As lockdown measures have kept people cooped up at home, video gaming has emerged as a vital source of entertainment and connection for Australians across age groups. How might the pandemic influence the way people engage with this leisure pursuit (and tech more broadly) in the future?

Netflix is making moves to launch video games via its streaming service. The intention to offer subscribers a device-agnostic way to engage with virtual worlds signals its continued desire to move away from passive viewership and tap into the growing popularity of gaming.

Online gaming has ballooned in popularity during the pandemic, offering a social outlet amid lockdowns. By making gaming-friendly streaming service Twitch a key pillar of its Prime subscription service, Amazon is appealing to a broad landscape of mainstream and niche interests.

The global boom in board game sales witnessed over multiple lockdowns persists as much of the world opens up. As people look for better work-life balance and explore digital detoxes, brands can meet their needs by facilitating or promoting the more mindful moments that people crave.