Benefits of Video Games

Our world today has changed so much over the years. I’m only twenty-seven years old and I see how today’s kids have so much more in the realm of technology then what I had. And even more then what individuals of Generation X and the Baby Boomers had. Technology is always changing and that’s a good thing, but it’s seen as a bad thing when it comes to children and video games.

Why?

There are so many benefits to a child playing video games. And it allows them into a world of so much more, technology in general does. Sure, going outside and playing in the dirt is good, don’t get me wrong. But that isn’t all there is to being a kid in the 21st century anymore. So, here’s a few ways that video games actually help a child.

Video games can help improve coordination. When you’re playing a video game, you’re having to concentrate on the game and think about what action needs to happen. So, while playing a game, a child is working on their visual, audial, and physical movement.

Playing video games improve one’s problem solving skills. Any gamer knows that a lot of video games take a certain level of problem solving, and it’s usually quick problem solving at that. You have to be quick to come up with solutions to puzzles and figure out what to do next.

They enhance one’s memory. You have to use both your visual and audial memory to navigate the game. One has to read and listen to what is happening in the game in order to make it to the next level. You have to remember where keys, chests, secret locations, and other places are in order to beat the game.

It improves attention and concentration. Video games require intense concentration and the gamer to pay attention to what is going on. If you’re not paying attention, you can be killed by enemies in the game. Plus, you can miss important items in the game.

Playing video games is a great source of learning. Some games teach about the world around you, with historical facts that are accurate. So, while you’re playing the game, you’re learning in the process. Plus, it helps improve academic skills with video games that are aimed at enhancing their cognitive and creativity.

It improves brain speed and multitasking skills. In a video game, you have to make rapid decisions and, in some games, these decisions have consequences that affect the overall outcome of the game. In real life, we may come face-to-face with situations where we have to think fast or act fast and sometimes that is hard to do. Playing video games can aide in enhancing that ability. As for multi-tasking, you’re often doing many things at once in a game. Often you can have multiple quests going on that need to be completed in order to complete the entire game, or you just have to be very cautious about the mountain you’re climbing to make sure no boulders fall on you.

Playing a video game can also improve social skills. Bet that’s a shocker! Some games are online, which means you’re communicating with other gamers within that game. You’re developing a relationship and a bond with other people that you have something in common with. This aides in helping a shy kid make friends and speak up. It helps them develop meaningful relationships that they can carry out and learn from to develop relationships with others outside of the gaming community.

Video games aren’t all that bad. They’ve just developed a bad stigma, because there are some violent games out there. And sometimes these games fall into the wrong hands. But if you’re playing the right game for your age, then it can be a good thing. They help improve so many. And like with all things, when done in moderation they can be good for you.

Cognitive games help improve one’s brain with consistent stimulation, which improves the brain's performance.

Games don’t turn you into a zombie. Only a zombie can turn you into a zombie.