Not long ago, it was inconceivable that video games would be anything more than a niche pastime, let alone a path to a lucrative career. Yet e-sports now attract millions of fans and major brand sponsorships. How did they come to rival to traditional sports? And can they achieve mainstream success?

The effects of extended video gaming on people’s health have long been a concern raised by medical experts, but until recently, not addressed. But with WHO’s recent inclusion of gaming addiction as a recognised mental disorder, we're exposing problems symptomatic of constant digital exposure.

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?

Parents may regularly complain about their kids wasting time on video games when they should be studying, but new research from Australia has found that some gaming could actually promote higher academic achievement – especially when compared to social media.