Millions of mobile gamers prize stress relief over winning

(Sheeka Sanahori) In the school’s car pickup line, five minutes before it starts moving. In the doctor’s office waiting room for an appointment that you’ve been heavily anticipating. In bed, just before going to sleep. In these transitional moments, many people reach for their phones — not to scroll, but to play.

According to a June 2026 survey of more than 128,000 KashKick mobile gamers, playing a mobile game is more than a way to pass the time. Stress relief and relaxation are the top reasons respondents play, beating out entertainment and fun. As KashKick reports, for many people, this means mobile games are less a simple distraction and more a coping mechanism for the daily stress of life.

A quick reset for life’s transitional moments

Most respondents identify as women, and 60% live in households that earn less than $50,000 per year. In the ranking of their reasons for playing, stress relief and relaxation topped the list, with boredom relief, entertainment and fun close behind.

The ranking reads less like a profile of a gaming hobby and more like a profile of a coping behavior.

More than half of the respondents play games daily or multiple times a day. When they reach for a mobile game, about 53% of the time it’s for a short session—usually 30 minutes or less. Where and when people play tells its own story: 58% play in bed before going to sleep and 40% play in the bathroom. These are private, solitary moments, not the times people typically plan entertainment into their day.

Coping with stress by gaming

To understand why respondents play games for stress relief more than for fun, it helps to look at who they are. Among those surveyed, 19% say they’re unemployed or looking for work, and 60% live in lower-income households. There are likely some areas of their life where they must make every dollar stretch to cover the things they need.

The survey findings coincide with research from the American Psychological Association’s 2025 Stress in America report. According to the report, 18% of men and 22% of women under age 65 rate their stress level at eight or higher on a scale of one to 10. Although the KashKick survey didn’t measure stress, respondents are mostly women and fall within the age and income groups the APA found to carry the most stress.

The APA’s report also describes loneliness as a major strain for Americans. The KashKick survey didn’t measure feelings of isolation, but 55% prefer to play alone, and 60% rarely or never discuss their gameplay with friends or family.

Overall, the survey identifies a group of people who have found a routine, low-cost approach to cope with stress. They’re not necessarily there to get the highest score. They’re playing a mobile game to help them navigate a day that, with all of life’s to-dos and challenges, could quickly feel overwhelming.

Methodology

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The KashKick Gaming Habits Survey was fielded from June 8, 2026, through Aug. 10, 2026, among KashKick members in the United States who play mobile games. The Gaming Habits Survey was available to all members on KashKick’s Surveys page post-profile completion. The survey received 128,218 total responses, with question-level response counts ranging from approximately 109,793 to 128,218 depending on attrition. All findings describe KashKick mobile gamers and should not be interpreted as representative of U.S. mobile gamers overall. Industry and stress context references publicly available data from the American Psychological Association, Statista, and Newzoo.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
KashKick

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BronzeLens Film Festival Brings International Lineup to Atlanta Across Two Weekends

Atlanta becomes a hub for filmmakers and film lovers this month as the BronzeLens Film Festival marks its 17th annual celebration of cinema. Running August 21–23 and August 27–30, 2026, the festival brings together industry leaders, emerging creators, and audiences for two weekends centered on one idea: diverse storytelling deserves the biggest possible stage.

Founded to elevate underrepresented voices in film, BronzeLens says its 2026 lineup continues that mission with more than 150 Official Selections. The slate spans projects connected to creators and stories from across the globe, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Africa, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Festival organizers note that every film in the program is either produced by creators of color or focuses on stories about people of color.

Opening Night spotlight: “Love Patrick: Nothing is Impossible”

This year’s Opening Night feature is Love Patrick: Nothing is Impossible, directed by the Horne Brothers. The documentary chronicles the life and legacy of fashion designer Patrick Kelly, whose work and vision helped reshape how Black creativity and style were seen on a global stage.

For audiences, it’s a fitting kickoff: a story about artistry, identity, and ambition—exactly the kind of conversation-starter BronzeLens aims to put in front of the public.

A festival built for films—and the conversations after

BronzeLens founder and executive producer Kathleen Bertrand says the festival’s purpose goes beyond screenings.

“We believe the true magic of film happens both on the screen and in the conversations it inspires,” Bertrand said. “Our mission is to champion outstanding filmmaking while creating dynamic opportunities for filmmakers, creators, talent, and audiences to connect, collaborate, and help shape the future of storytelling.”

That emphasis on community and connection has helped BronzeLens become a key cultural event in Atlanta’s film ecosystem—one that continues to grow in reach as the industry increasingly looks for authentic, globally resonant stories.

Notable names tied to the 2026 Official Selections

This year’s Official Selections are associated with a wide range of acclaimed artists, including:

• Academy Award® winner Viola Davis, narrator of The Ebony Canal: A Story of Black Maternal & Infant Health
• Academy Award® winner Jordan Peele, producer of Spilled Milk
• Emmy Award winner Loretta Devine, co-star in Black Seeds Continue to Grow
• Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood, producer and co-star in The Listeners
• Grammy Award-winning artist T.I., featured in The Birth of Trap Music and director of Da’Partments 2
• Ambyr Michelle, co-star in Escape Room
• The late Erica Ash, starring in The Making of a Classic
• Lauren E. Banks in Channels

Where it’s happening

Festival headquarters will be located at The Tara Atlanta, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE.

