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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.”

3 Oaks Gaming

Strategic partnership sees 3 Oaks Gaming expand its LatAm footprint with one of Mexico’s fastest-growing operators

Published

14 minutes ago

February 4, 2026

Wladimir P.

strategic-partnership-sees-3-oaks-gaming-expand-its-latam-footprint-with-one-of-mexico’s-fastest-growing-operators

3 Oaks Gaming has strengthened its presence in Latin America through a new strategic partnership with Winpot, one of Mexico’s fastest-growing online casino and sports betting operators.

The collaboration sees Winpot enhance its casino lobby with a selection of 3 Oaks Gaming’s most popular online slot titles, including Sun of Egypt, Coin Volcano, and the highly anticipated Chili Coins Hold and Win. These additions further expand Winpot’s offering and reinforce its position as a leading destination for slot enthusiasts in Mexico.

3 Oaks Gaming has quickly established itself as one of the industry’s most sought-after content providers, delivering slot experiences that consistently keep players engaged. The studio is widely recognised for combining engaging mechanics, balanced mathematical models, eye-catching visuals and immersive sound design to create premium gameplay experiences.

The integration adds further momentum to Winpot’s rapid rise in the competitive Mexican market. The operator has built a strong brand presence by offering generous bonuses, a wide range of payment options, fast withdrawals, dedicated customer support and an extensive portfolio of casino content. Winpot has also boosted its national visibility through a series of television campaigns featuring brand ambassador Miroslava Montemayor.

Commenting on the partnership, Tsvetan Dzhurov, Commercial Manager at Winpot, said:
“We have always positioned Winpot as the premier destination for slots in Mexico, and our partnership with 3 Oaks Gaming reflects that ambition. The provider has mastered the art of creating high-performance titles that resonate with players worldwide, and we’re thrilled to bring this level of quality to our local audience.”

He added:
“We’re confident that games such as Sun of Egypt and Coin Volcano will strongly appeal to our players, and we’re excited to see them spin the reels and discover why 3 Oaks Gaming is such a respected name in the industry.”

Ana Lucaroni, Sales Manager at 3 Oaks Gaming, commented:
“Our games are ideally suited to the Mexican market, combining thrilling gameplay with stunning visuals and immersive sound. They deliver the anticipation, entertainment and excitement that players are looking for.”

“Winpot is a high-calibre operator, and we’re delighted to see our titles featured in its casino lobby. This marks the beginning of a long and successful partnership that will deliver value for both sides.”

The post Strategic partnership sees 3 Oaks Gaming expand its LatAm footprint with one of Mexico’s fastest-growing operators appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

ICONIC21

ICONIC21 and NuxGame Partner to Bring More Casino Content to Operators

Published

14 minutes ago

February 4, 2026

Wladimir P.

iconic21-and-nuxgame-partner-to-bring-more-casino-content-to-operators

ICONIC21 and NuxGame have announced a strategic partnership aimed at expanding casino content availability for operators worldwide.

Known for going beyond standard game delivery, ICONIC21 differentiates itself through branded gaming solutions tailored to the specific needs of each operator. The provider specialises in creating custom-built games designed to strengthen brand identity and drive deeper player engagement. ICONIC21’s expertise in live casino solutions was recently recognised with the Best Live Dealer Provider award at the 2025 European iGaming Excellence Awards.

Through this collaboration, NuxGame enhances its ability to support operator partners with a broader and more flexible content offering. By integrating ICONIC21’s portfolio into its iGaming software platform, NuxGame enables operators to expand their game libraries while catering to both traditional online casino brands and operators working with Sweepstakes Casino Software, a segment experiencing rapid growth.

ICONIC21 operates with a strong client-centric philosophy, prioritising a deep understanding of partner requirements. The provider delivers solutions with speed, precision and transparent communication, ensuring every gaming experience is personalised to elevate the operator’s brand and exceed market expectations.

As part of the partnership, operators will gain direct access to ICONIC21’s expanding content portfolio via the NuxGame Online Casino Aggregator, powered by a unified API infrastructure. This allows operators to seamlessly manage integrations, monitor performance and launch titles across multiple jurisdictions through a single, streamlined system.

Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame, commented:
“NuxGame is committed to providing our operator clients with best-in-class features and content for their iGaming services. ICONIC21’s focus on custom solutions and open communication makes them a strong addition to our ecosystem of trusted partners. This collaboration also strengthens our ability to support both classic casino operators and the rapidly growing sweepstakes casino segment.”

Edvardas Sadovskis, Chief Product Officer at ICONIC21, added:
“We’re excited to partner with NuxGame, whose flexibility and deep understanding of operator needs align perfectly with ICONIC21’s product-driven approach. Together, we can deliver seamless live casino experiences and custom-branded game solutions to a wider global audience.”

ICONIC21 and NuxGame will continue to collaborate on new game launches and long-term support initiatives, helping operators scale their businesses with personalised content and dependable technology.

The post ICONIC21 and NuxGame Partner to Bring More Casino Content to Operators appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gaming

KOKA Noodles Partners with Grow uP Esports in a Collaboration Focused on the Gaming Community and Product Sampling

Published

14 minutes ago

February 4, 2026

Wladimir P.

koka-noodles-partners-with-grow-up-esports-in-a-collaboration-focused-on-the-gaming-community-and-product-sampling

KOKA Noodles, the internationally recognised brand celebrated for its quality, convenience and wide range of flavours, has announced a new strategic partnership with Grow uP Esports, one of the most active and influential esports organisations in the national landscape.

The collaboration is driven by a shared goal: to bring the KOKA brand closer to the gaming community through authentic experiences, hands-on product sampling and creative activations that resonate with the lifestyle and values of gamers and esports fans.

As part of the partnership, KOKA Noodles will feature across a variety of Grow uP Esports initiatives, spanning both live and digital events, community-driven activations, content collaborations with athletes and creators, and experiential moments focused on tasting and direct interaction with KOKA products.

Commenting on the announcement, Telmo “Armag3ddon” Silva, representative of Grow uP Esports, said:
“At Grow uP Esports, we prioritise partnerships that genuinely benefit the community and add value to the ecosystem. KOKA Noodles is a natural fit for the gaming world thanks to its speed, practicality and variety. This collaboration marks another step in our mission to deliver meaningful and relevant experiences for gamers.”

For KOKA Noodles, the partnership reinforces its commitment to engaging young, digitally native and discerning audiences, where gaming and esports serve as powerful platforms for emotional and cultural connection.

“Gaming is a space where KOKA naturally belongs — dynamic, creative and social. Partnering with Grow uP Esports enables us to stay close to our consumers, create impactful product sampling opportunities and integrate the brand authentically into everyday gaming culture,” added a KOKA Noodles spokesperson.

The KOKA Noodles x Grow uP Esports partnership will roll out over the coming months, with a series of activations to be unveiled gradually, further strengthening the link between gaming, entertainment and immersive brand experiences.

The post KOKA Noodles Partners with Grow uP Esports in a Collaboration Focused on the Gaming Community and Product Sampling appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.