The UK Gaming Industry body UKIE, is getting together for a weekend of work to fight loneliness in and around gaming.
Just announced, the UKIE Play & Talk Weekend is a look at the other side of the recent stay at home situation. While gaming’s digital economy has pivoted pretty well to keep churning out content for gamers, we should know our mailboxes are overflowing with press releases, loneliness is a real risk for some of us. Due to this, the UKIE has announced a campaign to help shine a light on this.
Over the Play & Talk weekend people of all ages, whether or not they consider themselves video game players, are encouraged to find just one hour to play together online, re-connect with loved ones or friends and have a conversation with the aim of reducing loneliness.
“Video games have given many of us a form of escapism in lockdown and brought many people together as they connect online,” commented Creative Industries Minister Caroline Dinenage. “So this weekend, as part of our Let’s Talk Loneliness campaign, I encourage people to pick your game of choice, play with family and friends but also take time to talk about how you are feeling and faring.
This isn’t the only initiative that the UKIE has launched to help those less likely to step into the spotlight. The Play & Talk weekend follows a recent Games for Carers initiative which tried to help give key workers in the UK a little escapism from the gruelling trials of dealing with Coronavirus, with free games.
Loneliness during this time is starting to be viewed as a serious mental health issue with some researchers calling it an epidemic. While video games might hold their own toxic element, gaming is always better with friends. To find out more about the Play & Talk Weekend, head over to the UKIE website for more information and for resources f you are feeling hard hit by the current lockdown.
If you are suffering during an isolated period and need to talk to somebody, those of you in the UK can find an open ear at the Samaritans, among other charitable organisations.