For the full schedule, the complete list of Official Selections, and ticket information, visit www.BronzeLens.com. The official hashtag is #BronzeLens2026.

If you’re looking for a late-summer event that blends culture, craft, and community—BronzeLens is positioning itself as one of the film festivals where the industry (and the audience) will be paying attention.

Source

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• PRNewswire press release: “The World Will Be Watching as BronzeLens Celebrates Its 17th Annual Film Festival”(BronzeLens Film Festival), published Aug. 7, 2026

Related links

• BronzeLens Film Festival (schedule, Official Selections, tickets): www.BronzeLens.com
• Official hashtag: #BronzeLens2026 
• Festival HQ venue info: The Tara Atlanta, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta

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Six Flags is officially in “season pass season” — and it’s starting with a headline deal. The company announced Aug. 7 that it has launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next, with a limited-time offer running through Sept. 7, 2026. To mark the 8/7 launch date, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce, celebrating the biggest pass offer of the year on a number that’s become part of his legacy.

The big takeaway for fans: buy early, and you’re not just locking in 2027 access — you’re getting the rest of 2026, too. That includes major seasonal events like Halloween and holiday celebrations, plus the chance to start using the pass right away across participating parks.

What the 2027 Season Pass deal includes

Guests can purchase a 2027 Gold Pass or Prestige Pass at launch pricing and receive admission for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.

Kelce framed it in simple terms: unlimited visits, especially heading into fall and winter event season, is the kind of value that would have been “mind-blowing” as a kid — and it’s built for families and friend groups who want more reasons to get together.

Gold Pass: the value play for frequent park visits

The 2027 Gold Pass is positioned as the core option for guests who want maximum visits at the lowest price point. Benefits include:

• Unlimited visits for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027
• Free general parking (restrictions apply)
• Regional park access (East, West, Midwest, or Texas)
• Admission to fall haunt events and seasonal holiday celebrations
• Discounts on select food, merchandise, and tickets
• One bonus Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for renewing passholders and new members who purchase by Sept. 7

Prestige Pass: VIP perks and nationwide access

For guests who want more premium access and in-park benefits, Six Flags is also pushing its Prestige Pass tier. Prestige perks include:

• Access to all Six Flags parks across North America
• Preferred parking at many parks
• Complimentary fountain beverages
• VIP entrance access at participating parks
• Free Bring-A-Friend tickets
• One free single-use Fast Lane per visit
• A $20 in-park credit for new Prestige members and Prestige passholders who renew by Sept. 7

Memberships: month-to-month flexibility

Six Flags also announced 2027 Memberships for guests who prefer a monthly payment option. Memberships include unlimited visits and a range of benefits similar to Season Passes — including multi-park access (based on tier), parking benefits, discounts on food and merchandise, and member-exclusive rewards and offers.

Premium membership tiers add expanded park access and additional VIP-style perks, giving guests more ways to customize how they visit.

Why Six Flags is making a big push now

The 2027 pass launch arrives as Six Flags prepares what it calls one of its most ambitious attraction lineups ever, with major additions planned across regions.

Highlights announced so far include:

• East: Six Flags Great Adventure will debut Bakunawa, billed as the world’s tallest and fastest spinning coaster (382 feet, 100 mph), anchoring a renovated Boardwalk area inspired by Jersey Shore culture. Carowinds will introduce Rip Roarin’ Falls, a super-flume featuring a 100-foot drop.
• Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas will debut Werewolf Gorge, described as the world’s longest family launch coaster with immersive storytelling.
• Midwest: Six Flags Great America will open Camp Timber Trail, a family adventure area anchored by Sky Hawk, a suspended family coaster.
• West: Knott’s Soak City will introduce Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, new family raft slides featuring ride systems making their West Coast and North American debuts.

Six Flags also teased that more major announcements are still on the way.

You can start using the pass in 2026 — and more is coming

Beyond the 2027 pipeline, Six Flags says guests who buy now can take advantage of new or recently opened additions in 2026, including:

• Quantum Accelerator (Six Flags New England)
• Tormenta: Rampaging Run (Six Flags Over Texas)
• Shoreline Pier (Six Flags Great Adventure)
• Daredeviler (Canada’s Wonderland)
• Speedway Stunt Coaster (Six Flags Mexico)
• Looney Tunes™ Land (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
• Phantom Theater (Kings Island)
• A major summer entertainment lineup (Kings Dominion)

And the calendar doesn’t slow down after summer. Six Flags says its 2026 Halloween lineup is coming soon, featuring new horror franchise experiences and new entertainment, followed by holiday events across parks — including the return of a newly reimagined Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia.

The deadline to know

If you’re considering a pass, the timing matters: guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026 to receive launch pricing and promotional offers. For park-specific details and restrictions, Six Flags directs guests to visit sixflags.com.

For fans, Kelce summed up the pitch: more time at the parks now means more memories later — more rides, more laughs, and more reasons to bring your crew along for the season.

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Source: Six Flags

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