Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (Nacz) has called on the public to take part in game and leisure activities as a way of creating a healthy lifestyle.
Across the country, there has been an influx of gaming and leisure centres that offer services inclusive of pool clubs and video games.
Nacz spokesperson Agga Nyabinde said the public should be able to stand by their mission which has always been to support and celebrate the full spectrum of human creativity.
“Today, that spectrum includes the digital worlds of gaming and the practice of leisure. First, we must recognise that gaming is a significant contemporary art form. It synthesizes narrative, visual art, music, sound design, and interactive performance into a unique experience. Games tell culturally-rich stories, explore complex emotions, and create breath-taking aesthetic worlds. They are a powerful medium for artistic expression and modern storytelling.
“Secondly, leisure is how we experiment, solve problems, build communities, and recharge our creative spirits. In a fast-paced world, intentional leisure, including gaming, provides the mental space for reflection, innovation, and social connection. It fosters empathy as players step into different roles and collaborate towards shared goals. Our role is to champion this understanding. We are exploring ways to support games that are culturally resonant, artistically ambitious, and socially impactful just as we do with theatre, literature, or visual arts,” said Nyabinde.
Social media content creator Sipho Mercent Nyathi who is a champion of gaming, said to him, gaming is a key factor in stress management and fighting depression.
“In my weekly schedule, l go around places where they offer gaming activities as a way of relieving stress. Not all comments we receive on social media sit well with us and for me l have found solace in these gaming spaces,” said Nyathi.
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