In this 21st century world it is difficult to find someone who has never played any form of video game. With the constantly evolving technology, video games are not limited to consoles or computers but are easily accessible on mobile phones no matter the type. The types of games may vary based on the device you have, but every device has the access to video games which have now slowly been a way for many people to kick back and relax after a long day of work, school, anything.

According to Statista, there are currently more than 2.5bn video game players in the world which means the notion of only children playing video games is long gone. As of now there are 831,000 video games in the world which indicates a wide variety of selection for people. Video games are currently a big source of entertainment in many households.

I first started playing video games at the age of three, and ever since it has been an integral part of my life. Sure, I don’t hop on games for hours on end everyday, but whenever I feel down or have free time, I turn on a game. Video games are not just limited to one person as the option of multiplayer allows the person to connect with friends via the internet or meet up together and enjoy the game.

Along with being a form of entertainment and a means to pass time, video games have also become a major source of income for numerous people. Games like Fortnite and Dota 2 have had tournaments which had prize pools of over $30m. Many games hold tournaments year round with massive prize pools because of which Esports is becoming a serious method of income among gamers in the West.

Not just Esports, online platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Kick and Rumble are filled with streamers who live stream themselves playing games and make a living off of it. Many popular streamers sign multi-million-dollar contracts with said platforms which contribute to their earnings along with sponsorships from many game developers as well.

While video games have risen as a source of income, entertainment, relaxation, just like everything, this coin has another side as well. One of the biggest seen traits in people who are involved with video games is the trait of anger. Playing games means investing real time and energy into the virtual world which at times can bring up frustrations and there are many factors that contribute to it, ranging from something that happens in the game itself or because of some glitches or even because of your own friends and teammates. Being too immersed in video games can also lead to health risks mainly obesity and posture related issues. Playing games for long hours means you stay in a certain position and place for several hours which can lead to people having problems in the spine, their back, hands and necks. 

While made for enjoyment, video games are also subject to rules and regulations and go through various checks. All games are subjected to ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) checks which assign age and content rating to the games before their release.

In Nepal Esports is slowly being taken seriously and it is because of one very specific game, PUBG Mobile. Many Nepali teams have been able to take part in major PUBG Mobile tournaments and make earnings. Not just in a competitive scene, PUBG Mobile has also enabled many content creators to amass a huge audience in Nepal.

This rise in gaming has resulted in internet service providers also upping their game and attracting customers with packages that focus on giving a better gaming experience. Worldlink has a package specifically made for PUBG Mobile which allows the players to experience a smoother connection while gaming. While improvements are being made in various sectors to promote gaming, regulations other than age restriction based on content is not available yet in Nepal, as there is no proper government body to make such adjustments. However, online gambling is something that is punishable by law in Nepal.

Video games unlike the stereotypical notion don’t just spread violence. For a long time, the idea that video games that contain violent content results in the players also being involved in violent activities in the real world as well. But video games don’t just contain violence they also contain enriching stories, great world-building and adrenaline-fueling moments because of which they have become a global phenomenon in recent years gaining more and more popularity. Games like Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, Fortnite, FIFA, Dota2, Counter-Strike, Skyrim, Assassins Creed, Far Cry, God of War have gained massive fan bases ranging in millions which show no signs of stopping.

Diwas Lamichhane

Thames International College