A growing number of mental health professionals are beginning to recognize the direct social and psychological benefits of gaming. The World Health Organization, for instance, says that gaming helps foster relationships and communities. These benefits can lead to improved mental health for everyone involved. For these reasons, gaming has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment. However, there are a number of drawbacks to gaming that must be taken into consideration.
Mobile gaming
Mobile gaming has become a billion-dollar industry with no signs of slowing down. It generated more than $36 billion in revenue in 2019 and is projected to continue growing in the coming years. Newer technologies are providing more advanced gaming experiences and are likely to keep gamers around for years to come.
Cloud gaming
Cloud gaming allows users to play games without owning the hardware. The games are stored on a server located in a data center. The content is then streamed over the internet to the user. The only requirement is a high-speed internet connection. A slow internet connection can negatively affect the performance of a game. Another factor to consider is input latency, which can be frustrating.
LAN parties
LAN parties are a great way to meet people while playing your favorite video games. These events were traditionally smaller in size, but thanks to the internet, these events have become much more popular. Now, these parties are held by friends and are fun ways to socialize and play games with each other.
Gen Z gamers
The growing popularity of video games has drawn a new generation of gamers. The Gen Z generation is used to living connected lives and they often seek a sense of belonging and community. They enjoy the immersive experience of gaming, which provides a space for self-expression, connection, and relaxation. One study found that 57% of Gen Z respondents said that they felt more free to express themselves in video games than they do in real life. Additionally, 45% said that their in-game avatars represented a true representation of their personality. In addition, Razorfish and Vice Media report that Gen Z consumers spend double the amount of time interacting socially in the online gaming world.
Problematic gamers
A growing body of research suggests that excessive game playing can negatively impact a person’s health. Although moderate amounts of digital gaming can be beneficial, the detrimental effects of excessive gaming have been well documented in large follow-up studies. Problematic gaming has been linked with negative health outcomes, including reduced life satisfaction, increased anxiety, depression symptoms, and sleep problems.
Adaptability of games
Adaptability is crucial for games. It helps players achieve the “flow state” where they are so engaged with the game they lose track of time and focus on the game itself. In order to create this state, the game must be challenging enough for the player to maximize their cognitive resources while remaining manageable for the player. Moreover, the game must also be flexible enough to allow for a player’s failure without impacting their enjoyment of the game.
Diversity of games
The lack of diversity in the gaming industry is a constant issue. Despite recent changes, the industry remains largely male, white, and heterosexual. There are many things that should be done to remedy this issue and ensure that it continues to be a diverse place for all its members.
