5 Positive Effects of Gaming

Media has oft warned of dangers of video games, warnings of addiction and violence are ever-present in news articles and videos. To the contrary, scientists, researchers and psychologists continues to discover the hidden benefits games can have on the human brain. These benefits are not reserved for any one age group, but rather, can aid in development of skills in all ages from toddlers to the elderly. Studies have even produced fantastic results when utilizing gaming as an intervention for neurological recovery for stroke victims. Let’s explore some of the lesser known benefits. You might be surprised!

Planning, Logistics and Resource Management

In most games, players are challenged to learn how to best manage resources like extra lives, health aids, and ammunition, which is usually a limited commodity.

Accuracy

Action games aid in training the brain to make split-second decisions with accuracy by enforcing learning models and consequences for hesitation.

Pattern Recognition

All games have internal logic, and players naturally begin to recognize these patterns, regardless of their favored game genre. As gamers begin to understand the mechanics of a particular game boss or level, they expand their ability to recognize other patterns throughout the game.

Visual Data Processing

One study from Beth Israel Medical Center NY showed that surgeons who spent a minimum of 3 hours gaming per week made 37% fewer mistakes and were 27% faster than their non-gamer counterparts. Another study revealed that gamers are more resistant to perceptual interference, allowing them to develop resistance to distraction.

Creativity

One study from Michigan State University ‘s Children and Technology Project found a marked correlation between gaming and creative capacity compared to other online activities, regardless of gender, race or game genre played.