Complex, challenging, and ambitious, video games have come a long way
since the simple arcade titles of the 1970s—and evidence is mounting
that the benefits of play go well beyond entertainment and improved
hand-eye coordination. In honor of Video Games Day (today), here are 15
ways games are programming better people.
1. THEY'RE PRODUCING BETTER SURGEONS.
While you may think you want your surgeon reading up on the latest
medical research instead of playing games, you might want to reconsider:
a study of laparoscopic (small incision) specialists found that those
who played for more than three hours per week made 32 percent fewer
errors during practice procedures compared to their non-gaming
counterparts.
2. THEY MAY HELP PEOPLE OVERCOME DYSLEXIA.
Some research points to attention difficulties as being a key
component of dyslexia. One study has shown dyslexics improved their
reading comprehension following sessions of games heavy on action. The
reason, researchers believe, is that the games have constantly changing
environments that require intense focus.
3. THEY COULD IMPROVE YOUR VISION.
“Don’t sit too close to the television” used to be a common parental
refrain without a lot of science to back it up. Instead, scientists are
discovering games in moderation may actually improve—not strain—your
vision. In one study, 10 weeks of play was associated with a greater
ability to discern between different shades of grey. Another had
participants try to play games using only their “lazy” eye, with the
“good” one obscured. Those players showed significant, sometimes
normalized improvement in the affected eye.
4. YOU MIGHT GET A CAREER BOOST.
Because certain genres of games reward and encourage leadership
traits—providing for “communities,” securing their safety,
etc.—researchers have noted that players can display a correlating
motivation in their real-world career goals. Improvising in a game can
also translate into being faster on your feet when an office crisis
crops up.
5. PLAYERS CAN BECOME FASCINATED WITH HISTORY.
Many games use actual historical events to drive their stories. Those
characters and places can then spark a child’s interest in discovering
more about the culture they’re immersed in, according to researchers.
Parents who have obtained books, maps, and other resources connected to
games have reported their children are more engaged with learning, which
can lead to a lifetime appreciation for history.
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