Gamers: Lack of escapism is no fun

VIDEO gamers are finding the experience of playing less enjoyable than ever, with more than half saying the inclusion of social or political stories was the biggest reason for this, new research suggests.

A survey of more than 2,000 gamers found that just over one-fifth (21%) said they felt games were now less enjoyable, with 54% naming the increased integration of political or social narratives as the thing they disliked most.

The research, carried out by UK online marketplace Onbuy.com, showed that, when asked if games had become more enjoyable over the past 10 years, less than half (47%) agreed.

Technological advances such as better graphics and increased scale in games were named as positive improvements on 10 years ago, but many also said they felt social issues were being overly pushed in storylines or narratives.

While the majority of critics and fans have praised high-profile video game releases for increases in diversity and representation in stories in recent years to better reflect society, some have claimed the move interferes with the idea of games being a form of escapism.

Following the release of Playstation exclusive The Last Of Us Part II in June – a game that featured two female protagonists, a same-sex relationship and a trans character among a diverse central cast – a number of the team involved in making the game received death threats and other abuse online.