Video games are now a significant component of human culture. Many people enjoy playing them to pass the time and boost their mood. But do you know that not only kids enjoy this activity? Adults are spending more and more time playing video games. In fact, video games not only keep people interested but also help people become more socially healthy.
A growing body of research demonstrates that playing video games can improve mental health. Some medical professionals are recommending video games to treat anxiety and depression! This guide can provide a few points on playing video games which can enhance your mental health. Read on to learn more!
Does Playing Video Games Improve Mental Health?
Since their beginning, video games have come a long way, and they continue to develop. With so many advantages, it's no wonder they're a well-liked form of entertainment. During the initial COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, gaming quickly became one of the most popular pastimes. The list below shows how video games can be good for your mental health.
1. Mental Stimulation
Video games are a great way to stimulate your mind. They are often thought to be mentally stimulating and can be used to sharpen thinking abilities. Generally, video games may aid memory, problem-solving, and reaction time improvement during each gameplay.
Evidence shows that children and adults can benefit cognitively from playing video games. Studies have shown that playing video games boosts brain activity in regions related to focus and visual cognition.
Many video games require players to use critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, whether it's to solve a mystery or defeat an enemy in battle or win a war. The more these skills are used, the more adept people become at using them in other areas.
Children with learning disabilities can benefit greatly from playing video games. Through repetition, they can enhance memory recollection. The ability to see clearly and comprehend how objects fit together is enhanced in gameplay.
Video games can also be used to teach you problem-solving skills, which is a skill that will be very helpful in the future. If you have a battle where you have to shoot targets to destroy enemies, you must decide what type of weapon works best for each situation.
2. Emotional Resilience
Being emotionally resilient means being able to recover from trying circumstances. It's the ability to recover quickly from negative emotions and return to a productive frame of mind. However, there is more to video games than just creating fun.
Cause and effect are major themes in video game platforms. When you take action, the world around you is affected, and you must deal with the outcome. They show you how to handle failure while not giving up entirely.
Because they have much control over what players do in gameplay, video game designers can adjust the difficulty level to suit the lessons they want players to learn. They frequently try to impart the lesson of continuing to play even when things go wrong in the beginning.
The more video games you play, the better you get at them and the more assured you are of your abilities. As a result, you have a variety of abilities and knowledge at your disposal when you encounter a challenging situation you never imagined in the real world.
Gamers may feel more inspired to connect with others and be more validated for their true emotions. Video games have become virtual worlds filled with plots, characters, and scenarios. Generally, they are tools for learning and socializing among friends or strangers online.
3. Sense of Achievement
Your free time would be well spent playing video games. It can make you wonder if playing video games makes you feel like you are accomplishing something significant. And it's not just the fun that can happen in a game itself; it's also what happens after you play for a while.
You start to imagine yourself as someone who completes tasks confidently in gameplay. According to a 2018 study, a mobile educational game can efficiently foster conditions that increase enthusiasm for accomplishing goals.
Multiplayer games, like Counter-Strike, allow collaboration to accomplish a common objective. Each gamer plays with cooperation for a team and shares ideas to achieve something bigger than any one person could do alone.
There are video games for people of all ages and preferences. The best thing about video games is that they can be played on various platforms and genres. New games like Final Fantasy, Kirby and the Forgotten Land are available on various platforms.
Players in multiplayer games must work together to accomplish a common objective. While other games allow gamers to compete against their friends. They come in different platforms or consoles with various titles from quality brands, so there is something for everyone.
4. Playful Experimentation
Video games, particularly those with a story, have come a long way since early games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man. They are also adapted to movies for more entertainment value.
Today's digital games are more complex with the art style than in the past decades. They can be immersive, challenging, and downright fun. Games like Firewatch have a central mystery journey, while Gran Turismo is every hobbyist's game.
In a video game, you can experiment with things you might not feel confident doing in the real world. Researchers found out that their role of gaming has positive impacts on those individuals seeking treatment for gender dysphoria.
Video games allow you to try out new things with your characters without consequences. You can experiment with different hairstyles, clothing options, or even skills you want to master without worrying about real-world repercussions.
According to Harvard GSE, video games can also teach children important life lessons through playfulness experimentation. These lessons include teaching children how to deal with failure and disappointment.
Other games let you play in many ways with various characters. Gamers constantly decide what actions to take next based on their knowledge and experience. A video game can be played as an outlet for individuals who may struggle to express themselves freely.
5. Real-world Cooperation
There are many ways to play games in the modern world. Video games are useful for practicing new abilities in a secure setting. They can instruct gamers on tackling issues independently.
Everyone needs to learn how to collaborate with others at some time because it is a crucial life skill. Building a house or winning a war are examples of goals that need collaboration. But in this digital age, your favorite video games become an avenue for friendship.
