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

Published

5 years ago

December 2, 2020

George Miller

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.”

BC Engine

BC.Game’s new CEO Kar Kheng Giam on strategy, structure and growth

Published

35 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

bc.game’s-new-ceo-kar-kheng-giam-on-strategy,-structure-and-growth

Following his appointment as CEO of BC.Game in March, Kar Kheng Giam (KK) speaks about the strategic priorities shaping the company’s next phase, from strengthening operational foundations to navigating the evolving role of crypto within regulated gaming markets.

You’ve stepped into the CEO role at a pivotal time for the industry. How do you assess the current position of BC.Game?

BC.Game enters this stage from a position of strength in terms of product, user engagement and global reach.

At the same time, the broader industry is evolving. Expectations around governance, regulatory alignment and operational maturity are increasing, particularly for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.

So while the foundation is strong, there is a clear opportunity to further strengthen the structure of the business to support long-term, sustainable growth.

That foundation is reflected in the scale of the business today, with more than 9 million registered users and over 500,000 monthly active players, and in the progress we’ve made across licensed markets such as Anjouan, Kenya, Nigeria and Mexico.

How would you define the strategic focus for BC.Game over the next 12 to 24 months?

It comes down to three interconnected areas. First, reinforcing the operational and governance framework of the business, ensuring we are well aligned with the expectations of more established regulatory environments.

Second, continuing to invest in the product – not just in terms of content, but in the overall user experience and platform reliability.

And third, taking a disciplined approach to market expansion, focusing on jurisdictions where we can build a sustainable and compliant presence.

It’s about evolving the business in a structured and deliberate way.

You’ve highlighted governance and structure. What does that mean in practical terms?

It means putting in place the systems, processes and organisational clarity needed to operate at scale.

As companies grow internationally, complexity increases – across regulation, payments, technology and operations. Strengthening governance is about ensuring those elements are well coordinated and consistently managed.

This is not about changing what BC.Game is, but about building the framework that allows it to grow more effectively.

Why has trust become so important at this stage?

At BC.GAME’s scale, trust is no longer just about brand but increasingly becomes a business issue – it affects retention, partnerships, market entry and long-term growth.

And trust is built in very practical ways. People judge a platform by whether the rules are clear, whether communication is smooth, and whether issues actually get resolved. That’s why growth on its own is no longer enough.

Where is the most immediate trust pressure on BC.GAME showing up today?

The pressure shows up most clearly in user experience and issue handling because that’s where people feel it first.

Some of the feedback does point to response times and cases where issues stay in the same entry point for too long. When that happens often enough, it becomes bigger than a service issue, it starts to shape trust.

What changes is BC.GAME putting in place in response to these issues?

We’ve already started making changes. That includes upgrading how user issues are handled, bringing cross-functional teams in earlier, and improving how issues are identified and coordinated internally.

As the business has grown, relying too heavily on a single customer support entry point is no longer enough. The focus now is to make issue handling clearer, more stable, and better suited to the scale of the platform.

What role does organisational development play in this next phase?

As the business grows, it’s important to ensure that the organisation evolves alongside it. That includes strengthening leadership structures, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and building capabilities in key areas such as compliance and market operations.

Ultimately, strategy is only as effective as the organisation delivering it.

From a leadership perspective, how do you approach guiding a globally distributed business?

In a global organisation, alignment is critical – everyone needs to understand the strategic direction and how their role contributes to it. At the same time, there needs to be flexibility to adapt to local market dynamics.

My role is to create that balance – providing clear direction while enabling teams to execute effectively within their markets.

Finally, what does success look like for BC.Game over the next few years?

Success is about building a more structured, resilient and trusted business.

That means strengthening our position in regulated markets, continuing to evolve the product, and ensuring the organisation is equipped to operate at scale. This current period is a crucial one for us as we introduce multiple product rollouts at BC.GAME, with several key updates scheduled to go live. These include BC Engine, along with a broader upgrade to the bonus system and, of course, the World Cup.

If we can achieve that through consistent, incremental progress, then we will be well positioned for the long term.

