‘What will we do if they close the game cafe?’, Afghanistan’s Gen Z gamers fear Taliban crackdown

Gaming has become a favourite Generation Z pastime in Afghanistan, but after the Taliban regained control of the country in August 2021, the young people mostly born between 1995-2010 fear being shut out of cafes where they gather to play. When the hardline Taliban last ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, it banned video games along with other entertainment including television and most commercial music. Those who disobeyed the rules faced harsh public punishments. Now, Taliban officials say cultural activities will be allowed as long as they do not go against sharia law and Afghanistan's Islamic culture. But unsure about how the rules will be enforced, gamers have reportedly already started avoiding cafes in the country.