More than a game

The benefits of video games include improving powers of concentration, creativity, memory, languages and teamwork. Improved problem-solving skills and logic. Increased hand-to-eye coordination. Greater multi-tasking ability. Video gaming can increase gray matter in the brain, and can make it easier to learn educational content and develop cognitive skills. Online games let players talk to others and make friends at their current ability level even when they are not emotionally or physically able to leave their homes, which helps build the confidence to try it in person.

The Journal of the American Medical Association found that video games have a positive effect on children, including better performance on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who have never played video games.

Playing video games is shown to improve an older adult's health in numerous ways — cognitive, emotional and physical.

Gaming can provide a break from the stress of transitioning back to civilian life or coping with traumatic experiences. It fosters a sense of community and camaraderie that many veterans miss after leaving active service, and it can help prevent suicide. Other benefits include therapeutic relief, rehabilitation, connecting with friends, and coping with challenges associated with military service. Every branch of the military has recognized these benefits and created its own gaming programs and eSports teams.

Video games give people with disabilities an outlet to de-stress, be whoever they want to be, work towards a goal and feel a sense of accomplishment. Other documented benefits include improved mental well-being, more opportunities to experience the world, reduced social isolation, help with learning and cognitive skills, and improved fine motor skills.