Can Video Games Be Good for You?

Most of the time when video games are mentioned, thoughts of graphic violence and nudity spring to mind. With the controversy over some games it's no wonder. But you shouldn't throw those games away yet. Recent studies show that games have some surprising, and not so surprising benefits.

One benefit that is being researched is video games being used in therapy for patients who have low hand strength or problems with the muscles in their hands. Playing video games has shown to get the patient involved to the point where they move their hands in therapeutic motions without the discomfort more traditional methods of therapy cause. One downside of using video games for therapy though is that it can cause strain to these muscles, but researches believe that a moderated amount of play time can help the course of the therapy.

One of the most surprising benefits recently discovered is enhanced visual skills. Players of games such as first person shooters ranked higher on eye tests than a control group that did not play the games. Gamers not only could pick out shapes in different patterns easier, but they were also able to match up shapes faster than the group that did not play. The researches believe that this is related to the fact that gamers playing the first person shooter games have to balance several tasks at once for the game, and the skills can be applied in the test to show better results.

One last aspect I would like to point out is games in getting you a job. The newest question on an application for employment might very well be what video games you play. Research shows that gamers are better suited to management positions because they are better risk takers and show more confidence in their decisions. It is also noted that games place a high value on teamwork and employee relationships to make sure they have a winning team.

Of all the bad press that video games have been receiving lately, it is nice to finally see that there is some good news out there. Things that gamers already know, that gaming is a good enhancement to life if taken in moderation, are finally seeping out in hard evidence to the public. In the mind of gamers this should be a freeing experience. Gamers may soon leave the living room to be more accepted in the world.