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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.”

Amusnet

Amusnet Celebrates Football Season with the Launch of Ca$hybara Football Edition

Published

8 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-celebrates-football-season-with-the-launch-of-ca$hybara-football-edition

As football fever takes over the world and fans unite around the beautiful game, Amusnet is bringing the excitement from the stadium straight to the casino floor with the launch of Ca$hybara Football Edition – the latest addition to the beloved Ca$hybara series.

This energetic crash game puts players at the center of the action, where every touch of the ball could lead to bigger rewards. Taking the spotlight once again is the unstoppable Ca$hybara, this time stepping onto the football pitch with confidence, skill and plenty of flair.

In Ca$hybara Football Edition, the charismatic sports star keeps the ball airborne through an impressive display of juggling mastery. With every successful touch, the multiplier climbs higher, creating a thrilling balance between risk and reward. The challenge is simple: decide how long to stay in the game before cashing out. The longer Ca$hybara remains in control, the greater the potential winnings – but one missed touch can change everything.

Designed to keep players engaged from kick-off to the final whistle, the game introduces constant decision-making throughout every round. Players can choose to secure part of their winnings with the 50% Cashout option or continue riding the momentum in pursuit of even bigger multipliers. Timing, confidence and a little courage will determine who comes out on top.

Adding another layer of excitement are the popular Jackpot Cards, Amusnet’s signature jackpot feature, offering players additional chances for rewarding surprises and making every session even more dynamic.

With its football-inspired theme, fast-paced gameplay, and familiar Ca$hybara charm, Ca$hybara Football Edition arrives at the perfect moment, capturing the energy and passion of the season when football dominates conversations across the globe.

Whether players are seasoned crash game enthusiasts or discovering the genre for the first time, Ca$hybara Football Edition delivers an entertaining experience where every second counts and every decision matters.

Gamble

Play the game and multiply the winnings through the Gambling feature.

Multipliers

The game starts with a multiplier set at 1x and rises gradually and can go up to a max coefficient of 1,000,000. Multiplier can potentially crash at 1x, ending the game round.

50% Cash Out

Players can cash out 50% of their bet during the game round and continue playing with the remaining 50%.

Jackpot Cards

The Jackpot Cards bonus game is triggered at random during the gameplay to allow players to win impressive jackpots.

The post Amusnet Celebrates Football Season with the Launch of Ca$hybara Football Edition appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

ArenaPlus

DigiPlus Wins “Digital Operator of the Year” Award at 2026 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific

Published

8 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

digiplus-wins-“digital-operator-of-the-year”-award-at-2026-global-gaming-awards-asia-pacific

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s premier digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, has been named Digital Operator of the Year at the 2026 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific, marking its second consecutive annual win in the category and reinforcing its leading industry position in the APAC region. The recognition was announced during the Global Gaming Awards ceremony held on June 2 at Conrad Manila.

One of the international gaming industry’s most prestigious awards programmes, the Global Gaming Awards, powered by Global Gaming Insider, recognise excellence in innovation, player experience, responsible gaming and operational excellence across both land-based and online gaming sectors. Winners are selected by a panel of senior industry executives with extensive experience and deep knowledge of the market, with the voting process independently adjudicated by KPMG to ensure rigor and transparency.

The Digital Operator of the Year category recognises operators that have demonstrated outstanding growth, innovation and player engagement over the past 12 months. DigiPlus emerged victorious from a shortlist of eight nominees, besting seven other operators across APAC.

Judges highlighted DigiPlus’ strong 2025 performance, the addition of over 500 new e-games on its platforms, and the rollout of industry-first responsible gaming tools. The company also continues its momentum in 2026 through major partnerships, including recently launched collaborations with Manny Pacquiao and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

In addition to its top industry honor, DigiPlus earned further recognition for its social impact initiatives, securing the first runner-up spot in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Year category.

The awards body commended DigiPlus for its impressive CSR work via the DigiPlus Foundation which delivers healthcare, education, disaster relief, and social empowerment programs to over 1 million beneficiaries and counting across the Philippines.

“We are honored to once again be recognized by the Global Gaming Awards. These prestigious international industry accolades reflect DigiPlus’ unwavering pursuit of excellence and our drive to continuously innovate, deepen player engagement, and champion responsible gaming across BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco.

“Together with the recognition for DigiPlus Foundation, this back-to-back win affirms our commitment to delivering world-class digital entertainment to Filipinos while contributing to nation-building.”

The Global Gaming Awards also hold annual editions in the Americas and EMEA regions, recognising industry excellence across the globe.

The post DigiPlus Wins “Digital Operator of the Year” Award at 2026 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Greece

SYNOT Games Announces New Partnership with Superbet

Published

8 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

synot-games-announces-new-partnership-with-superbet

In a move that further reinforces its footprint across regulated European markets, SYNOT Games has announced a new partnership with Superbet, a prominent platform in Greece. The collaboration certified SYNOT titles, including some of the studio’s latest and most innovative releases, to the casino’s rapidly growing grid.

Players on Superbet can now enjoy great slots such as Respin Joker 81, Aztec Jaguar and Toro Wilds Reel. These additions expand Superbet’s offering with a spectrum of engaging mechanics, artistic design and mobile-first performance, ensuring the highest-quality entertainment for Greek audiences.

The agreement is part of SYNOT Games’ strategic initiative to solidify its presence exclusively in licensed, regulated markets by providing certified content through partnerships with established, trusted regional operators.

Martina Krajčí, Chief Commercial Officer at SYNOT Games, said: “We are excited to bring our portfolio to Greek players through this strategic alliance with Superbet. Greece represents a market with great potential and an audience that appreciates quality, variety, and innovation. Superbet’s agility and commitment to delivering premium entertainment make them an ideal partner for our continued Mediterranean expansion.”

Superbet, known for its user-centric approach and cutting-edge platform, views the addition of SYNOT Games content as a key enhancement to its offering and a testament to its mission of hosting best-in-class gaming experiences.

Stathis Leontaritis, Casino Lead at Superbet, said: “Our partnership with SYNOT Games further strengthens our commitment to delivering a diverse and engaging gaming portfolio to Greek customers. With its proven track record across Central and Eastern Europe, unique game mechanics, and strong land-based heritage, Synot brings a distinctive content offering that complements our existing Superbet portfolio and supports our goal of providing a premium online entertainment experience to players in Greece.”

This collaboration not only empowers Superbet to differentiate its portfolio further but also underscores SYNOT Games’ long-term commitment to regulated growth, responsible gaming, and working exclusively with trusted local operators – a model increasingly valued by players and regulators.

The post SYNOT Games Announces New Partnership with Superbet appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.