Pret a Manger has awarded it’s 12,000 staff with a £1,000 bonus after it’s former owner Bridgepoint sold it to Luxembourg-based JAB Holdings. The staff payout aligns with employees increasingly expectations for companies to demonstrate they really care about their staff.

When indie developer Glumberland announced an exclusive distribution deal with Epic Games, the response from fans was swift and furious. With gamer communities becoming as important as the games themselves, the backlash shed light on the power of players – and some of their toxic behaviors.

Gamers in search of compelling video content may flock to Twitch and YouTube, but Discord has become the platform of choice for those seeking a community they can easily drop in and out of, offering spaces in which to arrange play sessions, discuss tactics, and bond with others over a shared hobby.

Once perceived as an anti-social pursuit, gaming now offers people a way to connect with peers around the world through streaming, forums, and social media. How do these diverse communities go beyond gameplay to support individuals in their search for escapism and creative expression?