Video games may conjure up imagery of ultra-fantasy but can these play a positive role in mental health? Canvas8 spoke to Joe Donnelly, author ofCheckpoint: How Video Games Power Up Minds, Kick Ass, and Save Lives, to understand the benefits of gaming that transcend entertainment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly reconfigured the world as we know it – and a mental health crisis could be waiting in its aftermath. Canvas8 spoke to Staci K. Haines, the author of The Politics of Trauma, to understand how the outbreak is set to challenge and change our emotional wellbeing.

Board games are back on the map, with independent game-makers attracting cult followings and mass funding on Kickstarter. As quarantine sets a new leisure-time norm, it’s changing what people want from entertainment, with creative, concentration-heavy games holding more appeal.

As the COVID-19 pandemic restricts people’s movement, domestic habits are being shaken up to stave off boredom and maintain social ties. Canvas8 spoke to 18 people from around the world to understand how they’re spending their time in self-isolation and what new routines they’ve established.