Advantages of Playing Games — Despite Popular Opinion

Video games are staples of British households that aren’t exclusive to kids, teens, or adults alone. Nowadays, every gamer, regardless of their age, can find a video game out there that meets their taste. But provided the gamers’ age and maturity meet the video game’s requirements, video games can have a positive impact.

Also Read: 10 Best New Games of May 2023.

Benefits of Playing Video Games

There are some advantages to playing video games which we’ve highlighted below.

Esports

The birth of Esports opened up a whole new revenue channel for sponsors like EA, Epic Games, and Respawn Entertainment. Talented professional gamers from around the world now have the chance to try out for prestigious gaming clubs, where they receive training from coaches on various tactics specific to different Esports titles.

Some Esports video games are Apex Legends, Fortnite, Dota 2, FIFA, League of Legends, NBA 2k league, Baseball, Valorant, and CS:GO. Like with sports, Esports Betting is another sub-niche thriving in the Esports industry. Apex Legends alone rakes in millions of viewers per year, and with up to $5 million in prizes, there are bound to be gamers ready to take advantage of the competition.

Increases Your Social Skills

Video games help players practise their social skills when they compete against other gamers. Have a score to settle with your sibling? Then, invite them to a friendly FIFA23 match to release the tension. Video games, when used right, will even let two or more strangers bond. 

Improves Dexterity 

Video games are said to improve your dexterity, that is your ability to perform skills with your hands. A recent study involving a group of surgeons found that those who played video games were 37% more efficient in their surgeries. Also, video games help physical therapy patients to acclimate to using their hands. 

Become Better at Problem-Solving

Players who play video games a lot will get better at solving different problems thrown their way. Whether it’s unravelling intricate puzzles or devising strategies on the virtual football field, gamers excel at thinking quickly and adaptively. In fact, research has even uncovered a direct correlation between strategic gaming and improved academic performance in children. However, this doesn’t mean you should allow your kids to indulge in gaming excessively.

Improved Mental Well-Being

Feel like there’s a fog in your head? Well, video games can help you dispel any unwanted mood swings. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom aren’t only graphically stunning, they’re also renowned for their brain-teasing nature. If you’re ever feeling down, video games are a quick way to get your mood back up. 

Encourages Tenacity 

Games like Sekiro teach players the invaluable lesson of perseverance. In Sekiro, players will die hundreds of times before they get the hang of the fast-paced combat. Yet, you’re encouraged to die more often with the game granting players two lives later on in the game. That way, you can assassinate unaware targets. But once you understand the game mechanics, you’ll start seeing the game in a new light. When you work hard for a victory, it’ll be all the sweeter. It is a philosophy that applies to all good things worth working for in life.

Visual-Spatial Skills 

Video games are said to improve gamers’ visual-spatial skills. It means they get better vision over time, plus a higher awareness of everything in their line of sight. In short, they can pick out the subtle nuances of whatever they’re seeing.

Better Alternative to Cravings 

Whether you’re craving your next snack or just trying to break a personal habit, video gaming is a good replacement. There are tons of games online, such as Shooter, Strategy, War, Puzzle, Adventure, and Horror titles. So, you can play any game that piques your interest. Luckily, would-be players don’t have to buy a console or build an expensive gaming rig to start playing games. Even your smartphone offers tons of games in the aforementioned genres.

Our Final Say

There are many other benefits to playing video games other than the reasons we highlighted above. Some circles even say video games help with autism, so the benefits are far-reaching. Nonetheless, playing games excessively can encourage players to live a sedentary life, but taking regular breaks can easily help solve that. In the end, an hour or two of video gaming will prove therapeutic.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why Is it Important to Play Video Games?

Video games are exercises for the brain. It has been known to boost children’s mental health, helping them with skills like social networking, focus, mental health, and many more. It’s twice as important to control the type of video games they’re exposed to, especially if you’re in charge of a minor.

Is Video Gaming Good or Bad?

Video gaming is a hobby and like any hobby, it can be good or bad depending on a few factors. Starting with the pros, playing video games boosts your grey matter so you can think, focus, and execute plans better. However, video gaming encourages a sedentary lifestyle, so gamers should make a conscious effort to keep fit and social. 

How Much Video Gaming Is Good for Kids?

Kids under six shouldn’t play video games for more than 30 minutes, while kids above six should be limited to a maximum of 2 hours. Also, kids should only be encouraged to play video games during holidays. Otherwise, they might get distracted from their academics.