Global connectivity could be facilitated by social media and online gaming. However, there comes the obligation of being responsible while connecting people. The onus is on the users and the government. Over a period of time, there are discussions on the online gaming and the part the platforms and the government should play to make the platforms safe.

Online gaming has shown growth over the years. It contributes to the exchequer and generates employment. To realize the industry’s full potential, the regulators formulate certain policies. However, there are impediments here.

Online gaming is beneficial since it develops cognition, social interaction and provides entertainment. There are employment opportunities, and the opportunities to do number crunching. It promotes research skills. However, there are risks associated. According to WHO, it can make you suffer from gaming disorder — a condition that impairs your control over gaming habits, and a person placing premium on gaming over other activities of life, leading to an obsession and negative consequences.

This condition is more common in males than in females, and the prevelance of this condition is about 3 per cent. Gaming is engagement, meaning and accomplishment for some. There is an immersion in a virtual world. There are financial risks, and young players could lose a lot of money. The spending becomes impulsive. There are cases of cyberbullying. There could be harassment in gaming communities. All these negative factors are multiplied since there is ease of access to gaming platforms. There is an urgent need for regulatory oversight.

Countries such as the UK, Autralia, S.Korea have good regulatory frameworks. India too is considering regulation for responsible gaming. There could be provisions on time and money spent. There could be provisions for parental control.

Regulation alone is not enough. Technology should be leveraged to create smarter and more responsible systems. AI could be used to identify problematic gaming patterns. AI should generate alerts for the users.

There should be education for indulging in responsible gaming. There should be public awareness about this.

More games should be developed indigenously. India could take a lead here.