| In between more hours than I want to count in Genshin Impact, I've been thinking about the role video games play in our mental health. No, I'm not about to go off the rails here and whinge that "games are poisoning our minds"—one, because I don't believe that, and two, because enough people have been gullible enough to publish that terrible take, and I refuse to repeat it. What I really mean is the fact that games are so often where we turn for solace. You might think that would mean the games we turn to are all super chill, relaxing environments, like the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. And for some people, that's true! But while reporting out his amazing story on how video games are a lifeline for veterans with mental health challenges, Alex Miller discovered that sometimes the rigor of an orderly guild, predictable combat, terrifying jump-scare horror, or just the hectic engagement of a high-skill shooter can do just as much to calm us down emotionally as they do to hype us up. Miller spoke to many fellow vets about the role that games have played in their emotional health and recovery, and in how well they've been able to reintegrate into civilian life after long deployments in combat zones. He also spoke to researchers and scientists who are working to make some of those emotional benefits tangible, therapeutic options for people who need them the most. So think of it like this: We often talk about the power of games to build communities, help bring people together, and give us a happy place when things get hard—well, it turns out they're also doing wonders for the people who deserve the help the most. I can't wait to see where that research goes. Also, a number of you chimed in with great thoughts on Nintendo last week! Most of you rightfully pointed out that, yes, Nintendo has long been on its own schedule, and I shouldn't worry. But we all agree it would be nice if they surprised us before the holidays. So if you're listening, Nintendo … This week, take a look at Alex's story, and let us know what you think—or if you're a vet and find video games as solace—here. Or you can just send me Paimon memes. I like Paimon memes. And be sure to check out our other great deep-dives this week: ♻️ Next-gen gaming is an environmental nightmare. Consoles only go semi-obsolete every half-dozen years, and more games than ever have gone digital; plus, there's a healthy market for used and resale devices and games. That's good news, at least environmentally speaking. But the future of gaming—live-service games, cloud gaming, all-digital titles, and always-on devices—also has a massive energy toll. 🎖️ How video games are saving those who served. Soldiers returning from combat deployments or long tours away from home, who may be struggling to reintegrate to civilian life, often turn to video games for comfort. But there's a lot of new research showing that games can actually help treat PTSD and anxiety disorders. 👭 More video games featured women this year. Will it last? Looking back at 2020's major game announcements, all the way from the beginning of the year to the most recent series of events, revealed an upward trend in games with female protagonists. That's good news for sure, but what's going on behind the scenes? 🖥️ PC gaming doesn't have to be more expensive than consoles. A lot of people think PC gaming is only for gamers with the deepest pockets, and at the highest end, that may be true. But for the rest of us, it doesn't have to be—and you don't have to empty your wallet to get great frame rates and an amazing gaming experience. Here's how. 👀 Join us on Twitch tonight at twitch.tv/wiredmag! Things are a little quiet this week on Twitch, but we'd love to hear from you about what we should stream, and when! Follow us on Twitch to get notified every time we go live, and come hang out and play some games with us! 🔥 Subscribe to WIRED! I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you to support our work. WIRED Games—and WIRED as a whole—is only possible thanks to the fine folks who subscribe. So please, subscribe to get full and complete access to all of our content, and to contribute, ever slowly, to my next-gen console fund. | 
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