Most people are familiar with games as a form of entertainment; whether they’re playing an arcade classic like Galaga or an immersive world of sandbox freedom and exploration in titles such as The Witcher or Fallout 4. However, video games, in particular, can be much more than just a way to pass the time. When played with the right intention, these digital experiences can help build cognitive skills and improve brain function.

Essentially, games are an exercise in decision making. By forcing players to make decisions over and over again, they become better at making them in the real world – and there’s nothing more valuable than that.

The nature of games also teaches players how to assess risk and reward, which is a valuable skill in many real-world jobs and activities. Even children’s games, such as Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, are largely luck-based but still teach players how to evaluate the possible outcomes of their actions. More complex online multiplayer games, on the other hand, require players to respond quickly and strategically to the changing landscape of a virtual environment.

In addition, the level of detail in today’s video games requires a high degree of concentration and imagination. This can help hone attention spans and develop memory, which are important life skills. This is especially true for RPGs, which are often praised as “brain training” because of their ability to stimulate problem-solving abilities. This kind of gaming can also boost communication and collaboration skills by requiring teams to work together to achieve success.

Aside from boosting these cognitive skills, games can also provide an outlet for social interaction in safe environments. This type of game can be a fun way for people who are typically socially introverted to interact with others in a more comfortable setting than the real world – and it can help them build confidence. In turn, this can reduce stress and improve overall mental health.

Moreover, the ability to play a game at any age or location means that it can be a great tool for learning a new language, culture, or concept. Studies have shown that simply reworking a lesson into a game can make students more receptive to it. This is because it allows them to solve problems, while also developing social-emotional skills by helping them learn to deal with failure. As the world becomes more digital, it’s important that we find ways to incorporate the positive effects of gaming into our lives. The best way to do this is through gamification. This is the process of taking an activity and transforming it into a game, with a clear objective and rules for play. To learn more about how this can benefit your organization, contact us! Our team of experts is here to answer your questions. We look forward to hearing from you!