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Revealed: The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming
- 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.”
Aristocrat Interactive
Logifuture enters Mexico as Zoom Soccer via Aristocrat Interactive partnership

Logifuture, a leading supplier of award-winning iGaming products, has entered the Mexican market with Zoom Soccer, via its partnership with Aristocrat Interactive.
Zoom Soccer is a one-of-a-kind 24/7 virtual sports feed that delivers ultra-realistic, fully simulated matches and outcomes, featuring teams and leagues designed to feel familiar to fans. Built to complement real football offerings, it provides a non-stop, immersive betting experience.
With over 30,000 additional pre-match and in-play betting events each month, Zoom Soccer ensures sportsbooks stay engaging – not just during off-seasons but also during quieter moments of the day or week when real football options are limited. Thanks to existing partner integrations, it attracts tens of millions of bets every month.
The integration of Zoom Soccer is facilitated by Logifuture’s existing collaboration with Aristocrat Interactive. Through Aristocrat’s digital gaming platform, Logifuture is bringing its sophisticated products to millions of players across emerging markets, including Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Central America.
Niccolo Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture, said : “We’re thrilled that sports fans in Mexico will now be able to experience Zoom Soccer, our 24/7 feed of virtual leagues built for sportsbook users. Offering both pre-match and in-play betting, it delivers an experience that closely mirrors real football, keeping users always engaged.
“As the demand for engaging nonstop sports content grows, this integration helps operators deliver. With a broader pre-match lineup and a live section constantly packed with soccer events, Zoom Soccer enhances the sportsbook experience for customers in Mexico.”
Morten Hauge, Head of Sports at Aristocrat Interactive iGaming & Sports, said: “Our partnership with Logifuture allows us to bring innovative and engaging virtual sports experiences to new audiences.
“The addition of Zoom Soccer in Mexico is a great example of how we’re expanding our digital portfolio to meet the growing demand for high-quality, immersive betting content. We’re excited to see how players respond and look forward to continued collaboration with Logifuture.”
The post Logifuture enters Mexico as Zoom Soccer via Aristocrat Interactive partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
EveryMatrix Press Releases
Marc Burroughes appointed Chief Commercial Officer Casino at EveryMatrix

Marc Burroughes has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of EveryMatrix’s Casino division, driven by CasinoEngine, the group’s flagship integration platform powering global tier-1 operators to record growth.
Burroughes has spent close to two decades in the iGaming industry including senior roles at IGT, Light & Wonder and OpenBet with extensive commercial experience setting strategies and managing tier-1 customers in integrating content from leading game studios, platforms and aggregation solutions.
Reporting to casino business unit CEO Stian Enger, he will be responsible for commercial strategy across EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine business unit that generated €2.8 billion in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for customers in 2024, processing more than 73 billion game rounds.
His new CCO role involves a multitude of responsibilities including defining and setting the commercial strategy for CasinoEngine; delivering the forthcoming EngageSuite ecosystem to existing and new clients; working closely with the SlotMatrix and EveryMatrix Games teams to help customers move to a full platform solution and more.
Ebbe Groes, Group CEO and Co-Founder, EveryMatrix, said: “Marc has a strong track record working in senior positions for some of the industry’s major providers and delivering premium casino solutions for tier-1 brands.
“As we continue to grow at pace, and as our casino business unit goes from strength-to-strength, we’re looking to accelerate this even further in the months and years ahead under Marc’s commercial leadership.”
Marc Burroughes, CCO, Casino, EveryMatrix, said: “When the opportunity came to join EveryMatrix on their journey to rapid growth there was only one answer I could give.
“The group’s casino division is among the best I’ve seen in my 17 years in the industry and it still has room to significantly grow. I want to maximise all the opportunities we’ve identified and I’m confident we can achieve some big targets.”
The post Marc Burroughes appointed Chief Commercial Officer Casino at EveryMatrix appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BiS SiGMA Americas
OKTO Sets New Standards in Digital Payments at BIS SIGMA Americas

OKTO is set to showcase its cutting-edge payment solutions at BIS SIGMA Americas in São Paulo. As a leading payment servise provider, OKTO will stand out with its advanced paytech and instant pay-ins and payouts, inviting visitors to explore its unified payment platform at the OKTO Networking Lounge – F140.
The OKTO booth will feature interactive demonstrations of the company’s innovative payment solutions, designed to redefine convenience and elevate user experience. OKTO’s comprehensive suite of services ensures instant deposits and withdrawals, setting a new standard for flexibility, security, and efficiency in digital payments.
Visitor will discover how OKTO has simplified integration for operators through a unified platform and one API that supports various local payment methods, enabling swift and efficient transactions across Latin America. Additionally, OKTO will showcase its Smart Payment Routing System, optimizing transaction flows and acceptance rates for enhanced efficiency.
Building on the successful launched of OKTO MAIS, Pay and Play 2.0, Smart Pix, and Biometric Pix at SBC Summit Rio last month, OKTO is bringing these innovations and more to SIGMA Americas. The company will showcase advanced banking solutions specifically designed for the Brazilian market, ensuring seamless fund transfers, specialized financial advisory, and full compliance with local regulations.
Leveraging open banking, OKTO’s PIX suíte will demonstrate how the company enhances user onbaording, boosts acceptance rates and improves transaction efficiency, all tailored to meet Brazil’s unique needs.
Leonardo Chaves, Regional General Manager LatAm at OKTO, said: “We are excited to showcase our innovative solutions at BIS SIGMA 2025, redefining the digital payments ecosystem. Our commitment is to deliver cutting-edge technology and a seamless, secure, and efficient payment experience for both merchants and users. The Brazilian and LatAm market demands flexible solutions tailored to its unique characteristics, and OKTO is ready to meet this need with excellence. We invite everyone to visit our booth and experience the future of payments firsthand.”
The post OKTO Sets New Standards in Digital Payments at BIS SIGMA Americas appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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