providing plenty of opportunity for a career in gaming
- Minecraft: Education Edition, for example, has applications in geography, history, engineering, and physics
- A third of gamers say they play because they like to challenge themselves.
While gaming can provide a fun form of entertainment, it can also contribute to the player’s cognitive development. For example, many titles involve problem solving, strategy and multi-tasking, among other skills.
Kowert explains, “Games are fantastic learning tools, particularly for children, because they are so engaging. Video games are also great vehicles for sharpening cognitive skills because they provide a range of different challenges within a single space. Gameplay has been associated with the improvement of a range of cognitive skills, including:
- improved creative thinking
- problem solving
- time management
- leadership skills
- goal setting
- initiative taking
- decision making
- persistence in the face of difficult challenges.”
It’s estimated that children aged 12-15 years old spend an average of 11.6 hours a week gaming. So, with gaming being such a widely enjoyed hobby, it’s encouraging to note that it could be effectively harnessed as an educational tool to teach numerous skills and knowledge. What’s more, with the gaming industry growing year-on-year (and estimated to be worth £3.86 billion in 2020), it could also open doors for careers in the industry.
Barr explains, “We all learn new skills through practice, whether that’s learning how to play an instrument or training to play sports more proficiently. Learning from a video game is no different – you’re exercising skills all the time, whether it’s figuring out puzzles or using your communication and language skills to talk to and strategize with your fellow players.”
Gaming myths debunked
- 52% of Brits play video games, demonstrating its popularity and prevalence in daily life
- Gaming is the nation’s second favourite pastime, after watching TV
- Brits spend an average of 7 hours a week gaming, which is just a third of the time spent watching TV (22.5 hrs)
Over the years, gaming has been associated with negative stereotypes and behaviours, such as laziness, violence, and isolation. There is little evidence to prove any of these correct. Instead, in many cases, gaming can be more beneficial for the player’s health, development, and social abilities than it is detrimental. In fact, with over half of Brits playing games, it’s apparent that gaming is just a part of modern life for many.
Kowert explains, “There is no evidence to suggest that playing games online has a negative impact on our ability to socialise. However, research has found that playing games with our friends online can strengthen our offline friendships and relationships.”
Another concern that often arises is the amount of time people spend gaming and whether gaming has addictive qualities. Talking on the topic, Barr explains that, “People talk about players becoming ‘addicted’ to games, without really considering what that word means, in a clinical sense. We don’t bat an eyelid when someone becomes so engrossed in a book that they sit there reading for hours on end, but somehow this sort of behaviour is perceived as problematic when it comes to games.”
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Revealed: The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming
The inaugural Legends Charity Game, organised by Sport Global, will be staged at Sporting CP’s Estádio José Alvalade, marking the start of a series set to run annually until 2030.
The match will see Portugal Legends face off against World Legends on Monday, 15 September 2025, with Calema performing live at half-time, and all in support of the goal of raising €1 million for charity.
The venue confirmation came after the Champions League schedule was finalised, introducing Estádio José Alvalade as the host of the opening match of the series. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00, with player arrivals at 18:00 and gates opening at 18:30. Fans can enjoy a pre-game show at 19:40, while half-time will feature a live performance by Calema, the São Tomé and Príncipe-born, Portugal-based duo known for their blend of pop and Afrobeat, performing in front of 50,000 fans and millions watching worldwide.
The Portugal side will be captained by Luís Figo and include a host of stars from the nation’s greatest footballing moments. Figo said: “It’s always a pleasure to come back to my country and play football! Hope to see a full stadium in my hometown, Lisbon, for this amazing Legends Charity Game and raise funds for important charity causes.”
Joining him are Euro 2016 winners Ricardo Quaresma, Nani, Eliseu, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho, and Pepe, along with Champions League winners Fábio Coentrão, Maniche, Pauleta, Vítor Baía, José Bosingwa, and Deco. Other confirmed legends include Beto, Jorge Andrade, Dani, Tiago Mendes, Simão, Hélder Postiga, Nuno Gomes, and Costinha, who will also serve as team manager.
Legendary forward Quaresma added: “Wearing the Portuguese shirt has always filled me with pride, and winning Euro 2016 was the greatest moment of my career. I’m really looking forward to representing Portugal again, especially for such a good cause. Football has the power to bring joy and hope, and using that to support families affected by war and conflict is incredibly important. Playing at home in Lisbon, for something that matters this much, makes the Legends Charity Game even more special.”
Nuno Gomes, one of Portugal’s most recognisable attacking players of the 1990s and 2000s, added: “Being called up to represent Portugal has always carried a deep sense of responsibility and national pride, and that feeling is no different ahead of the upcoming Legends Charity Match. Supporting those less fortunate has long been a personal priority.”
