Video games are a popular pastime that involve working out strategies and solutions. In fact, many fast-paced video games require players to make quick decisions in order to survive.
Despite the stereotype that gamers are socially isolated, gamers actually spend 80% of their time playing with friends. They’re also out-of-the-box problem solvers because they use trial and error to find ways to beat a game.
1. They train you to think on your feet
Video games have ceased to be simple hobbies for children and are now powerful tools that can help people develop cognitive skills. Studies have shown that playing certain games can help you think more quickly on your feet, improve your ability to problem-solve, and build executive function abilities that are helpful for staying organized in regular life.
Often, video game players need to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles within the game. These might include puzzles, combat strategies or logic challenges. These problems require players to think on their feet and come up with quick decisions to advance through the game. This teaches them how to solve problems on the fly, which is a useful skill for many real-world situations.
Another way that video games can help people think faster is by training them to keep track of multiple pieces of information at once. For example, a fast-paced game like Call of Duty requires players to watch several things at once and make split-second decisions. This has been found to improve visual attention and spatial intelligence, which are both important for making decisions in high-stress situations.
Moreover, the ability to try different approaches to problems is also taught by video games. This is especially true for games that require a trial and error approach, such as the popular Minecraft. This type of thinking allows players to learn from their mistakes, which is a great life skill for dealing with unforeseen circumstances.
2. They teach you to be flexible
Video games often require the player to be flexible, adaptable and to learn from their mistakes. This is an important part of the Thinking Skills Flexibility component. Whether you’re trying to make it through a level with too little health or you are stuck at a certain point in the game and can’t advance, being able to change your strategy and try something different is key to success.
This ability to be flexible and to learn from your mistakes is a huge part of problem solving, and it’s one thing that gamers excel at. In fact, a study conducted by Georgia State University using functional magnetic resonance imaging showed that gamers had better decision making skills than non-gamers. This is likely because the video games they played stimulated their brains and helped them make quicker, more accurate decisions.
The best part about this is that you can use these problem-solving skills in your real life, too. This is why video games are such a great tool for learning, but it’s also important to balance gaming with other activities like socializing with friends and family members, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and resting your brain. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of video games, or want to find some fun and educational ones for your kids to play, check out Kidmons!
3. They teach you to be creative
Video games often require players to come up with creative solutions to overcome obstacles within the game. This can be in the form of puzzles, combat strategies, and even logic challenges. These types of challenges encourage creativity by allowing players to think outside the box and expand their perspectives. For example, if you are playing a game where the goal is to save your friends from a zombie outbreak, you may need to be creative in the way that you approach the situation.
Additionally, video games can also teach kids to be creative in the ways that they design their worlds and build structures. For instance, games like Minecraft can teach children to be creative as they create and explore their worlds. Similarly, many role-playing games encourage creativity by allowing children to come up with their own characters and stories. Moreover, some simulation games encourage creativity by teaching children to manage resources and make decisions that affect the plot.
While many people believe that video games are not good for kids, the truth is that they can be a great way to stimulate the mind and improve problem-solving skills. In addition, they can be a great way to relieve stress and relax the body. Furthermore, playing video games can help you increase your visuomotor control, which is important for hand-eye coordination.
4. They teach you to be resourceful
Video games are often portrayed in popular mainstream media as socially inept, solitary activities for “nerds and geeks.” While gaming is a fun pastime and can foster healthy friendships, it also improves problem solving skills. A recent study by Georgia State University, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), showed that gamers had elevated brain activity and better decision-making abilities than non-gamers.
Many games require players to make decisions about what resources to use, whether it’s money or limited-use items. They must also learn how to arrange their possessions so that they can easily find the resources they need when needed. This skill is useful for both real-life and virtual situations.
Moreover, many games throw players into unknown territory, challenging them to adapt to their environment and develop solutions. This is a valuable skill that many companies seek in graduates. In addition, many games require a lot of patience to get through. Players who are able to stay patient and continue working on their goal will eventually succeed.
Video games can teach you a lot of valuable skills that are useful in the workplace, including communication, adaptability and resourcefulness. They also improve your ability to solve problems and think on your feet, a valuable asset in any business environment. And when you successfully complete a level, you’ll feel good about yourself.
