There will be an estimated 3.07 billion video game players by 2023. Video games are no longer a niche interest. Whether you play on your phone, your PC, or a console, you’re in good company if you’re a gamer.
But what are the benefits of playing video games beyond just having fun? Is there anything good that video games bring to the table? Let’s talk about it.
Read on to learn some of the top benefits of video games.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
The majority of video games, even simple ones, require problem-solving and decision-making. When you play video games, you get to stretch your problem-solving muscles in a low-stakes environment. These skills can translate into “real-life!”
Many video games require a lot of planning and solving puzzles. Whether you’re planning your island in Animal Crossing, figuring out how to navigate a challenge in one of the countless Mario games, or simulating a factory in Satisfactory, there’s always something new to analyze (read the full article on AleForge.net on Satisfactory).
In video games, there’s an incentive to figure things out. You won’t be able to progress if you don’t! In the real world, incentives are often harder to conceptualize, so it’s easier to give up on solving a problem if it isn’t directly impacting you.
Video games teach you how to slow down and analyze situations before taking steps to move forward.
Socialization Opportunities
This isn’t true for all games, but there are plenty of games that either have strong online communities to get involved in or that have actual multiplayer capabilities.
Many people think of “gaming” as being a solitary activity. While it’s true that you can play games alone, becoming a gamer actually opens you up to a community of other potential friends, even if you only play single-player games.
If you choose to play multiplayer games, you also get to learn important social skills. You’ll learn all about cooperation and sharing while you work together with a team to reach a goal.
Many people who struggle to form bonds in the “real world” forge friendships with online gaming groups. In 2022, being a video game enthusiast doesn’t have to mean that you’re a loner.
Simply look at sites like Twitch where people share their gaming experiences with others and form communities!
Plenty of Trivia Facts
This might seem like one of the sillier benefits of video games, but we think it’s a good one. You can learn plenty of real-life facts from games, even if the games aren’t strictly “educational.” If you’re a trivia lover, playing games can help.
There are, of course, educational games. There are games about history, math, science, and more, but those are mostly for students.
Even non-educational games can throw fun facts your way. They may be set in a real-world historical environment. They may teach you about real weapons, like historical swords.
Some games feature plenty of legitimate science. You didn’t sign up for a science lesson, but you might get one anyway. Plenty of games also require at least a tertiary knowledge of physics, so you’ll be learning!
Sure, it’s not like you’re taking a class, but you’ll still be learning something valuable while you’re playing games.
May Promote Physical Activity
Again, this isn’t true for all games, but it is true for some of them. More and more games come out every year that encourage players to get up and move.
Virtual reality games, for example, allow players to move their hands and act as their in-game characters. While virtual reality games are still in their infancy, they’re providing new opportunities to get up and play.
There are also consoles with built-in movement opportunities, like the Nintendo Switch. There are several games that encourage players to actually exercise and stretch while they have fun.
If you hate going to the gym but love playing games, there are options for you to get fit!
Can Help With Language Acquisition
This is a fantastic benefit for children and adults alike. Any video games that require reading will help with language acquisition.
For children, there are plenty of language-focused games available, but this isn’t really necessary. Even playing a normal game that features plenty of things to read will encourage quicker language acquisition and better reading skills.
If your child doesn’t have the attention span to sit down and read a book, reading the text in a videogame might be a good alternative.
If you only speak one language and you want to speak another, using a game that has multiple language options is a great way to do that. After you play the game once, change the language for the next time you play. You’ll be forced to use context clues and learn the language to play the game.
Can Improve Concentration and Tenacity
It seems like attention spans are always getting shorter. While some people think that video games are to blame, playing games might actually help with concentration!
Video games reward you for taking the time to complete tasks. It may take you twenty tries to beat an in-game baddie, but your tenacity and concentration will be rewarded.
This ability to sustain attention on a specific task will carry over into the real world. You’ll find that you’re able to pay more attention to “boring” things when you’ve been paying attention in-game.
Those Are the Benefits of Playing Video Games
The benefits of playing video games go beyond the screen! You’ll experience better concentration, improved problem-solving skills, opportunities to make new friends, and more.
Too many people think that playing various types of video games is a waste of time. They’re wrong! For more helpful articles about the top trending topics, check out the rest of the site.