The Gaming Industry Must Improve Its Narrative to Address Public Concerns

The gaming industry has long struggled with the perception that it is a source of concern for the public. Whether it's the fear of violent games corrupting young minds or the more outlandish claims that games can cause deep vein thrombosis, there has often been a disconnect between the industry's self-image and the way it is perceived by the wider world. This disconnect was on full display last week when a story about the UK's NHS-funded gaming disorder clinic sparked a wave of panic about the supposed dangers of gaming. However, a closer examination of the evidence presented in the story reveals that the concerns around gaming disorder may be overstated. In fact, the data suggests that gaming disorder affects a relatively small percentage of the population, and the risk of harm is likely lower than the tone of the coverage would suggest. So, why does the industry continue to be plagued by these kinds of scare stories? Part of the problem lies in the structural biases of the mainstream press, which often lacks the expertise to cover gaming issues in a nuanced and informed way. However, another factor is the way that the human brain processes risk. As the book 'Risk: The Science and Politics of Fear' by Dan Gardner argues, people are inherently bad at judging risks, and this can lead to a misperception of the dangers posed by gaming. The book identifies several characteristics that can contribute to this misperception, including uncertainty, unfamiliarity, and a lack of control. Gaming, unfortunately, ticks many of these boxes, which can amplify perceptions of risk and lead to negative coverage. To address this issue, the industry needs to take a proactive and positive approach to increasing public understanding and awareness of gaming. This can involve supporting academic research into the impact of gaming, as well as being more open and transparent about how games are made and the controls that are in place to protect players. By doing so, the industry can help to defuse the factors that contribute to the perception of risk and promote a more nuanced and informed public debate about gaming. This will not be easy, but it is essential if the industry is to move beyond the cycle of scare stories and negative coverage that has plagued it for so long. By telling its story in a clear and accessible way, the industry can help to build trust and understanding with the public, and promote a more positive and supportive environment for gamers.