Video games have been a multi-trillion-dollar industry for years now. But over the course of the pandemic, gaming has become more than a pastime — it’s become a vital connection and community for millions of people. Video games are also increasingly influencing music and film in a way that could significantly shape the next generation of media.

The size and scope of the gaming world has also brought a whole host of issues. Labor, economic, cultural and political challenges have rocked the gaming industry in recent years.

The 1UPdate covers the many facets of the gaming industry with longtime gaming journalist and WDET audio engineer, Nate Bender. You can hear the 1UPdate on CultureShift Thursdays at 1:06 p.m.