For many years, video games were considered mindless entertainment or a distraction for people with a lot of free time. But over time, that perception has changed.
Gaming became one of the most popular hobbies, and scientists from various fields researched their effect on our well-being. And actually, there were many positive results and features that gaming can bring to you.
If you are a gamer, here’s some good news for you: we’ll share seven research-supported reasons why you can feel great about playing. And your brain will thank you for it!
1. Gaming Improves Your Brain
Some games can sharpen mental abilities. For example, action games can improve visual attention, reasoning, and reaction times. Puzzle and strategy games, on the other hand, challenge your memory and logic, and encourage thinking. Some research suggests games can help you stay mentally sharp as you get older.
Certain games are specifically designed to test this theory, and the results are positive: when we challenge our brains through play, they stay more active and responsive.
Gaming is also linked to better decision-making and quicker processing of information. Some games can even improve your reading comprehension and vocabulary, especially ones that incorporate reading, dialogue, and narrative-driven quests.
2. Games Make Life More Playful
As we grow up, many of us forget how to play. Our days are full of responsibilities, deadlines, and pressure to perform, leaving little room for relaxing and playing.
Yet, play is important in our adult life, especially in maintaining our mental health and emotional well-being. Engaging in playful activities allows us to relax and recharge.
Games offer a unique way to reintroduce play in our lives. For instance, we can customize a character or explore magical words, and then reconnect with the sense of curiosity and wonder. That kind of joy is important to improve our overall happiness and increase life satisfaction.
3. You Are Free to Choose – And That Feels Good
Games offer many freedoms and possibilities: you choose or make your character, or decide how to solve a problem. You also decide when to pause and when to press forward.
Our core psychological need is to have control over something, and we have that in our games: we can make some meaningful choices, even in the virtual world, and this can reduce stress and increase our motivation.
Just as games give us choices within their worlds, we also have the freedom to choose which games to play. Some are drawn to strategic challenges and adventures, others opt for quick bursts of fun. Online slots, for example, appeal to many with their wide range of themes, engaging features, and the excitement of multiple paylines.
These games allow players to interact with different patterns and combinations, offering more chances to win and a greater sense of engagement. Platforms like 76PaylineSlots enhance this experience by offering many interactive options within a user-friendly digital space.
4. You Can Get Better At Something
Games require skills and active participation. Whether it’s solving a puzzle, mastering complex combat mechanics, or managing resources in a strategy game, playing games regularly helps you develop some abilities and get better at them over time.
The sense of progress is very rewarding. Some research shows that having a sense of control and competence is important for your well-being.
When you see yourself improving, your confidence is growing. That mindset spills over into real life, and you can have more self-confidence and energy for other projects, business, or personal ones.
5. Games Are Social
People usually think that gamers are isolated people who spend most of their time in a dark room. But reality is very different. Most modern games have multiplayer features, various social platforms, and online communities. This way, people can chat, share, meet, and collaborate.
Research shows that social play is one of the primary reasons why people enjoy gaming. It offers a space where friendships are built and maintained.
For example, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, millions of people turned to online games. This way, they could stay connected with their friends, family, and online communities when physical meetings weren’t possible.
Gaming is no longer a solo activity. It is a social interaction, and a great way to meet other people.
6. You Can Fail, But It’s Safe
Failure can be frightening in life. But in games, it’s a part of the process. You fall. You learn. You try again. And every time, you get a little better.
This can provide you with growth, as you get the feeling that skills can be developed with effort and practice. In educational psychology, this mindset is known to improve problem-solving skills and confidence.
Games provide a pressure-free zone. You don’t just learn how to win, but also how to lose, adapt, and become stronger. This is a valuable lesson for everyone.
7. Games Are Emotional
Today’s games can make you laugh, cry, feel angry, happy, and make you think about your choices. They can also make you feel cozy and relaxed. They have evolved in terms of storytelling and emotional depth. This emotional connection is what makes the games so engaging.
Unlike movies or books, games put you at the center of the story. You can make some tough decisions, save characters, and witness losses. Research in media psychology shows that this level of emotional investment can create a deeper sense of empathy.
Some games, such as The Last of Us, Life is Strange, or Journey, show us that they can be as moving and powerful as any movie. Sometimes even more so, because you don’t watch that story, but live it. This reminds us that video games are not only about action or fun, but can tell real, emotional stories that stick with you.