One of a video game's most effective aspects is its capacity to take players to a different reality and submerge them there. In a virtual environment, you can control individuals who will allow you to experiment with new possibilities and tactics for your gameplay.
Video games can teach players about cooperation through social interactions with other players in online environments. You can become drawn into the game's story, aesthetic, and overarching concept, found in games like Final Fantasy or Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
A study found that playing video games with others can have various positive impacts since it teaches players that lending a hand is gratifying and common. Initially just an online myth, stories of gamers becoming friends are now becoming true, country to country.
Commercial Video Games May Be Used As Therapy
The video game industry had $159.3 billion in revenues in 2020. In this digital age, there may be more than 3 billion gamers worldwide in 2023. The majority of the revenue from this market comes from commercial video games.
Video games are also a powerful tool for improving mental health, not only for entertainment. By producing games meant to assist children in coping with learning disabilities, some businesses have elevated therapeutic gaming to an entirely new level.
Commercial video games, such as those on the Xbox or PlayStation, are designed to be entertaining. They are not designed to be therapeutic tools. These games often aim to achieve goals within a certain amount of time.
Since they can also be used for treatment purposes, there has been a growing curiosity about using commercial video games as therapy. Watch the video below for more information about the impact of these games.
Video: Will Video Games Eventually Replace Your Therapist?
According to researchers, commercial video games could potentially be used in preventive medicine. The researchers found that these platforms can assist mental and other health institutions in preventing, diagnosing, and rehabilitating mental diseases.
Researchers or clinicians have modified some commercial video games to make them more useful in therapy. Commercial video games are referred to as "hardcore games." The list of hardcore games below is useful in managing mental health issues:
Sea of Solitude
Sea of Solitude is an indie video game developed by Jo-Mei Games and published by EA Originals. Founded in November 2009, it is playable on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It is a single-player exploration game about a journey through loneliness.
The game's protagonist is a young, isolated woman living in the Sea of Solitude. It is a story of how her power can shift into a socially adept monster. She gains new insights into herself and how to assist others as she progresses through the game.
Depression Quest
Depression Quest is a video game that aims to raise awareness of the important subject of depression. It accomplishes this by placing you in the position of a depressed person who is always attempting to cope.
Generally, it is a story of specific life events presented to you, and you must try to manage your illness, relationships, career, and potential treatments. When you either feel better or give in to depression, the game is over.
HellBlade: Senua's Sacrifice
HellBlade: Senua's Sacrifice is a third-person action-adventure game published and developed by Ninja Theory. The gameplay is similar to Ninja Theory's previous titles, but its story focuses more on realism.
In short, the story follows Senua, a Celtic warrior embarking on a journey through the Viking Hell to rescue her dead lover. The player controls Senua as she fights bad guys and solves puzzles to progress throughout the rest of the game.
Play Only in Moderation
Playing video games with friends is a great way to bond, learn new skills, and expand your intellect. But it’s crucial to understand how to play video games properly. While playing video games in moderation can be healthy, playing them excessively can harm your health.
Some people play as an escape from real-world problems like stress or sadness. When you’re occupied racing in Gran Turismo or battling enemies in Final Fantasy, it’s simple to forget about your worries. However, if these issues are not resolved, they will eventually resurface.
With too much video gaming, you may miss moments like watching a film or a TV show with your family. You don’t want something like that to happen, especially if you are anxious when trying to stop playing for a while.
There's nothing wrong with spending some time playing video games. The problem is when it becomes a compulsion or an obsession. It can interfere in the future with other aspects of life, such as schoolwork or relationships with friends and family members.
Therefore, it's important to remember that no matter how much fun you have or how much progress you make in your game, it's not real life. You can't expect your problems at work or home to disappear once you log off your specific console or PC.
Top 3 Gaming Rigs For You
1. iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC
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The iBUYPOWER Y60265i is a gaming computer with an excellent choice for gamers who want a top-notch gaming experience without breaking the bank. This desktop has many features that make it ideal for playing new games.
Additionally, tThis gaming computer has an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB hard drive. It also has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3070 graphics card with 8GB of memory. If you want to purchase a PC with smooth gameplay, try iBUYPOWER Pro for the new year.
Pros
- It has a lot of ports
- Operates with less noise
- Its glass case has a sleek design
Cons
- Not recommended for 4K gaming
- Lacking on cable management
2. Skytech Shadow Gaming PC
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Skytech Shadow is a gaming computer with an Intel Core i5 10400F processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, 1TB HDD, and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3050 Ti graphics card.
