We live in an ever-increasing digital age, bringing a lot of new benefits and new previously unknown elements to our lives.
Online gaming has been gaining popularity for the last four decades, reaching new heights of users and profit every year. However, through its rise to become the well loved hobby it we know today, it has been under scrutiny as a controversial choice on how to spend your free time, with a lot of people questioning the effect online gaming can have on us.
Gamers will be happy to learn that beyond its reputation as a fun and recreational pastime, research has revealed that online gaming offers a great myriad of benefits, ranging from enhanced cognitive abilities, to improved socialisation skills, and even stress relief. Although the latter surely won’t come as a surprise to seasoned players!
Although there are many genres we could cover, we wanted to delve into the advantages of three of the biggest genres of online gaming: online video games, online card games, and online brain training games. So grab your controller, your keyboard, or whatever else you like to play with, and let’s explore the benefits that online gaming has to offer.
Online Video Games
The games we think about when we say online video games, such as action-packed shooters or immersive role-playing adventures, have captured the hearts and minds of millions worldwide. These games go beyond mere entertainment though, they also provide tangible benefits backed by science.
Numerous studies have highlighted the positive impact of online video games on cognitive function. Research conducted at the University of Rochester discovered that playing action video games can significantly improve reaction time, spatial awareness, and the ability to multitask. These skills acquired through gaming can carry over to real-world scenarios, proving invaluable in various occupations, and even in normal, everyday life.
Online video games also have been shown to facilitate socialisation and foster connections among players in an overall positive manner. Multiplayer modes in games allow individuals to team up with like-minded individuals from across the globe, encouraging friendship and teamwork. Engaging in cooperative or competitive gameplay can build your people skills, so in addition to exploring virtual worlds, online video games can serve as a great aid to forming lasting relationships of all kinds.
Some Video Games we’d recommend:
1. Fortnite
This battle royale-style game has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of players worldwide. In the game, players parachute onto an island and battle against each other to be the last person or team standing. With its unique building mechanics, a wide range of weapons and items, and constant updates, Fortnite offers a dynamic and engaging experience for players.
2. Minecraft
This sandbox-style game has been one of, if not the most popular online video game for over a decade, and it continues to be a favourite for gamers of all ages. Minecraft allows players to explore an incredibly large generated world, building settlements to their heart’s content. With its open-ended gameplay, Minecraft encourages creativity and exploration, while offering its players a relaxing and immersive experience.
Online Card Games
For enthusiasts of card games like poker and blackjack, online platforms offer a convenient and engaging way to indulge in these classic pastimes. The advantages of online card games extend beyond mere convenience, providing notable benefits for players.
One key advantage of online card games is the opportunity for skill enhancement. Online platforms often provide tutorials and resources to help players sharpen their strategies and improve their gameplay. With access to these tools, players can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while honing their decision-making abilities. Furthermore, online card games offer an excellent avenue for stress relief, providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience from the comfort of one’s own home.
Some of our favourites include:
1. Poker
How could we miss this one? For good reason, one of the most popular online card games is poker, a classic game of skill, strategy, and luck. Players compete against each other to create the best five-card hand using a combination of community cards and their own cards. Lucky for you, it’s very easy to find different variations to play, due to the games immense popularity.
2. Blackjack
A casino favourite, blackjack is a simple but incredibly exciting card game that pits players against the dealer. The objective is to achieve a hand value of 21 or as close to it as possible without exceeding it. With its fast-paced gameplay, multiple betting options, and the potential for big wins, blackjack has become a staple of online casinos.
3. Roulette
Though it may not be a card game, Roulette is a great option in a similar genre, for someone looking for all the fun and chance, without so much strategy. A game of chance that has been popular for centuries, roulette offers a thrilling and unpredictable experience for players, so if that sounds right up your street, have a look at playing roulette for real money and chase attractive rewards.
Online Brain Training Games
In recent decades, somewhat thanks to all the research on the subject, online brain training games have gained massive popularity, enticing users with promises of mental stimulation and cognitive improvement. These games specifically target mental faculties and offer unique benefits that once again have been proved by science.
Research indicates that engaging in online brain training games can bolster memory function, and enhance working memory capacity. Studies conducted by the University of California demonstrated that participants who played brain training games showed significant improvements in working memory, and experienced increased activity in brain regions associated with memory function.
Although there are many fantastic games we could recommend, our attention is more drawn towards the apps, each providing a host of games for some fun brain training activities.
- Lumosity
Lumosity is a fantastic and pretty popular brain training program that offers a variety of engaging games designed to improve memory, attention, problem-solving, and cognitive function. A highlight of the platform is that it provides personalised training programs tailored to individual needs, tracking your progress over time. With its scientifically designed games and comprehensive approach, Lumosity has become a go-to choice for people seeking to train their brains with games.
So now you know, the next time you embark on a gaming adventure, remember the hidden benefits that await you in the digital realm.
