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

Published

6 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.”

Booming Games

Booming Games launches Henhouse Hustle: Hold and Win

Published

2 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Wladimir P.

booming-games-launches-henhouse-hustle:-hold-and-win

New farm-themed slot adds Free Spins, Hold and Win, and optional bonus buys priced at 75x and 150x the bet.

Booming Games has launched Henhouse Hustle: Hold and Win, a new farmyard-themed slot featuring a Free Spins mechanic and a Hold and Win bonus. The supplier said the game runs on a 5×3 grid with 20 paylines and offers a maximum win potential of 6,000x.

In the base game, Golden Eggs are stored in a Collection Pot. Free Spins trigger when three Golden Eggs land on the middle reels, with their cash value moved above the reels at the start of the round. Booming Games said that cash value is awarded each time a Golden Egg lands during the feature.

During Free Spins, Boost symbols can increase Egg prizes to the next prize level from one to five times, while an Extra Spins symbol can award between one and five additional spins. The company said Boost symbols can increase to Prize Pot values of 10x-1000x, awarding Mini, Minor, Major and Grand prizes.

The Hold and Win round triggers with five or more Eggs and starts with three respins, with Egg symbols held in place and the respin counter resetting when additional Eggs land. The Grand Prize is awarded when all positions on the grid are filled with Eggs. The release also states that triggering with five or more eggs including three golden eggs activates a Combo Bonus, awarding both Hold and Win and Free Spins in a Super Bonus Round.

Booming Games said players can purchase either the Bonus or the Combo Bonus for 75x and 150x the bet amount respectively, which is guaranteed to trigger the Hold and Win feature. A Boost+ option can also be activated in the base game, increasing the bet amount by 1.25x and increasing the chance of triggering bonus features.

Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “Packed with a host of innovative new features which offer fast-paced, high stakes gameplay, Henhouse Hustle: Hold and Win is the latest example of Booming Games’ market-leading capabilities. The Fox acts as the antagonist, stealing Golden Eggs and adding a real sense of theatre to the game, which we’re confident will be a hit among players.”

The post Booming Games launches Henhouse Hustle: Hold and Win appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Amusnet

Amusnet Releases its Latest Cascading Slot, Crime King 1000

Published

2 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-releases-its-latest-cascading-slot,-crime-king-1000

Amusnet has released its latest cascading slot Crime King 1000, which transports players into the heart of a gripping underworld inspired by classic mafia stories, hidden fortunes and high-stakes ambition. In this city of secrets, only the boldest are destined to build an empire.

Played across 6 cascading reels, the game features an engaging Match 8+ mechanic, where the matching symbols disappear after every successful combination, making room for new symbols to fall into place. This dynamic gameplay creates opportunities for consecutive cascades, keeping the action flowing and the anticipation high throughout every round.

At the centre of the experience is the Progressive Multiplier feature. As valuable multiplier symbols are collected, four distinct multiplier tiers – green, blue, purple and red – come into play, each offering increasingly powerful values. The highest tier can reach an impressive 1000x, adding a dramatic boost to both the base game and the Free Spins feature as multiple multipliers combine during cascading sequences.

The pressure intensifies when four Scatter symbols appear anywhere on the reels, unlocking 15 Free Spins and opening the door to even greater multiplier opportunities. The feature can also be retriggered, extending the action and allowing players to stay in the heart of the underworld even longer.

For those unwilling to wait, the Buy Bonus feature offers immediate access to the Free Spins experience, providing a fast track to the game’s most exciting moments.

With its cinematic crime-inspired atmosphere, cascading gameplay and powerful multiplier mechanics, Crime King 1000 delivers a bold adventure where every cascade strengthens the player’s influence and every decision brings the player one step closer to ruling the city. In this world, reputation is everything – and only the true king of crime will claim the throne.

Cascades & Match 8

The winning symbols disappear, allowing new symbols to drop into their place, potentially triggering additional wins from a single spin. A winning configuration consists of 8 or more identical symbols anywhere on the reels.

Free Spins

15 Free Spins are triggered by landing at least 4 Scatter Symbols at any position across the reels. The feature can be retriggered by landing another 3 Scatter symbols during Free Spins.

Progressive Multiplier

Available both in the Base game and Free Spins mode. There are four colours of multiplier gems, as follows:

Green Multiplier symbol – 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 8x

Blue Multiplier symbol – 10x, 12x, 15x, 20x

Purple Multiplier symbol – 25x, 50x

Red Multiplier symbol – 100x, 250x, 500x, 1000x

If several multipliers appear after the cascading sequence ends, their values are added together.

Buy Free Spins

Enables the player to purchase 15 Free Spins at the price of 100x the total bet.

The post Amusnet Releases its Latest Cascading Slot, Crime King 1000 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Betsson

Betsson and Sliema Wanderers FC Sign Landmark MOU for Long-term Partnership

Published

2 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Wladimir P.

betsson-and-sliema-wanderers-fc-sign-landmark-mou-for-long-term-partnership

Betsson and Sliema Wanderers FC have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining their intention to establish a landmark long-term partnership, reinforcing Betsson’s long-standing contribution to Maltese sport and the local community.

Under the proposed partnership, Betsson is expected to become Sliema Wanderers’ front-of-shirt sponsor and will support the club’s continued investment in its sporting operations and facilities. The parties will now work towards finalising the full partnership agreement.

The partnership would see Sliema Wanderers join Betsson’s international football portfolio, alongside leading clubs including Inter, Club Brugge, Boca Juniors and Atlético Nacional.

The MOU reflects a shared commitment to the long-term development of Sliema Wanderers and the club’s ambition to strengthen its sporting infrastructure, enhance its competitive position and establish a more sustainable operating model for the future.

Sliema Wanderers is one of a limited number of Maltese football clubs that owns premises which can be developed and commercialised to generate recurring revenue. The club intends to continue investing in its facilities and creating additional revenue streams to support its long-term sporting ambitions.

Jesper Svensson, CEO at Betsson Group, said: “Betsson has been part of Malta for over 20 years, and we are proud to deepen our long-standing commitment to the local sporting community.

“This proposed partnership goes well beyond the traditional sponsorship model. We are supporting a club with a clear vision for its future, including stronger sporting facilities and a sustainable model that can support its continued development.

“Sliema Wanderers has demonstrated ambition and a genuine commitment to long-term progress. These are values that strongly resonate with Betsson, and we look forward to working with the club and bring its vision to life.”

The proposed partnership builds on the work undertaken by the club’s new committee, which has focused on strengthening the club’s financial foundations and investing in its sporting infrastructure.

Walter Arciola, President of Sliema Wanderers FC, said: “The signing of this MOU represents an important vote of confidence in the long-term vision we have established for Sliema Wanderers.

“Our objective is not simply to achieve success on the pitch. We want to build an institution that is financially sustainable, supported by high-quality facilities and positioned to compete successfully over the long term.

“Betsson has understood and embraced that vision from the outset. We are delighted to take this important first step towards a long-term partnership and look forward to working together to support the future development of Sliema Wanderers.”

The announcement comes as Sliema Wanderers continues to strengthen its sporting project ahead of the upcoming season. During the event, the club also presented Malta international Teddy Teuma as its latest signing, following the recent arrivals of fellow Malta internationals Alexander Satariano and Henry Bonello. The three signings further reflect the club’s ambition to combine immediate sporting progress with a sustainable long-term development strategy.

The post Betsson and Sliema Wanderers FC Sign Landmark MOU for Long-term Partnership appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.