Video games have become popular entertainment, especially for the younger generation.
These games have been developed, featuring stunning graphics and unique gameplay.
While all these games can be fun, many wonder if they make you smarter. Several researchers have proven that video games can improve cognitive skills.
They have also discovered that gamers develop better problem-solving skills than non-gamers. As a result, they concluded that video games can make you smarter.
But how true is this? Do video games make you smarter when you play them consistently, or do they only have adverse effects?
This article sheds more light on the impact of video games, so keep reading to find out more.
Positive Effect of Video Games
Video games have several positive effects on their players. These include:
Promotes Physical Activity
Being more active when playing games can help you maintain a healthier weight and stay fit. The best kind of video game for this is a virtual reality game.
Most of these games will demand you to move around or, at the very least, stand up. With this, you exercise, which is healthier than sitting too long.
Though VR is not as common as other games, it will soon become popular. Gamers have found virtual reality gaming more fascinating and rewarding than traditional video gaming.
Improves Cognitive Skills
Video games develop your cognitive abilities. In other words, they improve your ability to concentrate, think, remember, learn, and reason.
These skills can be very beneficial and are essential in our everyday activities. You’ll need cognitive abilities for things like driving, reading a map, or shopping.
Many vocations also demand cognitive abilities. Math, natural sciences, engineering, meteorology, and architecture are just a few fields that require such.
Improves Your Ability to Multi-task
Playing video games improves one’s ability to multitask. Many action games require the player to complete numerous tasks at once.
For instance, when playing a first-person shooter game, you must keep track of your parameters while moving your character and gazing at your adversary.
This helps you complete daily tasks successfully and efficiently.
Makes Decision Making Easier
Playing video games can assist you in making better decisions in real life. Action game players, in particular, are more likely to make faster and more accurate decisions than non-gamers.
This is a result of the fact that they must try to make quick decisions while playing complex games.
Enhances Social Behaviors
Though excessive gaming can lead to antisocial behavior, some encourage you to socialize with other players.
Playing video games can also improve your collaboration and establish stronger social ties. Such communication happens in games where teamwork is necessary to conquer an enemy.
The social aspects of gaming have also grown beyond playing onscreen. For example, gaming may be a popular topic of discussion among students at their respective schools.
New game teams and clubs are also emerging on social media platforms, giving gamers room to interact.
Increases Hand-to-eye Coordination
Gamers who play regularly have stronger sensorimotor abilities than participants in non-video game activities, and this is because they must master hand-to-eye coordination while playing.
Thus, video gamers are better at certain activities like typing and biking.
Games That Can Make You Smarter
There are several game genres in circulation. However, only some of these genres positively impact your mental health. Below are some of the games that can make you smarter.
First-Person Shooter Games
A player’s hand-to-eye coordination must be excellent for a proficient first-person shooter. A player must keep track of the enemy’s position, speed, and direction almost every second of the game.
Also, when calculating these parameters, you must coordinate your character’s action with your gamepad.
These games also require a player to be a swift thinker and make fast conclusions.
All of these functions are foundational skills for scientific thinking. Nevertheless, several first-person shooter games are violent, and they may harm the minds of young children.
Some of these games are:
1. Call Of Duty
Throughout the game, players play in futuristic battlegrounds, using new strategies to deploy weapons and achieve victory. Here, you find vehicles such as hoverbikes and highly specialized drones.
2. Battlefield 4
In Battlefield 4, the player controls Sargent Recker, who is in charge of a group of soldiers. Battles occur on land, in the air, and on the sea. Players can use a variety of weapons and must have several survival abilities.
Action Games
In action role-playing games, you take on the role of a character in a fictitious universe. The characters have a goal in mind as they navigate a dangerous environment.
Each player must undertake rapid analysis and make quick decisions to achieve their goal. As a result, it has almost the same effect as first-person shooter games, but at a leisurely pace.
However, aside from its slower pace, there are many additional elements. Here, the decision-making process is more complicated than in first-person shooter video games.
By putting the player’s ability to reason to the test, the games also challenge the player’s learning ability. Good examples of these games include Witcher 3, Middle Earth, and The Elder Scrolls.
3. Witcher 3
The Witcher is a role-playing game in which the player assumes the character of Geralt of Rivia. Geralt is a monster hunter and the Witcher who is on a quest to locate his adopted daughter, who went missing.
The Witcher 3 is the third installment in the Witcher series. Here, an awe-inspiring open-world adventure awaits the player, who can also complete side tasks and gain experience points.
You can also earn cash to purchase or repair the necessary equipment to accomplish your mission.
Players must employ weapons, magic, and potions to combat the game’s creatures and other hazards.
You must also exercise decision-making skills, hand-to-eye coordination, and adaptation in the face of continually shifting scenarios during the game.
4. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor
Talion, a Ranger, is the protagonist of an open-world video game in which the player assumes control of him.
Though there is a primary objective, the player can do side chores and explore the world. As the player continues through the game, Talion’s abilities as a Ranger and a Wraith become more powerful.
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5. The Elder Scrolls Vs. Skyrim
Here, a player can play in the first or third person. In addition, you can freely explore the world of Skyrim, which has several wilderness stretches, dungeons, cities, and villages.
Players can also travel via horses or with a fast-travel feature. The character must choose from various weapons, armor, and magical spells when fighting.
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Strategy Games
Strategy games develop your ability to plan, strategize, and deal with limited resources and logistics when necessary.
Adaptability is also essential when playing a strategy game, as in real life. If anything unexpected occurs while playing, the player must change strategies.
Playing a strategy game also demands rapid analysis and decision-making.
Additionally, playing complicated games might help you enhance your other cognitive abilities, such as memory retention and critical thinking.
Below are some of the strategy games you can play to become smarter.
6. Civilization 6
Since its debut, Civilization has become a favorite for fans of strategy games. Civilization 6 is the sixth installment in the series. Here, players strive to become the World’s Rulers by creating and building civilizations worldwide.
Wars, diplomacy, the development of new technology, and clashes with powerful characters are all part and parcel of the game.
7. XCOM Enemy Unknown
When playing XCOM, players investigate an unknown adversary. They must also manage an operational base, plan combat missions, and direct the movement of soldiers during battles.
8. Starcraft
Starcraft is a science fiction strategy game in which several extraterrestrial civilizations battle for domination.
Each species has its combat units, requiring a different strategy to succeed. The game also necessitates managing resources to develop and maintain teams.
Conclusion
Video games make you smarter by improving several skills. However, remember that excess gaming can have a reverse effect. Therefore, balancing gaming and other aspects of your life is paramount.
