What is the True Essence of Video Games? Corporations Certainly Don’t Have a Clue

February 18, 2026 - 04:57

Three years ago, a column in a major financial publication spectacularly missed the point about video games. The author, a former hedge fund manager, used the platform to critique regulatory bodies while making a series of reductive and inaccurate claims about gaming itself. The article framed games merely as products of corporate engineering, built solely on addictive feedback loops like "achievement unlocked" notifications.

This perspective completely overlooks the true essence of the medium. Video games are a foundational form of human expression, combining art, narrative, music, and interactive design. They are about the stories that stay with us long after the console is off, the breathtaking worlds we explore, the profound challenges we overcome, and the communities we build. A game can be a quiet, personal journey or a catalyst for social connection.

The corporate view reduces this rich tapestry to mere metrics and monetization strategies. It ignores the creativity of developers and the emotional investment of players. While business is a reality of the industry, the soul of gaming lies in experience, not just engagement. It is found in the player's agency, the shared memories, and the powerful, unique ways games allow us to feel, think, and connect. That core truth remains unchanged, regardless of misguided analyses.