In a world where screens dominate our lives, 23-year-old Kelly remains a critical observer of the rapidly evolving digital landscapes. Raised in Guangzhou, China, this international student studying Arts & Cultural Management at King's College London views gaming as more than just a pastime. Rather, she views them as a bridge between cultures, a canvas for creativity, and a testament to human connections. "I feel like games are not just games, but a way to feel technology and understand how creativity is brought into reality and into people's lives." 

Her preferred realm of exploration: the mobile version of the popular MOBA, League of Legends (LoL). While she acknowledges the existence of the more challenging PC version, Kelly discerns a unifying thread between the two “The message that these two versions are trying to deliver are consistent." For her, the distinction between computer and mobile gaming is slowly dissolving, ushering in a future where the lines blur. The criteria, she believes, will boil down to having games that are high-performance, affordable, and seamlessly operable across platforms. 

Kelly's initiation as a gamer was orchestrated at the tender age of 7 or 8 by her father, a dedicated gamer himself, her first experience being the unconventional choice of Counter-Strike. “It's really weird, right? For a seven or eight-year-old?" she chuckles. While she still holds a soft spot for the first-person shooter (FPS) genre, she has stepped away from Counter-Strike in recent years. The game took up too much space on her computer, nudging her towards mobile gaming. 

​Kelly sheds light on the societal norms that once confined her gaming escapades to PCs "I didn’t get a phone until I was 15 or 16 because, in China, we have a very important examination to do when we are 18. But phones are much better." Mobile gaming offers convenience and versatility, an advantage she embraces especially in her demanding life as an international student and part-time waitress at a local Chinese restaurant. Her gaming habit aligns with moments of reprieve, whether waiting for a bus or stealing away 20-30 minutes during her day.  

​Her experiences as an international student have also shaped her perspective on game choices. While Kelly feels a sense of identification and acceptance in games that cater to Chinese or Asian audiences, her time in London has erased geographical boundaries, "But I’m also very inclusive, so I feel that it’s very important to respect other people’s opinion. If they are respecting me, I would also like to accept their culture," she states, echoing her commitment to inclusivity. Even as she leans towards Chinese or Asian-friendly games, she's mindful of the beauty of diverse viewpoints and experiences.

​But language, she notes, remains a formidable barrier, a divide between English and non-English speakers. "There is a lot more that the platforms or games can do for people from diverse backgrounds," she reflects. It seems LoL has made attempts to bridge this gap, "For example, if you use the game in the English version, you can send a message in English to a group which has some Chinese speakers, they will automatically receive the message in Chinese." However, this automatic translation, she notes, often lacks the nuance and local flavour necessary to maintain the cohesive atmosphere of a team-focused game.  

Kelly points out the beauty of anonymity that transcends the boundaries of race, ethnicity, and origin. "While playing LoL, I can’t tell if someone is white, black, Asian, or what background they are from. I can’t make any assumptions about anyone," she divulges. To her, this ambiguity serves as a fortress against the menace of racism that can permeate online spaces, preventing malicious individuals from using their prejudices as weapons. What Kelly mainly seeks is camaraderie in her gaming experiences, finding profound joy in forming connections and collaborating with friends. In her words, "It's inspiring how you can make connections with your friends through teamwork in games, which is why I really enjoy LoL." Gathering her friends for LoL sessions has become a cherished ritual, unfolding during the evening hours to ensure everyone's full participation. 

 She loves gaming as it helps in forming tighter connections with friends and drawing inspiration from the creativity inherent in games, which can be lacking in daily school or work life. But Kelly is candid about the time commitment gaming demands. "No joke, I just played like 7 or 8 hours a day, and don’t sleep at all," she confesses, sharing her experience of getting absorbed in LoL. She sees this as an opportunity for self-discipline and mastering time management. Ultimately, it seems the pros significantly outweigh the cons. As we conclude our conversation, it's clear that Kelly embodies the spirit of a new generation that finds purpose, connection, and inspiration in gaming. Her experiences shine a light on the potential for technology to dissolve barriers, foster inclusivity, and ignite creativity.