Positive Effects of Gaming

Positive Effects of Gaming

The effects of gaming onto the mind is a controversial topic, as the image games perceived by many adults is the negative aspects. Well many studies have been done to counter these arguments as well.

There are a multitude of gaming benefits as scientist have found some of which have are basic skills that grow with games. Depending on the type of game played these include problems solving, hand eye coordination/improved motor skills, planning and resource management, multitasking, copperation/team skills, memory improvement and much more. You may think what games can create these attributes and how does this happen. Well games these days have become more complex in and structured in their styles.

Depending on the game different skills may be attained. An example of this would be games that revolve around abstract puzzles or have problem solving aspects, such as the Phoenix Wrights games, Portal and the Legend of Zelda series. These games fixate on challenging the mind and provide stimulus to the mind to help its development. A case such as Portal. Portal was was tested on children with result improving their cognitive skills, a study by Florida State University.

Many wide open terrain games such as the Witcher series, Skyrim, World of Warcraft or any MMORPG, also help with mapping as players are able to traverse large landscapes with either maps or memory being used.

Judgement and morality in these games can also be raised. By this I mean the correction of rules and regulations, a play by societies expectations if you want. Games such as Fable, Hitman Absolute, The Walking Dead and Fallout: New Vegas. These games allow democratic experiences and allows the user to make choices that can a consequences within users experience. These games can also demonstrate the personality and the mindset of what a person desires; of that be peace through discussions and diplomacy or brutal and difficult combat.

I could further continue on about other benefits but will end with one more. Gaming experience can improve a persons understanding of society. In many cases games such as Grand Theft Auto or the Call of Duty franchise bring light to a dark yet some what believable version of society. In many cases these can be fun but what many players realise is that this version of what is or could be may be devastating in the face of reality.



-Alex

Article: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-10-portal-cognitive-skills-lumosity.html
http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/34-the-good-and-bad-effects-of-video-games