Gaming hasn’t always been welcomed with positive arms, in fact in the past it’s received a steely response by those who believe it isn’t good for kids, promotes violence or stops people from enjoying the great outdoors. But in good measure, gaming is good for you. Here are five reasons why:
It improves concentration skills
The guys at wink bingo have discovered that playing games online is actually an excellent way of improving your concentration skills. Focusing on a task such as a game for a long time can help your brain focus better in the future, improving your abilities in the workplace and on everyday tasks. A first person shooter or a game of poker would be top of the concentration spectrum, as you have multiple things to take note of and keep track of throughout the game.
It reduces stress
The University College of London asked 491 people to take part in a study where they had to play video games after work for at least an hour a week. Those who played apparently demonstrated a lower recovery time when it came to stress, indicating that playing games reduced stress levels and boosted their mood. Children in other studies have claimed that playing video games allows them to channel their anger or stress issues into something, allowing them to escape from any worries and focus on something they find entertaining for a period of time.
It helps you socialise
Online gaming has taken off over the past years, with people live streaming now via services such as Twitch and engaging with those watching them play, as well as the traditional playing online on servers with other people via games such as World of Warcraft or Call of Duty. Many gamers make friends while playing online, these are like minded people they can talk while doing something they enjoy.
It lets you explore new worlds
Video gaming on consoles and PCs is like immersive cinema, it transports you to the depths of space or allows you to navigate a tranquil forest. It introduces you to characters you grow attached to throughout the gameplay and it allows you to even work on relationships and make decisions that will impact the story.
It improves cognitive abilities
Brain games are great when it comes to improving cognitive function, with Nintendo first making a mark on this concept back in the 00s with their Dr. Kawashima Brain Training DS game. People were able to improve their maths skills, spelling and reactions for a few minutes a day and take their ‘brain age’ down from a high number to a lower one.
But action games are said to be stronger when it comes to improving cognitive abilities and have been linked to improvements such as ‘attention skills, brain processing and cognitive functions including low level visions through high level cognitive abilities’ according to researchers Drs. C. Shawn Green and Aaron R. Seitz.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up that controller or sit poised over the A,W,S,D keys and get playing games today!