Cognitive Benefits of Playing Action Video Games

Video games are an interactive form of entertainment that’s been around for over 50 years now. The traditional belief is that video games are merely a source of diversion and are not usually encouraged. It was seen as a childish thing that one should eventually grow out of.

Some people believed that action video games can promote violent behavior at a young age and denied their children this childhood pleasure. However, numerous research states the cognitive benefit one can achieve by playing action video games. Video games also develop problem-solving skills but, the cognitive benefits are more dominantly developed through playing action video games. Cognitive development improves the brain’s overall performance. And, we all know how important the brain’s functioning is!

• Improves hand-eye coordination

The most apparent benefit of playing action video games is the improvement of hand-eye coordination. The time one needs to process an image in front of their eyes and send it to the body for a reaction is effectively reduced when one indulges in video games. It is more visible in action titles as they require more action from the player in a short amount of time. A good example of an action video game is World of Warcraft. It helps one train their reaction time in the gaming world which subsequently improves the reaction time in their real-life too. The screen provides a lot of mental stimulation as the player needs to coordinate their visual, audial, and physical movements.

• Enhances memory power

Playing a video game is much more than just staring at the screen. It requires the player to listen and follow a lot of instructions and use their brain to solve difficult situations within the gaming world. While playing a video game one needs to remember the story or the given clues to appropriately use them in near future. It keeps one’s mind constantly active and improves one’s ability to remember. It increases both short-term memory as well as long-term memory.

• Improves concentration

Action video games require the player’s full attention as a lot of things are happening simultaneously. If you are not attentive enough while playing your game, you are inevitably going to lose. As video games are often termed as a diversion it is ironic how much they contribute towards building one’s focus. This concentration in a video game is usually brought in by the story or the objectives within the game and the need to progress to the next level. As your mind is constantly tending to the game’s needs and instructions, your concentration level increases automatically.

• Enhances problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are crucial to lead a steady, normal life. Many people are born without problem-solving skills like many are naturally born with it. However, it is a skill one can learn over time. Complicated video games in the action genre promote problem-solving skills. While playing a video game, you need to abide by the rules. It means that the player has to think rather carefully while proceeding within the game. There is a constant requirement to interact with the story too. There are split-second decisions to be made that determine your progress and degrade. All of these ultimately result in the enhancement of your problem-solving skills.

• Improves multitasking skills

An action game requires moving a joystick or mastery of keys on your keyboard while simultaneously looking at the various features on the screen such as oncoming adversaries or time left or the energy levels. It means one must be observant and react according to the requirements of the game. Thus, multitasking becomes essential while playing an action video game.

• Enhances social skills

Playing video games online means one can interact with various players online. The gaming fanbase is global and thus, the constant communication results in developing meaningful and valuable relationships. You can meet new friends online or strengthen your bond with old friends. It results in improved social skills which are important in everyday life.

Having said all of it, playing video games must be monitored. Everything has a good as well as a bad side. Too much attention to video games can discourage one from being in real life and give rise to anxiety. Similarly, age is a major factor when it comes to types of video games. Young children should play more adventure-oriented games than action. Video games are for fun and they surely show positive results in people. However, one should always play it in moderation.