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The Added Benefits of Playing Online

By Mario Alexander on October 16, 2023.

In the past, most parents dismissed playing games as a waste of valuable time. However, they were wrong! Online gaming is fun, but it is not just about having fun and scoring headshots! As you engage in online games, you develop certain skills and character traits that can help you navigate real-life situations. This comprehensive piece dives deep into the fascinating online gaming world to unravel the added benefits that go beyond the screen. Time to dig in!

Improves Cognitive Skills

A report published at the National Institutes of Health revealed that video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children. In the study that involved 2,000 children, they discovered that children who played video games for at least three hours a day performed better in cognitive skills tests.

You are probably asking – how does playing video games improve my cognitive skills? Here are some notable examples:

Game Type	Benefits
3D video games	Enhances recognition ability and spatial memory.
Action video games	Improves reaction time without reducing accuracy. Enhances player visual processing capability. Improves spatial abilities such as multiple-object tracking, enumeration and visuo-motor coordination.
First-person shooters	Enhances player mental flexibility making them better at switching between tasks and adapting to changes.

Have you ever played The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? It is an action-adventure game that promotes cognitive skills like spatial awareness, critical thinking, and problem-solving. You must solve complex puzzles, strategize in combat scenarios, and circumnavigate complex environments. As you can see, the game presents an engaging way for players to improve their cognitive abilities and have fun while at it!

The same is also true for online casino games like blackjack and poker. Players must develop various skills and apply multiple strategies to win. Moreover, they must learn to read their opponents and know when to strike the winning blow. If you love online casino games, you might want to check out these quick withdrawal sites for a better gaming experience. What's your favorite online casino game?

Develops Problem-Solving Skills

Conventionally, online games train players in problem-solving and strategy development by requiring them to solve increasingly byzantine problems. In most instances, the tasks are time-bound, which enables the players to develop efficiency in their decision-making. Furthermore, a study by Florida State University found that playing online video games helps gamers develop their creativity.

When you play online games, you are essentially exercising your brain. Most games require players to employ a certain strategy to stay alive or win a match. For instance, an online poker player must know how to use bluffing as a strategy to get their opponents to show their hands. If they don't employ this strategy effectively, it might backfire on them! They must also have an investment strategy to take care of their finances. In this sense, online gaming is an active pastime, especially at the cognitive level.

Promotes Social Interaction

Gone are the days when gamers were lonely folks stuck in their basement. Thanks to online games, gaming has become an increasingly social activity. For example, multiplayer modes and online communities have enabled gamers from all over the world to connect and collaborate in real time.

Gamers can team up to tackle a challenging situation or compete head-to-head in an eSports game. Moreover, gamers can chat with fellow gamers, share gaming tips, or boast about their achievements in different games. These interactions help to foster friendships and teamwork among gamers.

It is also critical to remember that modern online games come with an in-game communication tool, such as text messaging or voice chat, that allows players to build camaraderie or coordinate strategies. In the end, the shared experiences and shared victories help build a sense of belonging that eclipses geographical boundaries and brings people together in a virtual gaming world where social bonds flourish.

What's more, online social communities are not bound by traditional building blocks of identity such as age or appearance. Here, a 13-year-old American girl, a 30-year-old Australian wife, and a 44-year-old Canadian engineer can all belong to the same gaming community. Amazing, right?

Develops Hand-Eye Coordination

To be a top dog in online games that require real-time movement, you must have fast reflexes. Whether you're playing with a mouse, keyboard, controller, or your finger on the touchscreen, your movements will help improve your hand-eye coordination.

A study conducted by the University of Toronto found that individuals who play action games online usually nurture better sensory and motor skills and have an edge in learning patterns. In this regard, various reports have suggested that surgical residents and medical students who enjoy online video games perform better on simulators that offer training for laparoscopic surgery.

Additionally, the reports claim that surgeons who played online action games before surgery helped reduce errors and completed their operations faster than their peers who didn't play video games before their surgeries! Can you imagine that?

Based on different studies and reports, it is evident that playing online video games has a profound impact on the gamer's sensory and motor skills. What's your view on online games?