The Benefits of Gaming

If you’ve ever played video games, tabletop role-playing games, skill-based card games or anything else that involves interacting with other people in an interactive way, chances are you’re a gamer. But what does that mean exactly? And what are the benefits of gaming?

Many people have preconceived notions of gamers that don’t always hold up to closer examination. They may think that gamers are lonely, anti-social young men wasting their lives in someone’s basement. The reality, however, is that gamers are a diverse group of people who spend a significant amount of time gaming, often for extended periods of time. They are also passionate about their hobby and able to connect with other gamers across the world through online communities.

Video gamers are skilled at navigating uncertain territory and scenarios and getting themselves or their teams out of precarious situations safely. This is because of the intense concentration and focus required to play video games, as well as the training their brains receive through frequent playing. In fact, recent research has shown that frequent gamers have improved impulse control and working memory compared to non-gamers. This can be a major benefit for workplaces as it means that video gamers can take calculated risks, rather than impulsively reacting in the moment, to make smarter decisions in stressful situations.

There are many different types of gamers, from Achievers who enjoy achieving goals within the parameters of each game to Explorers who like to explore all aspects of the game, uncovering hidden areas, secret rewards and exploring glitches. And there are Completionists, which combine elements of both the Achiever and Explorer personas, seeking to fully complete a game to feel a sense of achievement and closure.

The 5% of gamers who fit into the Enthusiast persona prefer to get engrossed in energetic and active games that require fast reaction times, hand-eye coordination and strong storytelling. They may also seek out multiplayer games and spend money on hardware to increase the immersion of their play. They tend to spend more time watching streams of other gamers and keeping up with the gaming industry but do not see gaming as a replacement for their real-world hobbies and interests.

It is important to note that gamers can be at a higher risk of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. This is because they may become engrossed in their gaming and lose sight of the real-world, which can lead to poor performance at school or work and social isolation.

For this reason, it is important to set aside time for other hobbies and activities to keep a balance in life and avoid spending too much time on gaming. It is also crucial to monitor gaming habits and the length of time a gamer plays each day. For example, studies have shown that if gamers sit for long periods of time, they can experience posture issues such as rounded shoulders and a curved back that can result in back and neck pain.