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Ever since technology introduced the wonder of online games, there’s been a long-running argument as to their effects on our brains.
Older generations have frowned upon such indulgences in the past, sometimes viewing games as time-wasting, or tools that can negatively affect brain functions.
Some cases of violent behaviour among teens and young adults have been blamed on games. However, with time, scientists and psychologists have invested in understanding the powerful effects that online games can have on our minds. A lot of the results point to these new pastimes being a source of mental skill enhancement in several ways, including:
1. Resource management
Online games often use resources to facilitate gameplay, and sometimes, move from one level to the next. The gamer learns how to manage these resources to run for as long as possible while exploiting gameplay for the best results.
These skills can come in handy in real life, such as when planning finances. Online casino slot, such as the Sun and Moon slot machine is apparently one of the most ways this skill can be acquired. This free slot game runs on credits that are used as stakes to set the game in motion.
Players learn how to spread out their stakes so that they can exploit more winning chances, even though the payouts collected are smaller than they would be if big bets were used.
2. Multitasking
Online games train the brain to track several evolving variables simultaneously. With several objectives to pay attention to, this muscle understands how to be flexible and shift tactics within a short period to deal with the most pressing issue at hand.
In games like Fortnite Save the World, players are presented with the task of building forts while fending off the zombie-like creatures. In the middle of building the structure, the gamer can be attacked by the husks, which demands that they shift their strategy to deal with the surprise that has emerged. The same goes for the online battle royale version of the game – players will have to multitask at times, for example building a fort, changing weapons, lining up a shot, moving from the storm all at once.
3. Hand-eye coordination
Most online games demand doing two things at once to ensure the success of their mission. In shooting games, for instance, and as mentioned above, the gamer has to run, shoot, and track at the same time. Even in a simple game like Pac-Man, players have to eat the small yellow dots while keeping track of the four ghosts to avoid being eaten.
Once all these elements have been considered visually, players have to coordinate their next move using their hands. This skill requires excellent hand-eye coordination to interpret and react to the situation at hand. In some cases, medical professionals have confessed to how playing video games has helped them improve their surgical skills.
4. Problem-solving
At the heart of nearly every online game is a problem that needs solving. For instance, in the game Angry Birds, players have to help the birds beat the green pigs that are invading their land.
In Candy Crush, one is required to match as many candies as possible within the provided number of moves or time to proceed to the next level.
In Clash Royale, players must keep a track of their total elixir, available cards, allies on the game board, incoming enemies, the status of their towers’ health and the health of their opponent’s and so on.
Such indulgences train the brain to come up with creative solutions in short periods, which helps in real life too.
5. Accuracy
This positive impact on our brains can be sourced from video games since they demand the gamer to make quick decisions while maintaining accuracy, whether it’s shooting a bullet or making a mechanical play or skillshot in League of Legends.
This tactic is especially crucial in today’s world that is continuously moving at a fast pace. Being quick and accurate in the workplace can be a positive.
6. Fast decision-making
Online games require one to think on their feet, which means that the analysis of the situation should be done quickly. In some games, players are put in situations that demand such fast-paced thinking. These can simulate stressful events that give your brain muscle a real workout trying to figure out the solution – and adding the pressure of having to do it fast.
Therefore, it acts as a tool to train the player how to deal with stressful situations in real life. Video games have been used to improve this skill in soldiers, since the action found on the screen can simulate real life situations on the battlefield. When the brain is already used to quick thinking, it will do so in reality with greater ease since the response is already imprinted.
7. Reading and calculation skills
Many games come with the demand to read and calculate things. The player is required to read through instructions to understand their mission, abide by the storyline and receive info on what is happening in the game.
In blackjack, for example, quantitative analysis is required to improve the chances of winning. This, in turn, helps gamblers improve their calculation skills.
8. Risk-taking
Many online games require the player to take risks to complete their mission. In Call of Duty, players have to actively go out and search for the enemy while trying to get to their destination. This means they will be exposed to fire for most of the experience.
Without putting themselves in the line of danger, they won’t end up winning. Most games run on the same basis, where the player is only rewarded if they pull themselves out of safety and into the danger. High risk, high reward.
9. Hypothesis testing
Education experts have compared gaming to tackling scientific problems. Some say an approach to gameplay is similar to having to create a hypothesis in the laboratory. For instance, in a shooting game, players have to test different weapons in varying situations to see which one works best.
If one does not work on an enemy, they have to adopt another hypothesis and try with another weapon. This approach teaches one to be driven to acquire their goal, even if several routes have to be tested out in order to get there.
10. Handling frustrating situations
Online games can simulate frustrating situations, and it is the work of the player to try and get through them. These conditions can help players better handle similar stressful conditions in real life, while keeping a level head to understand the best way forward.
11. Better judgement skills
A lot of online games require the player to make judgement calls that determine the direction the gameplay takes. For instance, when playing blackjack, players have to choose whether to Hit or Stand depending on how they weigh their chances of landing the right card value.
12. Focus and concentration
Video games have been proven to help children with attention-deficit disorders focus on one task at a time.
These indulgences can ‘rewire’ the mind to drive attention to one thing, by throwing enough stuff at it. This can help maintain its focus.
13. Teamwork
A lot of online video games such as Fortnite offer the option to fight alongside other players online to complete the mission. Winning each round demands that the gamers work together to defeat the enemy, which of course is an important skill that can be applied outside of gaming too.
The bottom line
Many new online games come with numerous improvements that reward players. Even so, they’re not always without their downsides and so it’s good to be mindful of that and play in moderation.
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