Some think that video games are simply mindless exercises for the bored mind, however, there have been studies done that illustrate how this is not the case. Certain types of video games have actually been proven to “train the brain to become more agile and improve strategic thinking” (Science Daily). Certain video games cause the user to have to use advanced cognitive thinking in order to play to the best of their ability. There was an experiment done by Queen Mary, University of London where they had two groups play two different versions of a fast paced strategy game called Starcraft, and a third of the group play a life simulation game called “The Sims”, which does not require tactics or much memory. When the study finished, the scientists noticed something interesting. “Those who played StarCraft were quicker and more accurate in performing cognitive flexibility tasks, than those who played The Sims” (Science Daily). Other studies showed that games like Halo sped up decision making. Studies such as these show that video games are not the mindless activity that many make them out to be, but on the contrary, they are sometimes helpful in improving cognitive thought.

    Not only can video games improve the brain’s learning ability, but they can also improve the mental state of the person playing. Some researchers are even researching the ability of video games to be used as an alternative to ADHD medication. One such game, project Evo, is currently in the first stages of testing but scientists think it has the potential to help children who have ADHD. The gameplay “uses cognitive skills required for multitasking to help people with ADHD learn to improve their attention spans and ignore distractions” (Tech Times). 

    Studies such as those being done on popular games like Starcraft, Halo, and the Sims, as well as the scientific ones on games created specifically to hep particular disorders show that video games can have a positive mental effect on users, and not just a negative one. 


Queen Mary, University of London. "Playing Video Games Can Boost Brain Power." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 Aug. 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130821094924.htm>