Gaming Industry Embraced by WHO for COVID-19 Safety Efforts

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently expressed support for the gaming industry's efforts to promote COVID-19 safety practices. Through its #PlayApartTogether campaign, the WHO has encouraged gamers to stay apart and play together, highlighting the social distancing advantages of online gaming. This move marks a significant shift in the WHO's stance on gaming, as it had previously expressed concerns over excessive gaming.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in video game usage, particularly among American teens. According to Verizon reports, U.S. video game usage surged by 75 percent just one week after the quarantine went into effect. Additionally, studies show that 35% of Gen Z teens have increased their gaming activities, with many considering social gaming platforms like Discord to be among their top-four-most-important apps.

The gaming industry has taken steps to promote COVID-19 safety practices, with game developers and publishers such as Activision and Zynga pledging to promote WHO health guidelines with in-game messaging. This includes reminders on hand washing and respiratory etiquette, which can help to reduce the spread of the virus. By working together, the gaming industry and the WHO aim to encourage responsible gaming practices that prioritize health and safety.

Parental concerns over gaming have long been a topic of discussion, with issues such as the treatment of women in social gaming, violence in games, and gaming addiction being raised. However, the WHO's support for the gaming industry has helped to alleviate some of these concerns, highlighting the benefits of gaming as a social activity that can be enjoyed from the safety of one's own home.

For parents who are still unsure about the benefits of gaming, there are resources available to help them navigate the world of online gaming. The Family Online Safety Institute has created a Safer Gaming Guide that provides tips and advice on how to ensure gaming remains a responsible activity in the household. One of the best recommendations for parents is to join their kids on their favorite gaming platform and explore their gaming life.

The educational opportunities presented by gaming have also been recognized, with companies like Minecraft and Ubisoft creating educational content for gamers. Minecraft's Education Edition is designed specifically for educators, while Ubisoft has provided free access to Assassin's Creed Odyssey on the Google Stadia platform, which contains educational components such as quizzes to help lock in historical knowledge.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is clear that it has a significant role to play in promoting COVID-19 safety practices and providing a safe and enjoyable social activity for people around the world. With the WHO's support and the industry's efforts to promote responsible gaming practices, gamers can continue to enjoy their favorite hobby while prioritizing their health and safety.

Key points

• WHO supports gaming industry for promoting COVID-19 safety practices through #PlayApartTogether campaign.