In Defence of Video Games
Last week, I finally accepted that the shows stacking up in my Netflix Watchlist would remain untouched for the rest of time, and I cancelled my subscription after 10+ loyal years. In truth, there’s something else I’d rather do when I switch on my TV at the end of a long day, and I’m no longer ashamed to admit it: I love playing video games.
Throughout my childhood, I got used to receiving backlash when I tried to bring up my favourite games. I’ve heard it all: “Gaming is a waste of time”, “Those games are rotting your brain”, and not to forget, the old classic: “You just pretend to play games to impress boys!”.
I was always left asking: “Why?” Why is gaming seen as a lesser form of entertainment than, say, watching a TV show, reading a book, or even scrolling TikTok? The negative connotations (no doubt thanks to media depictions) make us think of sunlight-deprived teenagers, surrounded by empty energy drink cans and fast food wrappers, shooting each other up in Call of Duty for days on end.
Could similar not be said for other home-based hobbies? Binge-watching and doom-scrolling are also examples of these activities being taken to extremes but are infinitely more socially acceptable.
So, let me take you into the world of gaming for good. Aside from simply being a way to pass the time (which is a perfectly valid reason to play in itself), when enjoyed responsibly, gaming is a hobby that comes with a host of proven benefits for all ages.
And, whether you’re after an epic adventure in an expansive fantasy world, a calm and cosy farming simulator, or a brain-flexing strategy game, there truly is something for everyone.
Hand-Eye Coordination
L-R: Activision, Ubisoft
The benefits of gaming on visuomotor control, or hand-eye coordination, are backed by science: regular gamers have been found to pick up new sensorimotor skills faster than non-gamers. Research even goes so far as to suggest that video games could one day form part of effective medical treatments for people with conditions affecting their visuomotor control!
Where to start: Research suggests that action- and combat-heavy games like Call of Duty or Assassin’s Creed are great for improving hand-eye coordination.
Problem Solving & Strategy
L-R: Valve, Larian Studios
The huge range of puzzle and strategy-based video games on the market have been shown to improve mental flexibility, decision-making, and executive functioning in day-to-day life.
Even many epic-scale adventure games have puzzles littered throughout, encouraging the player to engage with complex challenges and use the world to their advantage (I still have beef with God Of War: Ragnarok, for giving obvious hints to every puzzle 0.0003 seconds after entering the room. At least give me a chance to look around!).
Where to start: For a game with a puzzle-solving main objective, try Ace Attorney or Portal. If you want to combine intricate strategy with an epic adventure, try Baldur’s Gate 3 (don’t worry, you can still enjoy it with no prior knowledge of the first two!).
Fostering Social Connections
L-R: Hazelight Studios, Ghost Ship Games
It’s common to think of gamers as socially isolated, but I think we ought to give video games more credit when it comes to fostering social connections.
Take my relationship as an example. My partner and I live over 200 miles away from each other, so playing games is one of the main ways we’re able to spend time with each other when we can’t physically be together (I’m still traumatised by the elephant level in It Takes Two… if you know, you know).
Also, consider the benefits of gaming during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Gaming sessions gave many friendship groups something to connect over when separated by distance. The hours we spent in Among Us screaming matches over Zoom are a true “you had to be there” phenomenon.
Where to start: For a social gaming experience across long distances, try It Takes Two or Deep Rock Galactic. Playing in person? Consider Mario Party or Jackbox Games.
Focusing Attention
L-R: Rockstar Games, Nintendo
Once again, science comes to our defence! Research suggests that playing action video games can improve cognitive functions, including focused, sustained, and divided attention.
Anecdotally, I find this holds up, as video games keep my attention more effectively than any TV show. This is probably down to the fact that gaming engages so many senses — I have to watch, listen, and use my hands. There’s no room to get distracted by my phone!
Where to start: For an engrossing experience, consider expansive adventure games like Red Dead Redemption or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Just remember to set an alarm — it’ll be 2am before you know it!
Relaxing and Unwinding
L-R: ConcernedApe, Nintento
Contrary to the stereotype of screaming down a microphone, there are a host of slow-paced games that can help us relax and unwind at the end of a stressful day — no different to watching a comfort show or cosying up with a book!
Where to start: For a more chilled gaming experience, take a look at Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Donut County.
What’s your favourite game to unwind with?
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