Video Games: The Global Battleground of Modern Politics

In this Conflicted Conversation, George Osborn draws on his excellent new book Power Play: Video Games, Politics and the Battle for Global Influence to reveal the hidden political power of video games.

Once dismissed as a niche hobby, gaming has become one of the largest social environments ever created: a vast digital third space where billions of people form identities, build communities, and increasingly encounter politics — often aligned with authoritarian agendas.

George explains:

The history of video games: from arcades to global digital networks

How gaming helped drive the modern technology revolution

Why video games became the ‘third spaces’ of the internet age

Steam, online gaming, and the rise of digital communities

How China controls and regulates gaming culture

Saudi Arabia's investment strategy in gaming and esports

Russia, information warfare, and influence operations in gaming

Gamergate and the politicisation of gaming communities

Steve Bannon, online culture, and the rise of populist politics

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And his Newsletter: www.videogamesindustrymemo.com

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Conflicted is a Message Heard production.

Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren.

Produced and edited by Thomas Small.

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