How Video Games Enhances Cognitive Thinking
Video games have recently become more popular, with the market worth about $282.30 billion in 2025. Many worry about the impact video games will have on people’s work performance and social abilities. However, some studies show that the impact might be positive rather than negative.
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Video Gaming Then and Now
Video games have been around since the 1950s, and in 1967, the first home console prototype, The Brown Box, was designed. Ralph Baer, the inventor, licensed the device to Magnavox. With this partnership, the Odyssey was born as the first home console device to enter the market in 1972.
Gaming grew from there as people realised that other gaming devices could also be converted to an online format. For example, in 1994, online slots appeared in Microgaming’s first online casino. Now, online slots are extremely popular. Hundreds of providers like Red Tiger Gaming, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play, are available.
In today’s age, the industry has branched out to offer various themes and game types. Today, there are about 3.32 billion gamers worldwide, with about 715 million in Europe alone.
Benefits of Video Games
Video gaming has many benefits for people if used correctly. Below, we check out what advantages games can have on cognitive thinking.
Better Response Times
Video games train your response times, especially in capture and combat situations. Even if you don’t like to play typically “violent” games like first-person shooters (Counterstrike, Fortnite, Valorant, etc.), you can still train these response times by slice-of-life games like Palia. Palia currently doesn’t have any combat in the gameplay, but players can catch fish, deer, and insects, which requires fast response times.
Improves Reading Ability
Most games require players to read dialogue or instructions. When you first start playing a game, instructions on what buttons to use and how to do something will pop up. This not only helps improve your reading ability but also helps you become used to written instructions. Most dialogue will also have a written portion, which makes you get used to reading and listening at the same time.
Grows Visual-Spatial Skill
Players typically need to navigate the in-game 3D world to reach important destinations or complete missions. While a minimap or large map is sometimes available, players often need to improve their visual-spatial skills to successfully navigate to a new location. This helps cultivate the skill of learning how to navigate in real life while driving or exploring a new city.
Promotes Teamwork and Social Skills
Many games are now online and have multiplayer options. This means that often, you need to work together to reach your goal. It helps people learn how to take leadership in a group setting and also how to follow instructions when necessary. They also learn how to peacefully resolve disputes and how to make decisions on the fly. This can be beneficial in the work environment when you have to take the lead on a project.
Encourages Problem-Solving Capabilities
Most games have some problems that players need to solve to complete the game’s plot. Whether it’s by figuring out how to complete the mission or by literally solving a puzzle in-game. It improves their problem-solving capability and helps them more easily recognise solutions. It also enhances their critical thinking ability, as you need to make decisions that determine the direction the plot moves in and how other in-game characters react to the player.
Stimulates Creativity and Visual Memory
Imaginative play is important at all stages of your life. It helps you be more creative and enhances your visual memory and critical thinking capacity. Video games are one way to continue it, and they improve visual memory. Players need to remember important aspects of the game to complete puzzles and missions.
How Video Games Can Enhance Your Memory
Video games are one way for people to improve their memory and train themselves to remember things better. It helps them learn the essence of storytelling, which not just helps them make an impact on others, but also enhances their own cognitive ability and influence.
It Provides Motivation
These games motivate people to learn and remember information. The player is the main character of the story, and they can gain achievements from solving something. They’re rewarded with in-game currencies, items, or medals. It’s also a fun way to memorise some information, such as history or social cues in the workplace. Gamers can also compare their stats with other players in a friendly competition, which can make people feel more confident.
Improves Memory in Adults
No matter how old you are, games can still help you improve your memory. Studies have shown that adults that play digital puzzle games have better concentration when focused on a task. Further, adults who reported playing strategy games had better working memory. Concentration and working memory is essential in the workplace.
How to Keep Video Gaming From Becoming a Problem
The issue with video games is that they can become addictive and take over your life. Banning games completely will often cause it to become even more of an obsession. Instead, implement some personal rules to keep the positive influence of the games without it becoming a singular focus:
- Implement a balanced media plan. You should ensure that you spend enough time on non-gaming activities to keep a healthy lifestyle.
- Be mindful of your use of gaming devices. Understand the dangers of the internet, hidden messages, and placing your information on the internet.
- Keep the gaming devices out of your bedroom. Instead, place it in a common area or study so that you don’t get distracted in your place of rest.
- Play different types of games. Not only will this train different parts of your brand and cognitive abilities, but it also helps prevent becoming obsessed with a game. If you focus too much on one game, you can ignore other important things in favour of it.
Effectively Using Video Games
It’s almost impossible to not interact with video games in some form. It’s become a large part of society and is available on social media and other online platforms. It’s important to interact with it in a positive capacity. Users can get the benefits of gaming, like better memory and critical thinking, without becoming obsessed.