This gaming computer comes with a preloaded Windows 10 operating system. It has all the features of premium desktops but at a fraction of the cost. If you want a PC that can deliver the power of a high-end video card, Skytech Shadow is one of the best deals.
Pros
- Lots of RGB lighting
- Its processor is a major plus
- Runs new games up to high graphics settings
Cons
- Its power supply needs improvement
- Future CPU updates are incompatible with the Intel version
3. Thermaltake Glacier 360 Liquid-Cooled PC
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The Thermaltake Glacier 360 is a liquid-cooled PC that’s designed for gaming. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, so it can handle just about any video game you throw.
The Glacier 360 has a chassis made from tempered glass and steel with magnetic mounting. It includes a wireless network adapter and 3 case fans that support ARGB, and two fans in the front. Try this computer if you use it for heavier processing tasks.
Pros
- Its cooling system is commendable
- The case has an amazing design
- Processor can run high-graphic games
Cons
- All of the components are open-source
- The pre-built market is newer to Thermaltake
Other Recommendations
BENO MOBIUZ EX3410R 34" WQHD (3440 X 1440)
Experience gaming at its best with the BENO MOBIUZ EX3410R 34" WQHD ultrawide monitor. Its HDRI technology optimizes color performance and detail contrast, while the bezel-less design creates a distraction-free viewing experience. The 21:9 1000R curved screen immerses you in intense imagery, complemented by industry-leading built-in speakers for immersive audio.
You'll stay fully engaged with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT, along with gaming features and shortcuts. Switch between inputs seamlessly with HDMI and DP ports. BenQ Eye-Care technology ensures eye comfort with low blue light filters, flicker-free technology, and adaptive brightness.
Pros
- Freesync Premium and color optimizer
- 1ms MPRT response rate and 144Hz refresh rate
- Built-In Speakers
- HDRI Optimization
- Light Tuner
- Brightness Intelligence Technology
- Adjustable Height
Cons
- Lack of G-Sync or FreeSync Support
- Connectivity limitations
LOGI STREAMCAM PLUS GRAPHITE
Capture and share your online world in stunning detail with the LOGI STREAMCAM PLUS GRAPHITE. This versatile camera streams and records in full HD 1080p resolution at 60 fps, ensuring smooth, high-quality video content. Additionally, with its premium glass lens and smart auto-focus system, achieving professional-looking results is effortless.
Take advantage of advanced features like auto-framing and intelligent exposure to consistently look your best in any lighting condition. Whether recording YouTube videos or streaming on platforms like Twitch, the Logitech StreamCam elevates content creation to the next level with its exceptional video performance and intelligent features.
Pros
- Full HD 1080p resolution at 60 fps
- Versatile Usage
- Premium Glass Lens and Auto-Focus
- Auto-framing and exposure
Cons
- External Microphone Requirement
- Compatibility limitations
APEX PRO MI
Step up your gaming and typing performance with the APEX PRO MI, the world's fastest keyboard. Powered by OmniPoint 2.0 technology, it surpasses standard mechanical keyboards with an impressive 11x faster response and 10x swifter actuation.
Additionally, you can take advantage of the 2-in-1 action keys, enabling dual functions for the same key to enhance your gameplay versatility. The 60% form factor saves desk space while maintaining full-size keyboard capabilities with side-printed functions. Enjoy the durable double shot PBT keycaps, providing a premium texture for improved keystroke feel and typing accuracy.
Pros
- 2-in-1 Action Keys
- 0.2MM touches to deliberate 3.8MM presses speed
- Durable PBT Keycaps
Cons
- USB port required
- Expensive
- No Wireless Option
The Purpose of Playing
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Playing is a universal phenomenon. In humans, playing occurs in every stage of life, from infancy through adulthood. It can be solitary or social, competitive or cooperative, physical or mental, and it can take place indoors or outdoors. Playing is also important for human development, both physical and cognitive.
One basic theory states that all forms of playing serve an adaptive function by stimulating the neurological systems responsible for learning. Playing also provides opportunities for children to develop social skills such as cooperation, sharing, and negotiation.
Its function is to help people grow mentally, emotionally, and physically. Generally, it helps people learn how to interact with others and develop social skills. In addition, play helps people understand the world better and prepare for future challenges.
Playing Video Games Can be Beneficial
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Video games are a form of entertainment that people of all ages can enjoy. They offer a way to relax, unwind and spend time with friends and family. There is also evidence that video games may be beneficial for mental health.
Video games are often stigmatized as a waste of time, but research shows they can be beneficial from one game to another. They're especially good at helping people become more creative, improving problem-solving skills, and strengthening social connections.
Are you looking to start playing video games? Visit our website, and we’ll gladly put together a gaming setup for you! Also, do you agree that video games are beneficial? Let’s talk down in the comments!
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