Kathmandu, Dec. 2 -- Video games have always been painted as a distraction or even a harmful addiction. Recent research, however, suggests that when played in moderation, video games can provide notable mental health benefits. They can act as tools for stress relief, cognitive development, and social connection. For many, gaming has been a refuge, a coping mechanism, and sometimes, a lifeline.

Trilina Rai, an undergraduate student from Kathmandu, unexpectedly discovered video games. She was not familiar with it before. She had only heard about it in passing. After school, she often went to her best friend's house, where her brothers and their friends would gather to play. She became curious and kept asking her friend what they were doing...