Ryan Gulliford, Author at The Orbital

Is there a link between video games and violence?

7Jul

By Ryan GullifordNo Comments

Science & Technology

Is there a link between video games and violence?

Following the events of the tragic high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, issues surrounding school safety are widely discussed amongst the Trump administration. Amongst his many statements, President Trump has made several comments suggesting video games are linked to real-world gun violence and are “shaping young people’s thoughts”. Currently, despite the reports, there are no scheduled meetings between Trump and games industry executives, clarified by the Entertainment Software Association. The general consensus is that these statements are completely false and negatively portray an otherwise extremely lucrative global industry. “The current issue with school safety being discussed is not a global issue, it’s a USA issue. If video games were the problem, then every country would be...

27Feb

By Ryan GullifordNo Comments

Science & Technology

Women in Gaming

With 2018 now in full swing and the spring term well underway, the topic of women in video games and the gender diversity gap in the industry was brought to light in 2017, so let’s make sure that continues throughout the year. The video games industry has several factors influencing its negative perception and among them are key issues surrounding gender and the nature of these views. So, here we look at what’s causing the problem and how we can continue to solve it. Opportunities Through Education: A key, yet overlooked factor which has a large effect on the inclusion of women in the video games industry, surrounds the lack of support from the educational system. From a young age, women can be discouraged from pursuing a career in video games simply because they didn’t know it was ...

5Feb

By Ryan GullifordNo Comments

Science & Technology

A Year Of Gaming In 2017

What better way to wade into the new year than by taking a seat atop the imaginary mountain and looking back on the gaming world of the last year. In terms of an overall outlook, 2017 was one great year for the industry, but not without its low points. Let’s take a look at both the upsets and the glorious moments. Some unexpected ventures Let’s get the negatives out of the way first, shall we? Sadly, certain titles of 2017 failed to live up to their hype, falling victim to the infamous loot box and micro-transaction plague. While the situations are being revised, the community’s thoughts surrounding the monetisation depth of titles like Star Wars: Battlefront 2 and Destiny 2 are ones which, are fearful of the future. Going into 2018, let’s hope the combined voice of the players and...

Online Gaming: Redefining Social Interaction

13Dec

By Ryan GullifordNo Comments

Science & Technology

Online Gaming: Redefining Social Interaction

Over the last two decades, the world that surrounds the gaming industry has expanded undeniably, often leading the way in social and technological developments. Often, there has always been a negative stigma associated with gaming and young people, where people feel that playing video games deprives you of social interactions. In today’s society, the phrase ‘social interaction’, has a complex definition, particularly with online gaming communities providing their own take on what it means to express yourself socially. So, does gaming really have an effect on mental health? Online gaming communities are paramount to exploring this question, with multiplayer gaming being at the very forefront of the games industry, its social impacts are hard to ignore. Millions upon millions of people sh...

11Dec

By Ryan GullifordNo Comments

Science & Technology

MCM London Comic Con: An Event Round Up

MCM Comic Con Expo 2017, a place for gamers, cosplayers and pop culture lovers to let their hair down. If you have never heard of it before, MCM is the place to celebrate nearly everything surrounding pop-culture, from bagging yourself some exclusive memorabilia to dressing up as your favourite anime character. The expo was in the London Excel arena this October and here is a quick round-up of the event! If its merchandise you’re looking for, then MCM was the place to be, everyone had something to offer, from international conglomerates to the individual market sellers. Most notably, Game had their own pop-up store, selling all your favourite titles, console accessories and brand merchandise. Funko, the makers of the popular Pop-Vinyl toys, also had a professional set up, with exclusive...