The video game industry has seen great success for many years, and the figures prove it so. Before the end of 2023, there should be about 3 billion gamers around the world. A success which is today due to the development of the gaming community on social networks and in particular streaming platforms such as Twitch. In 2019, the video game market was worth 152 billion dollars. If video games are a way for people to relax or spend time with friends, they have to be played sparingly. Video games are social and interactive and present a way for some to feel better. However, they remain a heavily criticized hobby, the negative points of which are most often put forward. Do video games bring something positive for young players?
Controlled use may benefit children
Certainly, experts advise not to abuse this hobby as games win real money always hold risks. Nevertheless, playing video games also has positive effects on the body. According to a study carried out by Oxford University, playing video games for short periods of time can be beneficial in adolescence. More happiness, less hyperactivity and easier to socialise. Over the UK, 5000 teenagers have been questioned on their time spent in front of video games and the results were surprising. “Those who played video games for less than half an hour were associated with the highest levels of sociability and were most likely to say they were satisfied with their lives compared to non-players and those who played frequently” said the scientists.
In this news report, we went to meet young gamers to seek their opinions on the subject. They shed light on the different aspects of video games and the stereotypes, but also prevention and setting a healthy time to be spent when you play slingo or any other video game.
Playing video games recommended during the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic might have had a heavy impact on our mental health. Isolated in our housing, far from our friends and family, Covid-19 is a definite halt on our social lives. During the first quarantine, video games have been advised to reduce the effects of social distancing on social life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also encouraged people unit and play video games together to maintain a social life, but also to encourage people to not leave their homes and thus, avoid the congestion of healthcare. Due to its sociability, video games just like those from an Arcade in Toronto remain an excellent way to stay in touch with loved ones and even sometimes to meet new people during the pandemic.
