I never expected Love is Blind to make me feel good about video games in 2025, but here we are

What’s your instinctive reaction when games are mentioned in popular culture? Do you shimmy forwards eager to hear what people have to say, delighted that something you enjoy is getting air time? Or do you flinch, worrying what stereotypes and negative perceptions are about to be perpetuated?

I think I know your answer. I think it’s probably similar to mine. And my answer – my instinct – comes from years of games and gamers being treated a certain way. But let’s come back to that. The reason I ask at all is because, well there’s no hiding it, it’s because of Love is Blind. Are there any fans out there?

That’s not a statement by the way, if you’re somehow unfamiliar, but the name of a show. Love is Blind is a Netflix dating show where men and women meet in small rooms (pods) and can’t see each other because of dividing walls between them. Therefore, they have to establish (or not) relationships based on what they hear. Only after one person proposes – as in: asks to marry – can they meet each other face to face. Then they go on holiday and live together for a few weeks, and then marry. Or not. That’s the show. It’s fascinating.

I mention Love is Blind here not just because I want people to talk to about it, but because Eurogamer has an unexpected connection with it, with someone on the show – someone in the just-ended second UK series. You know that charming guy Kieran who matches with Megan (you probably don’t), who the show labels as a “gaming entrepreneur”?