When Covid-19 first hit the world and we were all sent into lockdown, residing from our homes until the severity of the virus was minimised. Spending most of our days, months locked inside the house. Having to work or study from home or being an essential worker was tiring and wared down on many people’s mental health. Many people needed an escape. That escape was found with gaming.
Even before the start of the pandemic people have been drawn towards video games from the relief, excitement, and freedom to be whoever they want. From a farmer working with agriculture and rebuilding the local community to a Pokémon trainer looking to be the Pokémon league champion of Sinnoh region by training and collecting them all.
This is how gaming saved us, allowing people to escape from reality and focus on our wellbeing, whether that be our physical or mental health. Video games have expanded their genres, aiming to help people with being physically active, with Nintendo’s Ring fit adventure or being more inclusive with representation of sexuality, gender, and race, but also its about creating a safe place for anyone and everyone.
The gaming industry has been a saviour to many since the start of the pandemic which forced people to reside from them home for over a year. Video games have not always been seen in a positive light, it has often been perceived as an evil to societies youth, a product that damages their perception of reality or encourages them to act out in violence. The industry that has been accused of damaging to young people’s mental health, was a therapeutic method to ease their mental health. Some studies have found some young people, can act more aggressively in laboratory-based scenarios, not in a natural environment. However, this isn’t the whole story as recent studies provided by Oxford University showed that playing video games can be good for young people’s mental health, after seeing results of participant having a greater ‘wellbeing’.
Video game companies saw a record high surge in sales. With Nintendo selling 28.8 million Switch units in 2020 and increase and PlayStation PS5 selling 13.4 million units, gaming consoles were in high demand. Nintendo’s hit game Animal crossing: new horizon was adored by many, the social simulation game, where players can interact with animal villagers and freely design and build their home on this deserted Island. “It is such a low maintenance game that you can play in your own time…” says Sureyya Vudali, 23 an Animal Crossing player “you can design homes and work on other islands, you get caught up in the island life, you forget about everything else.”
The game has been seen across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram that the world bonded together over the game. There has been an increase of gaming communities amongst devoted fans of games. Gaming communities can be found on Facebook and Discord “I’m really interested in Genshin Imapct, and not many of my friends play the game, searching online I found a Genshin community on Discord.” States Keely Ann, twenty-two “I’m now a member of one and have made new friends and feel more comfortable in this social group.”
Small time streamer Tyrell also known by his Twitch name Relllifegamer, started his account in 2020 as way to deal with the stress caused by the pandemic and being forced into lockdown like others.
“The pandemic was tough; I lost my job at the start of it, so it affected me a lot. One thing I did was focus on myself and do the things I like doing like gaming, working out. The world moves so fast, so we rarely find time to ourselves. I just took each day at a time and focused on the important things like just being alive for starters.” Mental health for those aged under thirty has been taken more seriously in the UK, as discussions have been more open around it, as the fear of being judged has been pushed away. Studies show that 42.1% of young adult aged between 20- 29 suffer from a form of mental health problems.
“Gaming has 100% helped me maintain and improve my mental health, finding that opportunity to just relax and wind down was key, gives you a release from the pressures of life.” Tyrells Twitch platform is all about having a fun time, whilst playing thrilling and community-based games from Formula 1, FIFA and GTA as a variety streamer he covers it all. He says, “The gaming community is amazing, I have met some amazing people and built some good friendships for life, very supportive community when you find the right people.”
TWENTYSOMETHING Myles Johnson like many others turned to gaming to deal with anxiety over the past 2 years due to Covid-19. Although he has always been interested in gaming, lockdown pushed him to use it as a form of comfort. He says “I’ve always been into gaming since I was 6 years, it brought a lot of fond memories for me. It was a way for me to bond with family members like my dad and sister.” He said, “When I think of Pokémon Diamond, I instantly remember summer holidays at my grandma’s house with my sister going to the kids that lived next doors house, and all of us pulling out our Nintendo DS, playing together and having such a good time.”
“Casual gaming is like my sanctuary, where I don’t have to worry about anxiety kicking in, I can just be myself around people like me online”
Gaming has helped Myles to pursue a career in coding, where he’s just joined an online course. “Now, I dream to work within the gaming industry and help work on developing games, which can act as a source of inspiration and ease for gamers in the future.”
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