Video games might be thought of by many as just an entertainment activity, something that might serve as a distraction from the stresses of real life rather than as a tool for productivity. But could these video games really be worth more than that?
There have been suggestions in recent years that playing video games can boost productivity, enhance cognitive abilities and improve problem-solving skills. Below, we discuss some of the benefits that can be gained by gamers looking to get more out of their sessions:
Cognitive Benefits Of Video Games
Many video games require a variety of skills that can improve your cognitive abilities. Strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and multitasking are all skills video game players can apply to their real-life work or studies.
Strategy, puzzle, and roleplay games often require players to solve complex and increasingly difficult problems in order to progress. Classics such as The Legend of Zelda and Civilization encourage players to use critical thinking as they need to find creative solutions to situations while anticipating a range of consequences.
Making the right decision is one thing; making it quickly is another. Real-life decisions often need to be made quickly, and video games have proven to be useful in this arena. First-person shooters and real-time strategy games help train the brain to make quick and accurate decisions under pressure. Studies have shown gaming can be good for your brain, especially for skills such as hand-eye coordination and directed attention.
In many video games, players must be aware of several things going on all at once, encouraging them to multitask. In simulation games, such as Sim City, players must pay attention to threats while managing resources and adapting to new scenarios all at once. This can translate into improving a player’s real life through better task management and skill prioritization.
Reducing Stress And Boosting Focus
One of the biggest things that hampers productivity for many is stress. Video games serve as a great stress reliever for many by offering a temporary escape from the daily grind of life. A fun and immersive gaming experience, such as enjoying a classic arcade game, can let players clear their heads and reduce their worries, allowing them to return to other tasks with a renewed focus.
Many games require a great deal of focus and attention, which can help players improve their concentration over time. Even a perennial title such as Tetris demands precision and patience, which often leads to players developing better focus when it comes to dealing with day-to-day tasks.
Social Benefits Of Gaming
If you play multiplayer games, then you’ll understand that communication is king. Players need to communicate and collaborate effectively to achieve a shared goal. Games such as League of Legends and Call of Duty encourage a sense of teamwork as they require coordinating roles, delegating tasks, and resolving conflicts, which are all things that are crucial in work and life.
Through these cooperative efforts, some leaders will naturally emerge. Those who can quickly make accurate decisions often find themselves as squad leaders in games, managing and inspiring their team to a successful outcome. These skills can be invaluable in the workplace.
Socializing through gaming has really taken off in the online casino sphere as mobile gaming has exploded. Interaction with other players and dealers leads to a much more immersive experience. If this type of gaming is new to you, then there is a wide range of online casino bonuses you don’t want to miss to help let you play risk-free.
With remote work now more popular than ever, digital communication skills that players learn from gaming with others in different places around the globe are more important than ever. Players are comfortable chatting, delivering instructions, and working together through voice chat and instant messaging. They can take those skills into a digital work environment, which seamlessly allows them to be more productive in their role.
Maintaining A Productive Lifestyle
While gaming can be exhilarating and a nice escape from everyday life, it’s important not to overdo it, or the benefits that can be reaped from the activity won’t come to fruition.
Setting time limits on play is a good way to remind yourself to complete other important tasks. Gaming as a reward can also encourage productivity. Completing a task on your to-do list could earn you 30 minutes of gaming time. This breaks tasks and gaming time up, which reinforces positive habits and ensures neither becomes too overwhelming.
The social aspect of gaming is important, so try to play games with others where possible, either in person or online. These games encourage teamwork and cooperation while improving communication skills, which can be vital to a more productive workplace.
Final Thoughts
Video games, whether they might be classics of the genre or modern online offerings, can improve cognitive skills while reducing stress. In addition, the transferable abilities that gaming encourages can translate into a more productive lifestyle.
So, if anyone ever suggests video games are a waste of time, you can be confident that responsible gaming can keep you sharp, focused, and more efficient for the rest of your life.