Playing Video Games is Not a Waste of Time

"Good game, Well played" or in short "GG, WP" have you ever heard this terms? You definitely have if you are a gamer. It's not always a waste of time to play video games. In reality, it has numerous advantages. Video games have become a more and more common kind of entertainment over time as a result of technological advancements. Video games have a number of benefits that individuals of all ages can enjoy, despite the fact that many people view them as a harmless leisure activity. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at three key advantages of gaming.

Background :

In the 1950s and 1960s, computer scientists developed straightforward simulations and games for minicomputers and mainframes, launching the video game business. In the 1970s, video game consoles like the Atari 2600 allowed consumers to play at home. Popular games of the time included Pac-Man and Space Invaders. In the 1980s, the Game Boy and well-known series like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Final Fantasy debuted. 1990s video games that explored complex narratives and gaming systems received critical acclaim like Final Fantasy VII and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Games with 3D graphics have revolutionized the industry. In the 2000s, online games like World of Warcraft gained popularity. Mobile gaming was promoted by smartphones. Video games are a multimillion dollar industry that span from simple mobile games to complex AAA titles. They are enjoyed by countless people worldwide.

Improved Cognitive Skills :

"Playing video games not only improves cognitive skills such as spatial navigation, memory, and strategic planning, but also has the potential to enhance perceptual and motor skills" (Charles, 2021).  Attention, vision, problem-solving, and memory are just a few of the cognitive abilities that video games have been found to improve. For instance, it has been discovered that playing action-packed video games, which require players to constantly pay attention to what is happening on the screen, improves visual attention and peripheral vision. Additionally, as players must create and apply successful solutions in order to succeed, strategy games might aid in the improvement of problem-solving abilities. Additionally, a lot of video games ask players to recall intricate details like maps, regulations, and inventory systems, which can aid memory.

Improved Physical Skills :

"The physical fitness, balance, and response speed of both healthy people and those with neurological abnormalities can all be improved via exercise" (Laver, 2018). Many individuals typically associate playing video games with sitting passively, however some games require active participation. Players must physically move to control motion-controlled games, like those for the Wii and Kinect, for example. This type of exercise is very beneficial for children since it improves their balance and coordination. In addition, many games require rapid reflexes, which could improve reaction speed.

Improved Mental Health :

Video games can help one's mental health in addition to their physical benefits. For instance, playing video games allows people to escape from the responsibilities of daily life and concentrate on something fun, which can help lower stress and anxiety. "Video game play can be used as a positive coping strategy to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase overall psychological well-being" (Ron, 2021). Additionally, as many video games are made to be entertaining and engaging, they can be a terrific method to elevate mood. Video games can also be used as therapy since they can aid people in resolving their emotional or psychological problems.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, playing video games can offer a variety of advantages that people of all ages can take advantage of. Video games provide a distinctive sort of entertainment that can be both pleasurable and advantageous, from enhanced cognitive abilities to greater mental health. Video game playing should be done in moderation, it should be noted, since excessive gaming can have harmful effects. However, if played in moderation, video games may be a pleasant and interesting method to develop skills, lower stress levels, and enhance mental health.

References :

history.com editors(September 1,2017) Video game history :

https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/history-of-video-games

Charles R. (February 19,2021) Using Video Games to Improve Capabilities in Decision Making and Cognitive Skill: A Literature Review :

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050920324698

Ron M.(2021) The Health benefits Of Playing Video Games :

https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/gamedesigndevelopmenttextbook/chapter/the-health-benefits-of-playing-video-games/#:~:text=It%20is%20how%20we%20think,42%25%20of%20pain%20distraction%20outcomes.