For most of us, games are a fun hobby. But for some people, they can be genuinely problematic. Cam Adair struggled with gaming addiction for ten years, until he hit rock bottom. Now he's working to ensure compassion and support is available for others like him, in a community where addiction is often overlooked or misunderstood. 

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If this story brought up any issues for you, help is available:

Australia:

• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au

• Call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au

United States:

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org

• Message the Crisis Text Line on 741741 or visit crisistextline.org

Canada:

• Call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service on 18334564566 or visit crisisservicescanada.ca

• Call the Kids Help Phone on 1-800-668-6868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca 

United Kingdom:

• Call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

• Text Shout on 85258 or visit giveusashout.org

For additional countries, visit suicidestop.com

When the Xbox 360 was launched in December 2005, Microsoft had accomplished a significant objective that would give it the edge in the console war - beating Sony's PS3 to market by almost a year. But a few months later, a huge problem began to surface - a major hardware defect that threatened to destroy the entire Xbox brand. 

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In the span of around 12 months, the release of the very first iPhone and the launch of the App Store created a whole new appetite for mobile games, empowering a generation of indie developers in the process. But one small decision, to support in-app purchases for iOS games, would change the marketplace forever. 

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Video games allow us to embody different people and inhabit other worlds. But when you can't be your true self in the real world, exploring virtual ones takes on even greater importance. For transgender people, like Jessica Janiuk, games are a safe space for escapism and discovery, and provide empowerment to embrace the real you. 

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Which game controller is your favourite? Which gamepad is the worst? You probably already know your answer to both of these questions. It’s a very personal thing, because controllers are central to our overall playing experience. And yet, designers are tasked with creating a controller that needs to appeal to everyone. Impossible. While gamepads have evolved a lot over the years, one particular innovation has remained constant. It started with a simple design solution, that subsequently changed the entire video game industry.

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Gameplay is a show about video games and the virtual worlds that power culture and community. Episodes published every two weeks.

Find out more at our website: gameplay.co.

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