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With a record-breaking 3.8 million people in England alone receiving treatment for mental illness through the NHS last year, it is hardly surprising that mental health is a common cause of suffering among us gamers.
The world can become an increasingly isolating and overwhelming place to live in. This is where games can become an escape for many - their vibrant storytelling, enticing visuals, and engaging gameplay are a welcome distraction to the humdrum of the daily grind.
“Gaming Cafes” have rapidly begun popping up worldwide, to great success. Wholesome hubs that draw in all the nerdy personalities, these cafes have gained a loyal following. The first of these cafes is said to have originated in South Korea during the early 2000s (with Seoul alone having 130 of them in 2004), its popularity proving consistent regardless of the location. I am lucky to have my local cafe nearby, Ancient Robot Games - Edinburgh locals will know this Leith Walk-based gem. With a welcoming setting, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a cornucopia of games, it is a haven for any games enthusiast, regardless of your experience.
If you have never visited a gaming cafe before the idea is simple. Usually in a cafe-like setting, most spaces will play host to what may look like the most board games you have ever seen before in your life. Crammed in shelved from floor to ceiling and strewn across tables, you will find games, RPGs, dice, and much more for your attention. After securing your table with the staff (who are usually just as enthusiastic, if not more so, about games as you are), you can browse a wide selection of games from the cafe library to play. Treats and refreshments are often on hand to enjoy alongside your game, and then for a while, you disappear into the world of your chosen board game!
Cafes such as Ancient Robot Games are essential to the well-being of the gamer. With a world dominated by technology, these board game cafes provide a welcoming detox from the digital age. Not only this, but the process of sitting around a table with like-minded individuals (I have made friends through Ancient Robot Games’ almost-daily scheduled events and learned many, many different games) provides fond memories of socialisation, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. The strength of these board game cafes is their ability to build a lasting community.
So why is this important? Well, if we return to the statistic that I shared at the start of this blog, then if you are based in England, the next time you sit down to play a board game it works out on average that 1 in 4 adults will be suffering from mental illness. How about we let that sink in for a moment?
As technology advances and the pressures of the world increase, there is a high likelihood that the demand for spaces such as game cafes will rise. As it has been clinically proven that carrying out activities such as your favourite hobbies helps your mind and body relax, it is only natural that games will positively impact an individual’s well-being.
Along with emotional positivity, games have been shown to stimulate the brain’s cognitive function. As newer and more creative gameplay is released, we will push our skills in memory, problem-solving, concentration, and critical thinking. For example, games that feature strategic gameplay are particularly beneficial for sharpening our intellect.
Why visit a gaming cafe? Not only are they a unique and enriching experience, but the joy of playing games for a few hours with some friends is quite unmatched for many. I visit my local gaming cafe, Ancient Robot Games, for genuine, fun social interaction, relaxation, and discovering new games. It’s memorable, and science says it’s good for you, so you can’t argue with that.
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