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Revealed: The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming

Published

3 years ago

December 2, 2020

George Miller

Revealed: The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming

Reading Time: 4 minutes

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

Related Topics:gambling industry in Europe

George Miller

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Latest News

INSPIRED LAUNCHES ITS MAY LINE-UP OF ONLINE & MOBILE SLOTS

Published

1 hour ago

May 23, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading B2B provider of gaming content, systems and solutions, is pleased to announce its May slots line-up, available online and on mobile.

Kong Wonder Wilds™ – 92% and 94.5% RTP

Players can descend into the heart of the jungle with Kong Wonder Wilds™, where the game’s Wilds are as mighty as the beasts that roam the reels. With a reel configuration of 6×4 and 25 win-lines, Kong Wonder Wilds is a descendant of Inspired’s high performing slot, Call of the Wild™, but with exciting new features.

In the base game, players should keep an eye out for two unique wild symbols. One triggers line multipliers during the bonus, while the other brings extra Wild Win Spins, making for an exciting gameplay experience. When these two powerful wilds combine, players can expect an intense jungle showdown. Landing six or more Wilds in the base game activate the Wild Win & Spin Bonus. The bonus grants players three lives to snatch up as many sticky wilds as they can, ensuring their experience through the jungle is nothing short of exhilarating. A bonus round allure includes two special sticky wilds, capable of granting multiple winning spins or enhanced payouts, making it highly coveted among players.

Additional features including Bonus Buy and Gamble are available in applicable jurisdictions. Bonus Buy offers direct entry into the bonus, while Gamble offers players the chance to win more cash and/or increase their chances of triggering the bonus.

Kong Wonder Wilds is a medium volatility game, ideal for the casual online casino player looking to unleash their inner wild side and embark on the ultimate jungle quest.

Wild Drop Multiplier™ – 92% and 94.5% RTP

Wild Drop Multiplier™ is a medium volatility slot, where every spin is bursting with excitement and juicy wins. Players will experience an adrenaline rush with this action-packed 5×4 reel, 40 win-line slot that features a special “dropping” Wilds mechanic. When Wild symbols land on reels two, three, or four, they drop and leave a dynamic trail of Wilds in their wake, offering players the chance to experience a fruity avalanche of winnings.

The exhilarating Wild Drop Multiplier Free Spins Bonus is triggered when players land three or more Bonus symbols anywhere in view. During the Bonus round, Wild symbols have multipliers that increase by +1 on the next spin each time one lands. The multiplier also applies to new Wilds created when a Wild drops. When two or three Wilds land on a line, their multiplier values are multiplied together, leading to juicy wins for that “cherry on the cake” feel.

Fortune Bet, Bonus Buy and Gamble are available (in applicable jurisdictions). Fortune Bet boosts a player’s chances of Free Spins bonus entry and Bonus Buy offers direct entry into the Free Spins Bonus, while Gamble offers players the chance to win more cash and/or increase their chances of triggering the Free Spins Bonus.

Take a spin and reel in some juicy wins with Wild Drop Multiplier, and let the fruity fun begin!

Perfect Prize Pooch™ – 92% and 94.5% RTP

Players can unleash paw-some wins with Perfect Prize Pooch™, a 5×3 reel, 10 win-line medium volatility slot game packed with tail-wagging excitement.

Packs of eight or more pooches land the coveted Best of Breed Prize, complete with x10 multipliers. Winning three or more “Bone-us” symbols kick off Round One of the Perfect Prize Pooch Dog Show Free Spins. During free spins, the Trainers embark on an exciting journey, collecting prized pooches and advancing along the progressive trail to victory. The next round on the trail offers more free spins and multipliers that’ll make players howl with delight. But the real treat awaits at the final Best of Show round, where the combination of Best of Breed and Best of Show offers huge potential wins, that’ll have players barking with joy.