The World Legends squad will provide formidable competition, featuring international icons including Kaká, Peter Schmeichel (Manager), Petr Cech, Edwin van der Sar, Rene Higuita, Carles Puyol, Roberto Carlos, John Terry, Cafu, Javier Zanetti, Marco Materazzi, Gheorghe Hagi, Youri Djorkaeff, Christian Karembeu, Krasimir Balakov, Gaizka Mendieta, Marek Hamsik, Javier Saviola, Michael Owen, Henrik Larsson, Alessandro Del Piero, and Hristo Stoichkov.
All proceeds from the match will be donated through the Sport Global Charitable Foundation to four charities:
– Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa (Portuguese Red Cross): Delivering emergency response, healthcare, training, and social support nationwide.
– Cáritas Portuguesa: Providing critical support to marginalised communities in Portugal and abroad.
– International Alert: Working across divides to resolve conflict and build lasting peace.
– Ukrainian Red Cross Society: Delivering urgent care, shelter, food, and psychological support to those affected by war.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder of Sport Global, said: “With the Legends Charity Game, we are connecting fans, legends, music and communities for something bigger than the game itself. This match will bring generations together, and Estádio José Alvalade is a fantastic host for what promises to deliver the best in entertainment for a great cause. I would also like to take the chance to thank the Portuguese Football Federation, along with all our sponsors and partners, for helping us make this a reality.”
The Legends Charity Game is an annual event organised by Sport Global and will run until 2030.
Tickets for the Legends Charity Game are now on sale starting from €10 for adults and €6 children. Premium Category tickets are also available at €35 for adults and €20 for children under 12.
* Sport Global Charitable Foundation is a restricted fund under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund (UK registered charity no. 1099682). All profits from the Legends Charity Game will support the Foundation’s beneficiary charities.
The post Sporting CP’s Estádio José Alvalade to Host Legends Charity Game appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
More partnerships to increase global reach
ELA Games is pleased to announce its newest partnership with Slotsjudge, a thriving media outlet and review platform that encourages community engagement.
Slotsjudge specialises in spotlighting new and exciting games, providing comprehensive casino reviews, interviewing prominent industry figures, and hosting user content that fosters community activity.
Key aspects of the collaboration include:
- In-depth game reviews: Slotsjudge’s expert contributors will provide evaluations and reviews of ELA Games’ releases and upcoming content, highlighting mechanics, features, and art style.
- Joint content production: Scheduled co-produced content, such as Q&As and interviews, aimed at spotlighting development philosophy, behind-the-scenes production, and more.
- Exclusive insights: Slotsjudge and ELA Games will plan future features and initiatives that educate readers and provide valuable insights into the industry.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the collaboration, “We’re thrilled with this new partnership with Slotsjudge. Their reputation for honest, insightful, and engaging game and casino reviews and their willingness to develop an active community are values that we align with. We also look forward to bolstering Slotsjudge’s content with helpful insights and interesting content that highlight our creative process and how we create games that players love.”
Jekaterina Dubnicka, Slotsjudge’s Head of Marketing and Communications, added, “At Slotsjudge, we are delighted to begin our media partnership with Ela Games. Their creative approach to game development perfectly aligns with our mission to highlight innovation and quality within the iGaming entertainment space.”
The post ELA Games Partners with Slotsjudge for Strategic Content Collaboration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
GoldenRace, leading provider of award-winning Virtual Sports and betting solutions, is announcing a new partnership with Inbet, the biggest Retail operator in Bulgaria and one of the most important iGaming companies in the market.
This collaboration brings Penalt2Win – GoldenRace’s dynamic football game created for sports fans who enjoy simple and fast betting formats – to Inbet shops.
“We are excited to join forces with GoldenRace to bring Penalt2Win to Bulgarian players through our Retail locations. This Virtual Football game delivers a fast, immersive experience with realistic gameplay and popular betting options. Our customers enjoy quick rounds and rewarding opportunities, making it a great addition to our offering. Together, we are committed to raising the bar for football entertainment and innovation in the market,” said Mihail Hadzhiev, CEO of Inbet.
Penalt2Win will further strengthen Inbet’s leadership in the country by offering a product that combines GoldenRace’s advanced technology with our proven retail innovations. Built with motion capture technology, Penalt2Win delivers a highly realistic penalty experience that is quick, easy to follow and packed with players’ favourite football markets.
“At GoldenRace we value clients who understand their market and know what they need. This helps us to work closely together and find the best approach, and Inbet is exactly this kind of partner,” said Martin Wachter, CEO and Founder of GoldenRace. “With Penalt2Win we are adding something fresh and different to their retail shops. Football is the game that truly engages players, and it has always been at the centre of our innovation. With Inbet we have found the perfect partner to bring this passion to life in Bulgaria.”
This partnership also highlights GoldenRace’s strong commitment to the European market and proves that our innovation strategy is in line with the needs of the best operators in each country. GoldenRace already leads global markets with top football products such as our Virtual Football Leagues. Now, together with Inbet, we will bring a new football experience to the Bulgarian retail market.
The post GoldenRace is opening up the Bulgarian market with Inbet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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