Video games are a core part of our entertainment culture, with modern games featuring sophisticated graphics and compelling storylines. However, apart from entertainment, playing video games also offers profound effects on gamers such as relieving stress and navigating personal challenges. In this article, we’ll explore some of the major benefits players get from playing video games. Keep reading this page to learn more!
Video Games Can Improve Memory And Learning
Scholars say you should play video games to improve your memory and learning abilities. Recent research showed that action video game players have better attention and perception than their non-action counterparts. This study backs initial findings that suggest players who prefer action video games possess superior visual short-term memory, although it’s unclear whether this extends to long-term memory.
Another study by the University of Carolina urges gamers not to put down their game controls just yet. The research says that playing three-dimensional games can increase the formation of memories.
Players must often maintain their attention and focus on specific objects when playing action games. These entities can be presented among distracting objects or in isolation. As a result, playing such games can help boost your overall reaction time and eye-to-hand coordination.
Problem-Solving Skills
Video games often come with different levels that require gamers to explore their creative side to unlock new tasks. This is especially true with puzzle games such as Ball Sort Puzzle, which requires gamers to use selective reasoning to know the correct steps and move the ball to different tubes. In short, you must know how to move the balls, which can be mind-tasking.
With that in mind, researchers at Michigan State University conducted research on 12-year-olds, which revealed kids who like playing video games were more creative in school tasks such as storytelling and drawing. This was further backed by scholars at the University of Glasgow, who found that the flexibility and resourcefulness of video games can boost reflective learning abilities and critical thinking.
Video Games And The Stress System
Video games have varying stress effects on players, with the type of stress depending on the game style. For example, research findings indicate that playing fear games can significantly increase salivary amylase concentration, whereas the level decreases when playing puzzle games.
Studies also suggest that the level of the food-digesting hormone increases while playing fear games and decreases while playing puzzle games. Moreover, stress levels experienced while playing excitement games are lower than when playing fear games.
The assumption that playing video games can release stress is valid if these studies are anything to go by. Gaming is often promoted as a fun way to relax and connect with life. Reduced stress can help you prevent or manage health complications like high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, headache, and anger.
These are the science-backed health benefits of playing video games. But remember, you can only enjoy these gaming benefits only if you play in moderation. Play responsibly!