The proliferation of smartphones has seen video gaming break free from the sofa and enter the wider world, opening the medium up to new audiences. But beyond helping people to pass the time, how have mobile games become so popular? And what are the commercial barriers and opportunities?

Mystic Messenger is a game in which players take control of a female avatar and are presented with six potential suitors, powered by artificial intelligence. With more than a million people engaged around the world, it provides a glimpse into the true potential of online dating.

Video games that see players fight on the frontlines of WWII or ride atop a dragon have fuelled the industry’s huge success. But worlds apart is a genre that’s all about taking the time to appreciate doing nothing. What’s the appeal of slow gaming? And how can it support one’s mental wellbeing?

Video games aren’t seen as particularly inclusive by LGBTQ+ gamers – 65% believe that characters don’t adequately reflect all sexual orientations. Looking to tackle this, Dream Daddy puts players in the shoes of a single gay dad navigating a new city in the search for romance.