Brain Power
Video games can improve a player's ability to focus and quickly react to things on the screen. What brain skill is this called?
Attention/Reaction Time
Many video games require players to pay close attention and react quickly to changes. Studies show that action video games can improve attention and reaction time, which are important skills in many real-world situations
Many video games involve puzzles, missions, or obstacles. What important skill do players practice while completing these challenges?
Problem-Solving Skills
Games often require players to think through problems and figure out solutions, just like solving puzzles. This can help strengthen problem-solving abilities that are useful in school and everyday life
When people play multiplayer games together and communicate to complete missions, what important group skill are they practicing?
Teamwork
Multiplayer games often require players to cooperate and communicate with teammates. This can help improve teamwork and collaboration skills
Many people play video games after school or work to relax and reduce what feeling?
Stress
Just like listening to music or watching movies, playing video games can help people unwind and relax after a long day
Video games can improve hand-eye coordination. Name one job that benefits from this skill
surgeons, pilots, athletes, or engineers
Hand-eye coordination is the ability to coordinate what you see with how your hands move. Video games often require precise movements, which can strengthen this skill
Research shows video games can improve what type of memory that helps people hold and use information for short periods of times?
Working Memory
Working memory is the ability to hold information in your mind while using it. Video games often require players to remember maps, strategies, and objectives at the same time, which helps strengthen this type of memory.
Strategy games often require players to plan several steps ahead. What thinking skill does this help improve?
Strategic thinking or decision-making
In strategy games, players constantly make decisions and plan their next move. This helps develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills
True or False: Online gaming communities can help players form friendships with people around the world
True
Online games allow players to connect with others who share similar interests. Many players develop friendships and communities through gaming
Some research shows that playing enjoyable games can improve what aspect of emotional well-being?
Mood/Happiness
When players complete challenges or achieve goals in games, it can create feelings of accomplishment and improve overall mood
What fast-growing professional industry has developed around competitive video gaming?
Esports
Esports has become a global industry with professional players, tournaments, sponsorships, and millions of viewers
National Institutes of Health. (2022). Video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/video-gaming-may-be-associated-better-cognitive-performance-children
American Psychological Association. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/02/video-game