Online gamers urged to avoid playing during working hours

Video game players have been urged to play at'reasonable times' to avoid putting extra strain on internet networks during the coronavirus outbreak. Social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus has led to large numbers of people working from home or self-isolating, increasing daytime internet traffic. But gamers have been asked to limit time online during working hours to ensure those in self-isolation trying to get work done aren't affected by slow speeds. The issue could get worse in the UK as schools around the country have been forced to close due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, giving young gamers more time to kill. UK-based video games expert Rik Henderson said people turning to games during isolation was inevitable, as a means of entertainment and social interaction, but he urged players to be aware of going online during working hours. 'While video streaming services, such as Netflix and YouTube, are committed to reducing their digital footprint during the coronavirus crisis, gaming is perhaps the biggest threat to internet bandwidth in the next few months,' he said.