National Video Game Day: Gaming is Not Just for Fun!
Video games can often be a lot of fun, but sometimes people give them a bad reputation and fail to recognize some of the many benefits that can come from playing video games. So today for National Video Game Day I’m going to highlight some of those potential benefits.
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Socialization. While there is a stigma about gaming being socially isolating, the rise in online multiplayer games has actually increased socializing and group problem solving. But even without online, video games often serve as a reason to get together with your friends in person and play.
Leadership. Leading often requires strong decision making skills, especially in crisis situations, games frequently require a player to rapidly take in information and react and adapt quickly and so practice and strengthen these skills. Many games also reward other leadership traits and so motivate players to take on similar roles in real life as well.
Physical activity. While not all games require full body interaction, even those that only require a handheld controller can motivate us to get up and move. For example playing virtual basketball can translate into wanting to practice playing basketball in real life as well, especially for younger children.
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Vision. Did you know gaming in moderation may actually improve your vision? Some studies have shown players developed greater discernment between varying shades of grey, while others focused on strengthening a player’s weaker eye. Though I believe the key word in this may be moderation.
Pain management. One may think that distraction is the primary source of this benefit, but apparently gaming can also produce a pain-killing response in our brains, particularly when a game is more immersive. So much so that virtual reality systems may become an important pain management tool in hospitals one day, guess that’s another possible win for gaming!
Quality surgeons. Speaking of hospitals, video games are also helping to create better surgeons. Studies have found that laparoscopic specialists who played for more than three hours a week tended to make almost a third less errors in practice than those who did not. Which may be less surprising when we consider the nature of laparoscopy.
There are a number of other possible benefits to gaming, including reducing stress, increasing cognitive functioning, curbing cravings, helping with dyslexia, improving balance for those with multiple sclerosis and more. So maybe gaming isn’t just fun after all.
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Happy National Video Game Day! So if you feel up to it, hit pause, set down the controller and join in by answering the following questions before you get back to your game:
Do you have a favourite video game and/or gaming system? What makes it your favourite?
What are some of the benefits you’ve personally experienced from gaming?
One of the words that came up was moderation. How often do you find you play? Do you feel like that is too much? Just enough? Not as much as you’d like? What do you think would be a healthy balance for you?
Sources: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/65008/15-surprising-benefits-playing-video-games
https://www.parents.com/kids/development/benefits-of-video-games/
https://forms.gle/tSRzfxpQJvvYpZXh6 Feedback & Ideas Form, Share your ideas!
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@EmotionsListener
I was actually looking forward to one of these, I was never a big gamer, but because of the COVID pandemic, I've had a lot of spare time to myself, so I got into a lot of games when there wasn't anything else I could have done.
Do you have a favourite video game and/or gaming system? What makes it your favourite?
I would probably have to say playing Skyrim SE/AV on my PS5, which I also managed to sneakily buy. It's probably my favourite because there's a lot to do and an entire universe to get lost in, and to me that's what games should be about, to like, forget the real world for a while.
What are some of the benefits you’ve personally experienced from gaming?
Probably just being able to switch off and relax from your real life responsibilities. It's good to sometimes take a break and it can be really enjoyable.
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One of the words that came up was moderation. How often do you find you play? Do you feel like that is too much? Just enough? Not as much as you’d like? What do you think would be a healthy balance for you?
It is important to moderate yourself, but as all things it can be really difficult. I would probably say being able to complete all your tasks for the day before you play games is a good strategy to make sure nothing goes over your head :>
@Meifeng
I think a lot of people found some release in video games over the last few years, including many who maybe hadn't played much before.
Sneakily buying video games hmmm? 😉 Skyrim sounds fun, it's nice when a game has a variety of things to do and explore, as you say it's easier to get drawn in to the game and distract for a bit when a game is engaging like that.
Being able to take a break and relax can definitely be a great benefit from gaming. I'm glad you are able to take some time to do that.
Moderation can definitely be hard, but as you say if you complete the necessary tasks first it can help you find that balance more easily. Then you just have to remember to unplug and go to bed right?
Thank you for joining in and sharing with us!
@EmotionsListener
1. I play on the PC. My favorite genre is turn-based strategy, followed by rally driving, and casual puzzles. I have played Civilization for more hours than I can admit. but my favorite now is Unity of Command 2. For rally, the "Dirt" series, and Minimetro for casual puzzles.
2. The main benefit is to forget about my always-looming "to-do list" and relax by having some pure fun. Strategy games and puzzles train analysis and decision-making I guess. And driving games, train reflexes and vision. Historical strategy games also lead you to study the history of that period.
3. I play far less than I think would be healthy for me. I need more breaks, and video games are one of the most powerful tools for that. Strange as it might sound, I am forcing myself to play at least a few hours a week. 1 hour a day would be optimal, I think.
Thank you for your great post, with such intriguing ideas, that go against mainstream thinking.
