Benefits Of Video Games Essay

Computer games industry is now growing rapidly and doesn’t seem to stop. It develops with a great speed and gives incredible profits. Strategies used to create video games, great graphics, realistic sounds, the ability to organize tournaments make them extremely popular among the younger generation.

Since computers and video games have become an integral part of life for most people in the world, talks about the negative impact of these games on the human brain do not stop. Doctors and other experts have repeatedly stated that playing computer games kills neurons in the brain, as well as increases aggressiveness, which may manifest itself in the real world.

However, scientists Michael Donald Patterson and Adam Chi-Ming Oi from the Singapore University of Technology have proved the opposite in their research. In the experiment, five volunteers who had never played video games before, daily played Angry Birds, The Sims, Battlefield 3, Hidden Expedition and other games (Granic & Engels, 2014). A month later, while conducting special tests, scientists noticed that all volunteers started remembering information better, learned to concentrate and to think tactically and strategically, taking appropriate decisions (Hennig-Thurau & Marchand, 2013).

It is noteworthy that the development of certain abilities was directly influence by the genre of selected games. In particular, fans of puzzles show increased rates of concentration, the players in the “shootings” learned to apply nonstandard tactical moves and track targets. As a result, scientists have concluded that computer games are a great exercise for the brain, the effect of which can be obtained very quickly.

Also, a recently published study by the American Psychic Association named “Outstanding quality of video games” (authors Isabela Granik, Adam Lobel, Rutger Engels) assesses the overall picture of the use of video games. Researchers have identified four types of positive impact of video games on kids: cognitive, motivational, emotional and social (Hecht, 2010).

If we talk about the findings of researchers in the most general terms, the outstanding quality of video games are as following. Gameplay has cognitive benefits because the game makes better attention, ability to concentrate and reaction. Games have a positive impact on motivation because the development by means of games takes place under the theory of “the growing intelligence,” which speaks about the benefits of progressive training and capacity developments. Games has sensual benefit because they increase the mood and reinforce the positive emotional state. Social benefits of video games are based on the fact that players can transfer social abilities, which they receive in the course of cooperation in a multiplayer game, to “peer and family matters outside the gaming environment” (Martin, 2012).

Do not forget that the process of playing computer games develops cognitive skills of children. Besides, many popular games require a high level of abstract thinking skills. In order to achieve the goal of the game, the child acquires skills, which he cannot get from the teachers at school. For example, the player must follow the instructions to solve complex problems and use logic in many of today’s advanced games. Such experience will be helpful for the child, teach him to make mature conclusions and responsible decisions and gain knowledge not available in other sources. This is a definite plus of computer games.

To minimize harm of games, parents should keep track of how much time their children spend in front of the monitor and what kind of games they play. Everything has both good and bad sides. We should try to achieve a right balance and get the best out of computer games (Kirby, 2012).

Making conclusion, it is worth mentioning that in most cases, people look negatively at computer games that, in general, is true. Meanwhile, it is impossible not to note their positive impact, of course, when they do not cause a psychological addiction. Recent studies suggest that they stimulate the development of logic and ability to think strategically. French teachers have found a direct link between success in the exact sciences and the love for games among the students. Computer games promote better attention and instant reaction that affects mental abilities of the younger generation.

 

References:

Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. The American Psychologist69(1), 66-67.

Hecht, M. (2010). Players can benefit from video games. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, GA), D4.

Hennig-Thurau, T., & Marchand, A. (2013). Value creation in the video game industry: Industry economics, consumer benefits, and research opportunities. Journal of Interactive Marketing27(3), 146.

Kirby, J. (2012). Brain fitness and video game benefits. Maclean’s125(19), 25.

Martin, J. (2012). Game on: The challenges and benefits of video games. Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society32(5), 343-344.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

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"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
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[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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