The Games Industry Must Improve Its Narrative to Address Public Concerns

The video game industry has long struggled with the issue of public perception, with many people holding misconceptions about the medium. Recently, a story emerged in the media about the UK's NHS-funded gaming disorder clinic, which sparked concerns about the supposed 'dangers' of video games. However, a closer examination of the evidence reveals that the risks associated with gaming disorder are relatively low. The question is, why does the industry continue to face such negative coverage? One reason is that the mainstream press often lacks expertise in games, leading to credulous reporting. Additionally, research suggests that people are inherently bad at judging risks, and video games tend to trigger risk alarm bells due to certain characteristics, such as their association with children and historic negative media attention. To address these concerns, the industry must proactively work to increase the profile and understanding of games, supporting academic research and building an objective evidence base. This can be achieved by allowing academics to study player data, explaining how games work, and making it clearer to the public how they are played and controlled. The industry must also step out from behind its defenses and explain its story to the world, showcasing the extent and reach of video games, educating people about play and its frameworks, and being more open about game development. By doing so, the industry can help reduce the perception of risk and promote a more positive understanding of video games.