Online video gaming has exploded in popularity in recent years, and with good reason. There are numerous benefits to be gained from engaging in this fun and immersive hobby. Below, we explore some of the unexpected advantages of online gaming.
It Relieves Stress
Perhaps one of the primary and most important benefits of online gaming is that it can be an effective tool to relieve stress.
When you’re fully immersed in a game, your mind tends to be focused solely on the task before you, which can provide a welcome distraction and escape from the stresses of daily life.
As such, online gaming can be particularly valuable for those who are dealing with depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health challenges.
It Improves Cognitive Function
Playing video games online can actually improve cognitive function, and particularly in areas of attention, spatial reasoning and memory. Various studies have proven this.
These skills are particularly valuable in the modern workplace, where technology and data analysis are becoming increasingly important.
Social Interaction
Online gaming can also provide an opportunity for social interaction, and particularly for those who may struggle to connect with others in person.
Many online games allow players to form virtual communities and work together towards shared goals. This fosters a sense of camaraderie, community, and belonging.
Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
Playing online video games can also greatly improve hand-eye coordination, as players must often navigate complex environments and react swiftly to changing situations.
This can be of enormous value particularly for those working in fields such as sports or medicine, where quick reflexes and on-point coordination are essential.
Increased Creativity
Some online games, particularly those in the strategy or simulation genres, require players to think outside the box and to be creative. This can help to foster innovation and fresh creativity, which can be valuable in a variety of industries.
This type of creative problem-solving can also help to develop a sense of innovation and meaningful creativity, as players learn to approach problems from different angles and come up with truly unique solutions.
Also, many online games allow for a high degree of customisation and personalisation, which also helps to build creativity. Players may be able to design their own characters, customise game settings to suit their preferences, and even create unique environments.
This type of creative expression can be both enjoyable and fulfilling, thereby helping players to develop their own unique sense of style and creativity.
Finally, online gaming can increase and build creativity by exposing players to a wide variety of different worlds, storylines, and characters. Many online video games feature rich and immersive environments that can inspire and help players see the world in new and different ways.
By exposing players to these diverse and imaginative worlds, online gaming can help to truly broaden their perspective and encourage creative and resourceful thinking.
It Develops Tech Proficiency
Online gaming can help people of all ages to develop technological proficiency in a variety of ways.
First and foremost, some online games require players to use a variety of special hardware and software. By becoming familiar with these tools, players can develop technical skills and become more comfortable with technology in general.
Online gaming also exposes players to new technologies and platforms. Whether this means playing an MMO on a tablet or enjoying real money pokies on a smartphone, there are a variety of different ways to play.
There are even some online games that provide players with opportunities for the development of coding and programming skills. One prominent online game allows players to create complex circuits and machines using in-game blocks. By experimenting with this feature, players can develop an understanding of basic programming concepts, such as logic gates and loops.
Finally, online gaming can help players to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for working successfully in the tech industry. Many games require players to analyse data, work collaboratively with others, and even to make important decisions based on limited information.
By engaging in this type of game-based problem-solving, players can develop important skills that will serve them well in a wide variety of tech-related fields.
Inspiring Ongoing Education
Online gaming can help folks of all ages to foster a personal culture of ongoing learning and education. Games can help people to develop a positive attitude towards learning by making learning more effective and enjoyable.
This is obviously particularly beneficial for people who generally struggle with traditional methods of teaching and learning, or who have a short or impaired attention span.
In summary, online gaming provides a completely new approach to learning and ongoing education.
Remote Learning
Online games allow for remote learning. Players can access online educational and gaming content from just about anywhere in the world.
This is very beneficial for players who live in remote areas or even those who have limited access to traditional learning centres.
What’s more, online games also allow for a more personalised form of learning. This is achieved with the help of adaptive learning technology, which allows the online game to adjust based on each person’s learning pace and style.
This has been proven to lead to a better understanding of whatever is being explored, as well as to better retention of information.
Enhanced Career Prospects
Recent research has shown that online gaming behavior can actually encourage gamers to gain a variety of soft skills. These skills could assist players with training to open up and support new career aspirations.
According to a prominent professor in higher education, career interests are even reflected in the types of online games we choose to play. This allows researchers to understand more clearly how to teach employers about the value of the soft skills associated with gaming.
Ultimately, the study found that online gaming behavior varied between different job categories. For example, IT professionals and engineers showed a preference to puzzle-platform games known to enhance spatial skills. Managers, on the other hand, preferred action role-play games where organisational and planning skills are typically developed.
Conclusion
It is clear that online gaming brings many unexpected benefits to the table across all avenues of life and work. It can be a valuable tool for anyone wanting to prepare better to thrive in the world of tomorrow.
