We often hear from adults phrases like "don't sit in front of the screen for so long, you'll go stupid." However, recent research silences them, proving that video games are anything but stupid.
As reported in an article in the newspaper Eleftherotypia, many university studies support how video games improve creativity, decision-making ability and perception. The benefits that one derives from games vary from hand-eye coordination to improving the ability to drive at night.
Specifically, those who played action-based games were able to make decisions 25% faster, without losing accuracy, than those who didn't play. In fact, gamers can make decisions and act on them four times faster than non-gamers.
According to the University of Rochester, the most skilled gamers can focus on over six things at once without getting confused, unlike a normal person who can only have up to four in their mind at once.
As psychologist Sean Green, from the University of Wisconsin, explains, "video games change your brain. That is, what playing the piano does, or learning to read and drive. All of these change the physical structure of the brain, as the combination of concentration and reward stimulates neurotransmitters such as dopamine, strengthening neural circuits, following the same way that exercise builds muscle. But games hit the reward system in a way that not all activities do.".
Another study by researchers at Queen Mary and University College London shows that Starcraft, and complex real-time strategy games in general, improve mental agility and multitasking.
"Our research shows that cognitive flexibility, a cornerstone of human intelligence, is not a static trait, but can be practiced and improved using fun tools like gaming," said researcher Dr. Brian Glass, of the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences at Queen Mary University.
This new information for many comes as no surprise to professional players, who have seen the results of long hours of training.
"Sometimes, when we make decisions, information is limited, and having experience with games like Starcraft can help you prioritize in the most efficient way, or react in a way that makes more sense," he said.
On the other hand, we should not forget about shooting games (First Person Shooter), which increase reflexes, coordination, concentration and multitasking.
