The CEO of US video games trade body the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Stanley Pierre-Louis has said that he's glad to see the medium play a good role in helping reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Speaking at the digital GamesBeat Summit 2020 conference, the exec said that interactive entertainment has been helping people social distance and keep themselves occupied.

Companies including Microsoft and Steam have seen all-time engagement with their platforms during this period. Xbox boss Spencer has said that there's been a "big flood" of new people coming to its ecosystem. 

This follows renewed criticism of the video games industry. The World Health Organisation added 'gaming disorder' – an addiction – to its list of diseases in 2019, while business models such as loot boxes have come under fire and have even been compared to gambling.

“I’m excited about seeing that video games are playing such a positive role in helping flatten the curve,” Pierre-Louis said.

He continued: “People look to video games for a number of things. When we talk to parents about their kids playing video games, one of the things they realise is videos games are, yes, about the fun and entertainment, but they also sometimes are a digital playground where kids are playing together and connecting on games like Fortnite.”