@HealingTalk
My main source for playing games was also the pc for a long time. Turn-based strategy sounds fun though I imagine it requires some good players to join you? Overall it sounds like you have a nice variety of interests to suit your mood at the time!
Sounds like you are getting lots of benefits! I'm glad you brought up learning about history, that's another of the many benefits that came up while I was reading up on the topic. That games with historical basis can generate an interest in learning more about the time period.
As for setting aside time to play and relax, that can be an important thing to do each day, while it doesn't always have to be spent gaming, if that is what you enjoy, that sounds good to me. I am definitely all for making time for your hobbies as part of self care and maintaining mental health.
Thank you for joining in and sharing your thoughts with us!
@EmotionsListener
Thank you for your kind words!
When in highschool I used to play table strategy games (with carton pieces on a carton map) with friends. The ones on the PC I play mostly against the game's AI
Yes, videogames are a powertool in my toolbox. Like an electric screwdriver...
Thank you again, and see you soon!
Marcelo.
@EmotionsListener
Happy National Video Game Day!
Do you have a favourite video game and/or gaming system? What makes it your favourite? Yes, I do. Some of my favorites:
-Assassin's Creed
- The Witcher 3
- Halo Infinite
- Skyrim
and I have only recently begun to play Elden Ring...
What are some of the benefits you’ve personally experienced from gaming? It's a fun hobby, and I find it relaxing to play.
One of the words that came up was moderation. How often do you find you play? Do you feel like that is too much? Just enough? Not as much as you’d like? What do you think would be a healthy balance for you? It's not really an addiction. I've a number of hobbies, and lately I've been trying to reduce the amount of time I spend in front of the screen. But when I feel like it and have time, I play for 3-5 hours max, with many interruptions.😆
@Helpingheart23
Looks like Skyrim is a favourite for a few! It seems there are so many good games out there, it's hard to not want to play them all! Elden ring looks like it would be fun too!
Relaxation can definitely be an important benefit! But as you say too much screen time can be a downside to gaming, so it can mean trying to add in a variety of hobbies. I can definitely relate to playing for extended periods of time, I like a lot of the puzzle games and have a terrible habit of needing to play all the way to completion when I start. Fortunately it's something I don't do very often.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and favourites with us!
Great post @EmotionsListener <3
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Do you have a favourite video game and/or gaming system? What makes it your favourite?
I'm not sure if it's classed as a video game but I love Sims freeplay
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What are some of the benefits you’ve personally experienced from gaming?
There are so many tasks and challenges in the game that help me practice time management, money management and I also really enjoy making 🌈 characters as an escape from the real world.
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One of the words that came up was moderation. How often do you find you play? Do you feel like that is too much? Just enough? Not as much as you’d like? What do you think would be a healthy balance for you?
I think I mostly balance it well, although maybe the timed events I can be on it a little too often!
@Lou73
Thanks Lou!
I think I would think computer games/mobile games would also be included, given video games are often just computer games played on a dedicated console. I know a lot of the Sims games are quite popular!
Time management and financial management are some interesting skills that you can indeed learn from games, especially simulation games. While some may say it's a low risk setting in real terms, emotionally learning hard lessons in a game can still translate to real life learning! Also yes the escaping from day to day life seems to be another much enjoyed benefit for many.
Ah yes those timed events where if you want to finish the event you have to devote way too much time to playing can be tempting and make moderation harder to maintain! I find I try to give myself permission to play some events completely rather than all evens partially as an attempt to balance.
Thank you for sharing some of your gaming experiences with us!
@EmotionsListener
It's been a while since I've sat down and enjoyed a video game, I just wanted to say amazing job with this thread! Very informative and insightful :D
@SirenOfSerenity
Thank you, maybe you can find some time to play soon? I tend to go through long stretches without playing then play intensely for even just a few days before taking another long break.
@EmotionsListener
1. I love Earthbound, it's my favorite game from childhood and is still one of my biggest influences for inspiration. Favorite console is PS5, it has most of the games I want, good multiplayer capabilities, and overall has everything I need.
2. I know that a lot of my insightfulness, strategizing, open-mindedness, creativity, and determination comes from games. Also, playing harder games and/or horror games has made me a lot more capable of staying calm under pressure.
3. I never get to play them enough. Honestly, I'd love to be able to access them all the time. If I can get some time in without interruptions, I can be a lot happier and have more capacity to get a lot of balanced things accomplished.
@Torean
Earthbound sounds like a great game! Seems you are well versed and know what you want in a game system as well!
Gaming can definitely fuel our creativity while requiring us to strategize and work hard to achieve our goals while trying to stay calm under pressure! Those are some wonderful benefits you've identified from your experiences gaming.
Sounds like gaming helps you to feel rested and ready to tackle all the other tasks in your day, uninterrupted time can definitely be challenging to find, but hopefully you can find ways to make a bit of that time for yourself regularly.
