Mental Health Foundation Calls On Games Industry To Do More
Addressing mental health has become a goal for many developers and publishers in the video game industry. Not only are devs talking about these issues with audiences via their games, but an increasing number of employees have spoken up against crunch and the harassment they've faced in the industry. However, UK based non-profit, Mental Health Foundation, is asking developers to do more for their players.
As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, the foundation conducted a research where it studied the gaming habits of 24 players and also asked them to keep a log of their game time and mental health. Based on its findings, the foundation published a list of five action points that developers could target:
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While the latter four points would be relatively simpler to take action on – and many developers already have – the first point is something almost every online game struggles with. Curbing toxic communities, abusive chats, and online bullying needs constant vigilance and moderation. While most online games have procedures put in place to ban users for toxic behaviour, they keep finding new ways to get around them.
"Observing our own habits is the first important step ahead of being able to make any positive changes," said Catherine Seymour, head of research for the Mental Health Foundation. "The industry could support more self-awareness and 'intentional' gaming via in-game design (features or content) and/or communications via other channels."
"The games industry has a huge role in reaching people who need to protect their mental health. The industry has enormous potential to act as a source for good in helping to promote mental
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