It was a rainy Sunday afternoon. The kind of day most people would find dreary or inconvenient. But for my eight-year-old son and I, it was the perfect time to play Link’s latest adventure: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. 

Now, there are games like the high-energy Candy Crush or the calculated Sudoku. 

But then, there are games like Zelda; one of impeccable depth that opens an entire universe of exploration and possibilities to uncover. This is a game that has broadened my son’s imagination, challenged him through a variety of quests, and even helped him with reading due to its written narratives. 

In fifty years, gaming has become one of the most evolved media industries. If you look at its progression next to the film industry, it’s quite remarkable. The old Star Wars movies and the new ones have a similar quality and experience – with the main difference being the use of VFX. But when it comes to gaming, the curve of transformation is more astounding – even going from the 80’s Zelda to the current one.

NYC advertising recognizes the importance of this $282 billion-dollar industry. After all, the importance of gaming has taught us more about UX and UI, as well as inspired us when creating immersive experiences. And yet, gaming has not been culturally accepted by society. It makes me wonder, why is there such a stigma around gaming? Why is it more acceptable to binge-watch The Crown on Netflix than spend a rainy afternoon playing Legend of Zelda? After all, the numbers are pretty telling. 

The gaming industry has grown exponentially in recent years, boasting 3.32 billion users worldwide. This staggering number is a testament to the immense popularity of video games across all age groups and demographics. In terms of revenue, the gaming industry dwarfs the Film and Video industry, generating twice as much revenue. This remarkable achievement is a clear indication of the gaming industry's dominance in the entertainment sector. 

With this eye-opening data, I encourage those who still remain skeptical to see gaming through a new lens: not of distraction or addiction, but of an industry of untouched potential and thought-provoking discussion either amongst friends, or in the workplace. 

I’ll see you at the water cooler.