Positive Impact of Gaming [TOP 7]

For the longest time gaming was considered as a habit which should not be exercised beyond a certain extent, as it was believed that it could have a bad effect on your brain and act as a hindrance to your mental growth. However, it has been proven time ang again that there are some real positive impact of gaming.

The positive impact of video games are numerous, from better memory and problem-solving to improved mood and social skills. For those who are not into gaming may consider it as bad habit if done excessively as per their opinion. If you come across a person like arguing with you over this, you may share with him the 7 positive impact of gaming we have discussed below:

1. Memory

There is no denying that most of the video games today require some serious strategy and concentration. Today video games are designed in such a manner that players are needed to perform multiple tasks at the same time, which in turn results in enhancing the memory power of the gamer, which could also be used in day to day tasks and applications.

A 2015 study from the University of California, Irvine provided evidence for the cognitive benefits of playing video games when they tested a group of gamers and a group of non-gamers in memory tasks. Those who frequently played complex 3D video games performed better at memory tasks related to the hippocampus than those who did not play video games or those who played only simple 2D games. The study also showed that when non-gamers played a complex 3D game each day for 30 minutes, their memory improved over time.

2. Perception and Vision

According to a study published in 2014 in by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, playing action video games can improve a person’s ability to create perceptual templates. This is very beneficial as such improved perception of things can be applied in different situations.

Playing high-action video games also enhances your ability to distinguish patterns and different shades of gray. Previously, scientists believed that it was not possible for anyone to enhance their ability to distinguish contrast, however, research from the University of Rochester showed gamers who played about 5.5 hours of action games each week for nine weeks showed a 43 percent improvement in their contrast sensitivity.

3. Decision Making

Video games like Need for Speed, Call of Duty, God of War, The Last of Us, Uncharted or FIFA, require you to make quick decisions depending upon your environment or situation. These fast paced games can also improve your ability to make decisions quickly in real life as well. A 2010 study conducted on gamers and non-gamers by the University of Rochester, where they were tested both in visual and audio decision making tasks, showed gamers who love action games could make accurate choices and could complete tasks 25 percent faster than non-gamers.

4. Problem Solving

These days most of the AAA games are based on strategies and problem solving. In order to increase the difficulty of the game, players are put in different situations where they have to figure out a way to come out of in order to progress in the game. This virtual problem-solving also acts as a catalyst towards improving your ability to solve complex problems in real life as well.

These video games makes a habit for players to look for details and explore the environment and surroundings in the most meticulous fashion to come up with the most accurate and precise solution to a particular hurdle in the game. This habit also works in the real world where players tend to look for best possible ways to solve their problems

5. Mood

Another positive impact of gaming is that if improves your mood. Video games can also be a great way to relax and unwind. A Study conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2013 showed that some video games can give a positive boost to your mood. Video games that are complex and deeply immersive can also be therapeutic. When the player is fully absorbed in a digital world, they do not have time to worry about work or bills. Video games also help in reducing stress levels

6. Social Skills

Video games also provide a thriving social setting for gamers. You could also make new friends over you online video game sessions. Plus, the video game community is massive, and with modern technology, gamers can play with millions of other people worldwide at any time. Participating in virtual worlds with other players encourages communication and cooperation that carries over to real-life interactions.

7. Curiosity and Learning

The most underrated positive impact of gaming is that it helps in visual learning. Many studies have found that kids adapt to learning better through visuals. Along with that if there is some form of fiction and virtual togetherness involved it makes learning even more interesting.

Many video games are also set in different eras or historical settings, such as Ghost of Tsushima and Assassin’s Creed. When playing these games, you are not only having fun, but you’re also learning about history. When a player enjoys the story or setting of these games, they may be motivated to continue learning more about it on their own.