Fortune Bet, Fortune Spins and Gamble are available (in applicable jurisdictions.) Fortune Bet boosts a player’s chances of Free Spins bonus entry, Fortune Spins improves the game’s bonus hit rate for less play and bigger wins, and the Gamble allows players to risk their base game wins to win more cash and/or increase their chances of triggering the Free Spins bonus.

Claire Osborne, Vice President of Interactive at Inspired, said: “Inspired offers players the chance to embark on a thrilling journey this May with our latest trio of fun slots. From the depths of the jungle to the vibrant worlds of fruits and a dazzling dog show, each slot has its own unique characteristics, and vibrant features to deliver the best in iGaming entertainment.

“Stay tuned for our upcoming lineup of sensational slots in June, brimming with more diverse themes, engaging gameplay and ingenious mechanics, offering players new, fun ways to win big!”

The post INSPIRED LAUNCHES ITS MAY LINE-UP OF ONLINE & MOBILE SLOTS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

PA Betting Services announces long-term agreement with BoscaSports

Published

1 hour ago

May 23, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

PA Betting Services (PABS), the leading supplier of horseracing data and betting content, has agreed a new deal supplying BoscaSports with racing data and content until 2028.

The new agreement will see PABS market-leading delivery platform provide its extensive range of betting products and data services to BoscaSports, one of the industry’s leading providers of digital solutions for retail environments and racecourses.

BoscaSports will utilise PABS global offering of horseracing and sports content, powering a variety of interactive digital products for racecourses and LBO’s across the UK&I and Europe, enabling customers to access engaging insights, statistics and tips.

Keiron Muir, Account Director at PA Betting Services, said, “We are delighted to have agreed a new long-term deal with Bosca. Utilising our content, they have developed an array of interactive digital products transforming the retail experience and showcasing racing in a way that will promote the sport and engage new audiences”.

Eugene Mitchell, CEO at BoscaSports, said, “We are committed to providing dynamic digital solutions to the racing industry, and to achieve this we must have the best-in-class data and content. PABS extensive range of data and content ensures we can continue to innovate and provide world-class products to our partners”.

The post PA Betting Services announces long-term agreement with BoscaSports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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EGT Digital to present its cutting-edge iGaming solutions at Belgrade Future Gaming 2024

Published

1 hour ago

May 23, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

On 28 and 29 May operators, players and industry experts in Serbia will have the chance to learn more about the innovative products of EGT Digital during this year’s edition of Belgrade Future Gaming. Together with EGT the Bulgarian iGaming provider will welcome guests on stand E1.

Along with its popular instant games EGT Digital will present its extensive portfolio of casino solutions, currently including the jackpot bestsellers Bell Link, Clover Chance, High Cash and Single Progressive Jackpot and more than 100 slot titles on different themes, which already gained popularity in over 50 markets globally. At visitors’ disposal will be the brand-new football game Burning Goals, part of the Clover Chance jackpot. On the eve of the European Championship, EGT Digital will allow football lovers to dive into the atmosphere of a real match with just a click on their screen. The gaming thrill will reach new heights thanks to the double chance feature, providing players with even more opportunities of winning one of the big prizes.

EGT Digital’s in-house developed “all-in-one” betting platform X-Nave will also be on display to demonstrate its 4 main modules: CRM Engine, Sport product, Casino aggregator and Payment Gateway. Each one of them can be both part of the complete solution or operate separately, as they allow integration with developments of third-party providers.

Tsvetomira Drumeva, Head of Sales at EGT Digital, shared her positive expectations regarding the participation of the company in the event: “We will take part in Belgrade Future Gaming for another year in a row, because it is very well attended and along with our valued current partners we can reach a lot of potential new customers as well. I am very glad to say that our casino games are already live in Serbia and have been demonstrating an excellent performance so far. I am confident that in the near future we will be able to expand our footprint in the country and further contribute to the development of the local online gaming sector.”

The post EGT Digital to present its cutting-edge iGaming solutions at Belgrade Future Gaming 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.