Hasbro is leaning into the family feuds synonymous with Monopoly in an OOH campaign. Featuring frustrated kids and big feelings, the adverts showcase how playing board games can aid emotional development rather than sugarcoating playtime as something that is always fun and light.

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?

As the world went into lockdown in spring 2020, people were looking for interactive ways to stay connected and inject some fun into the weekly Zoom call. Jackbox Games is keeping friend and family catch-ups lively with a suite of multiplayer games that can be enjoyed remotely.

Video games may conjure up imagery of ultra-fantasy but can these play a positive role in mental health? Canvas8 spoke to Joe Donnelly, author of Checkpoint: How Video Games Power Up Minds, Kick Ass, and Save Lives, to understand the benefits of gaming that transcend entertainment.