Gaming has its pros and cons. But when it comes to the overall quality of life and daily skills, it has some benefits. They can do everything well if you don’t play all day. Keep things in moderation. Here are some of the benefits of gaming to improve your skills in general –
Teaches Self-Control
The best games are the ones that are tough and challenging. Getting the very rare achievement or defeating that ultimate boss at the end feels like a true reward. Our brain releases dopamine when we play a really tough game. It teaches personal accountability and perseverance. Our brain feels the reward and teaches us to focus our actions to control our real-life situations. These types of lessons are easily applicable.
Video games also help in therapy
A New Zealand research team in 2012 had treated depressed teens with a game “SPARX.” To be specific, the game was designed especially to provide therapy to them. There were 168 teens of 15 years of age on average, and they had depression. Over half of them were given 1-on-1 counseling and used as a control group, while others were allowed to play SPARX. The group of teens who played SPARX showed great results. As a result, 26% of participants recovered with conventional treatment, and over 44% of teens recovered with gaming.
Video games connect people
Games with huge social impact or following can be helpful to make new friends. There are even some games that can make you want to go out, such as Pokémon Go. They build a community with shared experiences. Online multiplayer, conversations, and tournaments can be helpful to players to connect with others and make new friends who share the same interest.
Improve Multitasking Capabilities
Video games bring intensive management and situation awareness like Call of Duty. They are known to improve the ability to deal with auditory and visual distractions at the same time. It is really helpful in improving productivity in real life. Multitasking is a great gaming skill you can excel on. It helps improve productivity both at work and at home.
Improve reading skills
Italian researchers shared evidence in 2013 that video games can improve daily skills, such as reading. They study two children’s groups from 7 to 13 years old. One group played a slow-paced game while others played Rayman Raving Rabbids. They found the group who played a fast-paced game could read more accurately and faster.
Improve problem-solving skills
Whether gaming improves, overall intelligence is not clear yet. But they are definitely known to teach new skills. It doesn’t really mean you can get smarter. Some games can improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and comprehension skills. There are also large numbers of educational and fun games and apps that are suitable for kids of all ages.
Shooters can improve eyesight
The University of Rochester conducted a study in 2009 and found that shooting games can improve eyesight. Players who had fun killing bad guys in games like Call of Duty had improved their vision and ability to differentiate minor changes in contrast to the image.