If you didn’t know, Steam is one of the best-known online gaming platforms and distributors worldwide. It advertises itself as “the ultimate destination for playing, discussing, and creating games.” Since its inception, the site has grown rapidly.
Research shows that it has 132 million monthly active users, and 69 million people use Steam daily. In 2025, the platform added 20,018 games, and the Steam catalog in the US includes 234,984 games. The numbers speak for themselves about the site’s popularity.
In 2013, Valve Corporation, the developer of Steam, added a user-generated review section. That’s where users could read, rate, or discuss game titles they had played. Little did anyone know this would become the place where comedy peaked, as people started uploading some of their funniest thoughts.
However, no matter what they say, one thing is clearly evident through their comments, which is their love for video games. These games were a huge phenomenon when they first arrived, and now they have attracted many people worldwide.
Research shows that video games entered the picture in the late 1950s, when William Higinbotham created a simple computerized tennis game. From its early beginnings, the industry has boomed into a $100 billion powerhouse. The 70s and early 80s were considered the “Golden Age,” as arcade hits like Pong and Pac-Man set the stage for what came next.
However, for a long time, the gaming world seemed to be built exclusively for boys and men. As the industry targeted male adolescents, it portrayed women in these games in objectifying ways. Shockingly, this continued for decades in gaming culture and created a stereotype of what a “gamer” should look like.
When technology shifted from arcades to living room consoles, the industry changed dramatically. Companies like Sony and Nintendo brought gaming home, which diversified the gamer base. In fact, by the late 2010s, nearly half of all US gamers were women. They shattered the stereotype of the gamer and proved gaming was not exclusive to men.
Today, games are not just for fun; they also serve as a tool for social connection. People also claim that they learn a lot from them. But despite all the progress, the industry needs to do more. From character design to the developmental side of things, more women need to be involved, as gender discrimination still lives on.
As the industry has grown, unhealthy gaming practices have evolved as well. Too much gaming is harming children in many ways. Valerie Herber, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, discusses the risks video games pose to children. She explains that excessive gaming can lead to inactivity, obesity, and eye strain.
Prolonged screen time affects vision and may contribute to poor posture and fatigue. Moreover, she stresses that online gaming platforms sometimes expose children to harassment, bullying, and toxic behavior. Certain gaming apps can expose children to hackers and other security threats.
“Studies link excessive gaming—especially with violent content—to increased risks of anxiety, mood disorders, and social difficulties. Children who spend too much time in virtual worlds may struggle with real-world interactions,” Herber explains.
She also emphasizes that exposure to violent video games can increase aggressive behavior while reducing empathy and moral engagement.
“This can lead to social and emotional difficulties in children. Also, excessive gaming often reduces motivation for schoolwork and responsibilities. Games use reward systems that trigger dopamine release, creating a cycle of dependent behavior. This can interfere with learning and academic success,” she adds.