Thank you for joining in and sharing your thoughts with us!
Personally, I prefer playing on my PC, but to be honest, I don't even remember the last time I played anything besides live casinos. But I can tell you that I'm a huge fan of Assassin's Creed. Speaking of benefits, I can say that it's just an amazing way to get distracted and reduce stress, and I really appreciate it. And as for balance, I just don't have enough free time to play as much as I want, but at the same time, it helps me control everything.
Edited by @EmotionsListener to remove spam content- 20 Sept 2022
@MilkyWay99
I'm glad you are able to enjoy games and that they help relieve your stress. Sometimes free-time can be limited and so help us have the moderation we may otherwise struggle to get, but I think many would appreciate having more free time to do what they want regardless.
I did need to remove some content from your post, I hope you will understand. Thank you for joining in, and I hope you get to play some Assassin's Creed soon!
I still prefer to play games more for fun or when I want to relax, unwind. Most often it is cs go. But by the way, not so long ago I found a cool platform for cs go players Here you can buy different cs go skins, for example, awp mortis skin, which seems to me a great investment and also interaction with game content.
@EmotionsListener good post we cna give a lot of experience on this one.. /pos
Do you have a favourite video game and/or gaming system? What makes it your favourite? Our favorites currently (it changes a lot) are Payday2,minecraft, and hotline miami. I don’t know why they are our favorites i guess they just make us feel good
What are some of the benefits you’ve personally experienced from gaming?
For us we have found sort of a release of anger, i don’t know if this is bad or not but especially if we play “violent” games like payday 2 or hotline miami. They also just kind of give us something to focus on and work towards.
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One of the words that came up was moderation. How often do you find you play? Do you feel like that is too much? Just enough? Not as much as you’d like? What do you think would be a healthy balance for you?
We probably play at the most 3 hours per day. Though i would say recently especially during the weekdays it’s probably max 2 hours. It’s bot how much we’d like bht we get bored easily because adhd lol. We do get to play more during the weekends though.
@RaccoonGang2
Glad you are able to find a lot of enjoyment through gaming, it sounds like you have a wide variety of interests and experiences with lots of games and favourites can often change. I find I get in the mood to play a certain game for a while then play it a lot and don't want to play it again for a long time and another one will become my favourite for a while.
Having a way to release anger can be useful, and whether that is good or bad can often be about how you feel after the release, if you find it gets it out of your system and helps you feel less angry that would probably be a good thing, but if it seems to make you angrier instead, that may be less of a release and more feeding into it, which might not be good. You say it gives you something to focus on and redirect your energy so that sounds good to me.
Moderation is definitely hard to find with a lot of things, with only 24 hours in a day it's hard to get enough while having time for everything else that we need to do as well! I certainly wouldn't mind taking a few hours soon to play, it's been a long time for me without any of that sort of fun.
Thank you for joining in and sharing your love of gaming with us!
@EmotionsListener
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Do you have a favourite video game and/or gaming system? What makes it your favourite?
➤ My favorite console is the switch, and it's hard to pick a favorite game. Right now, it's Assassin's Creed Black Flag. But my favorite series might be LoZ.
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What are some of the benefits you’ve personally experienced from gaming?
➤ Better hand-eye coordination. But mainly, an outlet for me to escape to/let out my stress.
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One of the words that came up was moderation. How often do you find you play? Do you feel like that is too much? Just enough? Not as much as you’d like? What do you think would be a healthy balance for you?
➤ I usually will play for a couple hours. I'll play every day for a week or so, then I tend to take a break and come back to it later. I wish I could play more consistently but the same amount of time. I think it's healthy though - I don't typically play or want to play for more than 2 hours at a time.
@faron
Those sound like good games to play, I actually have one of the Legend of Zelda games for my wii... and yes I still have a wii. I find different types of games appeal to me when I am in different moods so I would struggle to choose a favourite as well.
Better hand-eye coordination is certainly a cool benefit, but I think I'd have to agree that it's mostly a recreational outlet for me as well. Just take some time to have some fun and not think about all the other problems or demands weighing on me. I hope you keep having fun and getting time to let go of stress.
Moderation can be achieved in so many ways, as you say you may play a lot for a period of time then take breaks in between. I find I'm also like that, where sometimes that is the 'coping tool' I need more and enjoy most so it gets my focus until I need something different. So it does sound healthy to me that you find your own form of moderation and balance.
Thank you for joining in... Hmm now I may have to go play "Twilight Princess".
@EmotionsListener ooh i still have a wii too. i've had it for a long time, i don't even remember a time when i didn't have it lol (got it when i was around 5). mario galaxy has to be my fav on the wii. and i tried twilight princess a couple years ago and stopped playing, i don't remember why. also im stuck on the end of skyward sword lol.
definitely a coping tool for me too, those times when i play a lot are when i really need some kind of distraction