The gaming industry is booming. What was once considered a brainless pastime is now globally recognised as a rich form of storytelling, a respected artform, a treatment for depression, and a professional sport with prize pools in the millions. And with a steadily increasing yearly revenue of $160 billion, it deserves to be taken seriously.

Even in the face of COVID-19, the gaming industry continues to thrive. For millions of people stuck indoors, online gaming has turned out to be the perfect source of entertainment and human connection. Even professional athletes, such as race-car drivers and cyclists, are turning to virtual game simulators to train safely from home.

But gaming does come with its share of problems.

Gaming addiction is a serious issue that’s claimed the lives of many children and adults. There are also some game mechanics that promote gambling to children from a young age. And there’s still an ongoing argument for the wider social effects from being exposed to violence, sex, drugs and gore in video games.

This episode of A Different Lens will explore the good, the bad, and the ugly side of gaming, and see what’s in store for the future of the industry.