The post BC.Game’s new CEO Kar Kheng Giam on strategy, structure and growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Belgrade Future Gaming 2026

NOVOMATIC to Showcase Strong Portfolio and Regional Highlights at Belgrade Future Gaming 2026

Published

35 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

novomatic-to-showcase-strong-portfolio-and-regional-highlights-at-belgrade-future-gaming-2026

NOVOMATIC is going to participate in Belgrade Future Gaming 2026 on May 26-27. At the event, the company will showcase a powerful and regionally tailored portfolio, underlining its strong market position and long-standing commitment to Southeast Europe. Visitors to the NOVOMATIC booth can expect a carefully curated mix of high-performing linked progressive solutions, advanced game content and premium cabinet experiences – all designed to meet the specific preferences of the Balkan market.

A key highlight of this year’s showcase is the Impera Line HD Edition 10 – Balkan Special, specifically developed to address regional player demands with a customised selection of popular game content. The presentation is further strengthened by Impera PROLINK 2, delivering engaging linked progressive gameplay and multi-feature performance on international casino floors.

NOVOMATIC’s internationally successful linked progressive portfolio will be prominently featured with multiple entries from the XTENSION LINK series, including Volumes 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as XTENSION LINK Ultimate, offering a broad range of game styles and mechanics that continue to resonate strongly with players worldwide.

Another major attraction is VISION LINK, NOVOMATIC’s latest multi-feature linked progressive concept, combining modern gameplay design, five-pot mechanics and the popular LOCK&SPIN feature to create an engaging and scalable player experience.

The showcase is complemented by the GAMINATOR X5, a proven performer known for its strong game mix and versatile customization options, allowing operators to configure tailored package setups aligned with local player preferences.

Taking center stage is the DIAMOND X QUATTRO 1.55J, NOVOMATIC’s flagship cabinet and winner of the “Best Slot Machine” category at the prestigious European Casino Awards 2026. Combining a striking 55-inch J-curved UHD display with a refined glass touch deck and premium sound experience, the DIAMOND X QUATTRO 1.55J delivers exceptional visual impact and immersive gameplay, making it a standout centerpiece on any gaming floor.

NOVOMATIC will also present a premium setup of V.I.P. X cabinets, including the V.I.P. X Royal 1.85 and the award-winning V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65 cabinet, paired with top-performing content and demonstrating high-end gaming solutions for modern casino environments.

“With our presence at Belgrade Future Gaming, we are reaffirming NOVOMATIC’s strong commitment to Southeast Europe. Our portfolio combines proven international performance with tailored regional content. From advanced linked progressive solutions such as VISION LINK and the XTENSION LINK series to customized offerings like the Impera Line HD Edition 10 – Balkan Special, we are delivering solutions that meet the specific expectations of our partners and players in this region,” said Miloš Pejić, Regional Manager SEE at NOVOMATIC.

The post NOVOMATIC to Showcase Strong Portfolio and Regional Highlights at Belgrade Future Gaming 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Daniel Cuc

REEVO Announces New Partnership with Tuko Productions

Published

35 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

reevo-announces-new-partnership-with-tuko-productions

REEVO has announced a new partnership with Tuko Productions, a well-established Italian game development studio and content provider. This collaboration further strengthens REEVO’s aggregation ecosystem, expanding its offering with a portfolio of proven, performance-driven titles developed for one of Europe’s most competitive regulated markets.

Through this partnership, Tuko’s extensive catalogue is now available on the REEVO aggregation platform, giving operators seamless access to a wide range of video slots, table games and instant games through a single, efficient integration. The addition of Tuko reinforces REEVO’s commitment to delivering high-quality content that performs across regulated environments.

For REEVO, this partnership represents another important step in building a high-performance aggregation platform that combines innovation with reliability.

Daniel Cuc, Head of Account Management at REEVO, said: “Partnering with Tuko is a strong step forward for REEVO as we continue to expand our aggregation platform with proven and high-performing content. Tuko brings a catalogue that has already demonstrated its strength in one of the most competitive regulated markets in Europe, which adds real value to our ecosystem. At REEVO, we are focused on delivering content that performs and supports operators in achieving strong results, and this partnership reinforces that commitment.”

Tuko’s portfolio reflects years of collaboration with leading operators in the Italian market, resulting in games that deliver consistent engagement and performance across a wide range of player preferences. By joining the REEVO platform, Tuko gains access to a broader international distribution network while contributing to REEVO’s growing content ecosystem.

Vincenzo Tancredi, Head of Sales at Tuko, said: “Our catalogue has been built alongside the most important operators in the Italian regulated market, and that experience is reflected in every title we deliver. Through REEVO’s aggregation platform, we are able to extend the reach of our content and bring a proven portfolio to a wider network of operators.”

The post REEVO Announces New Partnership with Tuko Productions appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.