We are all used to hearing that video games are bad for us: they make you lazy and, of course, violent. But, guess what! Science is starting to tell us otherwise. Not only are video games not bad, they can even be good for you. And we’re not just talking about having fun, but real benefits for the brain and emotional well-being.
training for the brain, and more
According to studies, for instance, video games make the brain work like a real personal trainer.
Imagine playing Portal or Call of Duty: not only do you have to make decisions quickly, but you also have to maintain concentration, orient yourself in space, react to sudden stimuli and plan strategies to defeat the enemy (Granic et al., 2014). But it not only action games that bring benefits. Some games such as Ring Fit Adventure combine fun and physical well-being, improving both mind and body: yes, you can improve your fitness while fighting monsters or solving puzzles!
learning from failures
If there is another thing that video games teach you, it is that falling is never the end. They make you realise that you can always try again, adjust your strategy and improve. This is a valuable lesson off-screen as well, as it makes players develop resilience and the ability to cope with failure without becoming demoralised (Granic et al., 2014; Huang & Cheng, 2022).
Dark Souls is the perfecr example of this: dying in the game is almost inevitable, but every death teaches you something new about how to tackle the next challenge. So, the next time you fail an exam or don’t get that job you want, remember: you are only playing the hardest level, but you will succeed!
play to learn
Video games are not just shooters or fantasy adventures. Some titles allow you to learn without even realising it.
Take Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, a game that teaches you geography while having fun. Or there’s This War of Mine, which lets you experience war from the perspective of civilians, raising awareness of difficult issues such as survival and ethics in times of conflict. And then there is Minecraft, a game that looks simple but offers endless creative possibilities. Building worlds, solving problems and experimenting freely are activities that stimulate your imagination and teach you how to think innovatively.
the social side of video games
And that’s not all: those who say that vieogames isolate people have never played an online title. Games like Roblox or World of Warcraft are real social platforms where you can learn to collaborate, communicate and solve problems as a team. These games teach you how to communicate, cooperate and solve problems as a team, even with people you don’t know (Huang & Cheng, 2022).
relax and emotional wellbeing
Finally, there are the emotional benefits. Having a bad day? Fire up the console.
Many gamers use video games to relax and manage stress, immersing themselves in virtual worlds where real-world worries fade away for a while. This is also because when a difficult challenge is overcome or a particularly demanding level is completed, the brain releases dopamine (Granic et al., 2014). It is therefore not surprising that video games are also used as therapeutic tools to help manage anxiety and depression.
In short, video games are more than just a distraction. They train you, make you more resilient, help you socialise and even manage stress. So the next time someone criticises you for spending “too much” time playing games, let them know that you are simply enhancing your brain.
