Almost a decade later all of these predictions about the positive effects of gaming have been proven to be true.
This 2015 opinion piece caught my attention. It was written from a player perspective, which is the point. Those who engage with video games have always been able to feel the power of play, even in the face of great skepticism.
Here are the big assertions from this life hack piece that we now have data to back up:
– The positivity of play: Players have always felt the magic and wonder of engaging games. But, today we can demonstrate the power of play is extraordinary, regenerative and healing:
https://lnkd.in/g7b3U5ed
– Reduction of stress: With the current data the claims go far beyond less stress to significantly reducing anxiety and feelings of isolation in the majority of players.
https://lnkd.in/gu9dKJSg
– Increased human connection: We now know gaming is one of the most effective tools for creating community, building strong relationships and helping people feel less alone.
https://lnkd.in/gawFsJXi
– Promoting creativity: 20 years of data has been highlighting the brain enhancing power of gaming. The most powerful games? Action video games, specifically, first person shooters.
https://lnkd.in/gSwvkf7J
– The ultimate exercise: Exergaming is now been proven to deliver an amazing physiological response. Players can exercise longer, with less perceived effort, and the benefits are both physical and mental.
https://lnkd.in/g6qkewT8
It is important to note, not all games are good for all players. Those games that have unmoderated social, predatory monitization and/or are designed to suck the player back into the game to preserve the resources, friends and progress already made can be especially hard on vulnerable populations.
With that being said, there are a lot of video games that are helping people look better, feel better and just plain be better individuals. And, it turns out we already knew it in 2015. 🙂
https://lnkd.in/g6qkewT8
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