This section compiles reports on real-world incidents and social issues across the gaming and pop-culture industries. Coverage includes safety and crime at fan events, child protection and moderation on online platforms, studio labor conditions, and legal or ethical disputes involving games.
85 articles
An arcade in Shenzhen sparked widespread outrage after stocking claw machines with live hamsters and turtles as prizes, leading to severe criticism over animal cruelty.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner warns that online games are increasingly exploited for child sexual abuse and extremist propaganda, pushing for tighter platform safety measures.
A new study reveals that playing Tetris can help reduce intrusive memories and PTSD symptoms in healthcare workers who experienced trauma during the pandemic.
Manga fans cite Bleach creator Tite Kubo's sharp retort to push back against toxic fans harassing manga artists over story decisions.
A 12-year-old Japanese Fortnite prodigy named Tarou has decided to skip middle school to pursue a full-time career as an esports pro player and YouTuber.
A survey by SMBC Consumer Finance reveals over 10% of Japanese gamers aged 20 to 29 experience financial difficulties due to excessive gacha and in-game purchases.
Creators and women on X are being urged to tighten privacy settings to stop bad actors from using Grok AI to non-consensually alter their photos.
The US FAA is actively recruiting gamers for air traffic controller roles, highlighting their multitasking abilities, fast reflexes, and problem-solving skills.
A cosplayer at a Toronto anime event was detained by police after removing safety tape from a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. prop gun for photos, then released without incident.
The Pokémon Company has temporarily closed Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo and Pikachu Sweets after a fatal stabbing incident at the store resulted in two deaths.
A study by Polish researchers reveals gamers can experience post-game depression after finishing single-player titles, with RPGs causing the strongest feelings of emptiness.
A study by University of Twente researchers suggests standard player bans fail to solve toxic behavior, arguing for restorative justice to better support victims.