Video Games: Good for Brain Health and Cognitive Skills

Since video games were introduced in the late 1950s, it's safe to say that they've taken the world by storm. It's believed that, as of 2024, over 3.32 billion people play video games. That's almost half of the world's population! But what is it about this popular pastime that has us all hooked?

Gaming became mainstream throughout the '70s and '80s when the first generation of consoles came out. Early additions of the Sega and Nintendo consoles were launched during the '80s, but it was the '90s that saw the rise of personal computers (PCs) and handheld game consoles such as the iconic Game Boy by Nintendo. With such a variety of game styles and ways to play, there was something for everyone. However, gaming certainly has had its fair share of critics over the years. And while there can be some truth to the concerns that have been expressed, the bad publicity often fails to mention just how beneficial gaming can be.

Video games are not just for fun – nor children! In fact, video games are proven to have a positive effect on the brain. In this blog post, we're going to dive into the details and uncover just how gaming can be good for development and cognitive function.

The Video Game Debate

Now that video games have been around for over 65 years, a lot of research has been done on their effect on the brain and the lives of players in general. It was even reported that games had become addictive — or that players were developing 'obsessions' — as early as the 1980s. Because of this, it's understandable that there have been concerns and that further research has been conducted.

In order to fairly see the benefits of just how video games – particularly those based on strategy and skill such as Mahjong – can have a positive contribution to the brain, it's useful to see the counterargument. With worries about screen addiction having an impact on anxiety and behavior, as well as the social implications and isolation that can take place, it's important to keep these in mind.

Yet, as with many other things in life, being able to find a healthy balance is paramount. So as much as the great debate around video games does have its drawbacks, we're going to highlight just how important that can be to development, skill building, and enjoyment.

The 8 Key Elements Underpinning Video Games and the Brain

We're now going to go deeper into some of the key themes that come up around gaming and the brain. In terms of the benefits that come with video games, they span widely from skill development to educational growth to problem-solving awareness to memory improvement. Let's take a look.

1. Benefits of Video Games

As you can see, it's undeniable that are are vast benefits to playing video games. But it's important for us to look into these in more detail. Some of the key areas we see the beneficial elements in are cognitive performance, problem-solving abilities, and reaction time. Generally speaking, we know that any development in each of the three areas can contribute to positive development in both children and adults.

It's believed that the benefits are often found in more strategy and skill-based video games as they can often require more quick thinking and planning. This helps to strengthen and develop the decision-making function within the brain. But again, it's important to bear in mind that this can differ from individual person to person, and the amount of time spent playing does come into question here.

2. Cognitive Skills Development

Drilling down into the benefits further, we can look at the specific benefits that come under the cognitive skills development department. In particular, studies have shown that children who engage in regular gaming can often perform better in tests. These are often in relation to the measurement of memory and attention. Therefore, the proactive play of strategy games can help with reasoning and logic when it comes to the development of areas of the brain that deal with decision-making and planning.

Some of the key functions we utilize our cognitive skills for include our attention skills and problem-solving abilities, alongside memory and recall. It's believed that there's a large positive effect on cognitive functioning skills specifically, particularly attention abilities and mental flexibility performance. Because we use these skills on a daily basis, it's key to understand just how beneficial strategy-based games can be on the development of the brain.

3. Impact on Brain Health

As we start to notice a pattern that highlights some of the key areas that video games can be good for the brain, we can't ignore just how much this will affect brain health. We know that cognitive function can decline with age, but it doesn't have to be inevitable. In fact, we know that mental games can stimulate memory function and actually aid in and improve cognitive function abilities. Therefore, actively pursuing gameplay can support brain health and improve its abilities overall.

It's not just children who can benefit from brain development through gaming, but adults and even seniors too. When we want to look at improving the brain and optimizing brain health, bringing in key strategic games, like Mahjong, can be a great introduction here. Again, not all brains are similar here and this can vary from person to person – and the time spent gaming should also be controlled.

4. Educational Value

Next, it's important to consider the educational value that can come with gameplay. It's not just about enjoyment and how well the body can respond to this kind of activity. We can't neglect how educational video games can be and the value they can bring in the right context. Of course, we do have to address the more controversial side to gaming here – as many may comment on the detrimental effects that come with some more violent types of gameplay. That aside, highlights the value that gaming can have on both children and adults alike.

One of the core areas to consider here is the impact on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. As we know, problem-solving is key within many educational settings and modes of study, particularly within the humanities and STEM subjects. Accessing the ability to improve these skills within an out-of-school activity can only go on to strengthen and support the work done within the educational system. And again, adults also benefit from further development of their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Because many strategy-based games involve the need to think quickly and solve problems within a set timeframe, it encourages gamers to think outside the box. The enhanced development in these areas will not only benefit players in an educational sense but be beneficial for use in life too.

5. Top Classic Games Online

When it comes to choosing the best games to play for brain function and improved health, where should you start? It's important to acknowledge that the types of games that look to improve the brain really matter here. As we have seen, those thought to be more strategic and skilled-based in nature and shown to see the best results here. Luckily some of the most classic online games can allow you to do this. These include:

Mahjong Solitaire

First of all, we have Mahjong Solitaire which you can play with us here on 24/7 Mahjong. Mahjong Solitaire is based on the Chinese game of Mahjong while taking influences from the Solitaire card game to transform it into a solo-player game. It requires intense focus, attention to detail, and pattern recognition.

Solitaire

Of course, we then also have the card game classic Solitaire. As you're looking to arrange the cards in a systematic order, it requires reasoning, logic, quick decision-making, and problem-solving abilities all in one.

Chess

Next, we have chess. The classic online game of chess utilizes both working memory and problem-solving skills as you strategize within the game. It can be something that you play solo online or choose to play against other opponents.

Tetris

Finally, we have Tetris. Tetris is the classic puzzle-solving game that arose in the 1980s. As you look to match up the right shapes to clear lines and earn points, it requires quick thinking and efficient problem-solving in order to surpass levels and succeed in the game.

6. Enhancing Problem-Solving Abilities

As we have explored, we know that one of the key skills that can be worked on during strategic video gameplay is problem-solving. This is because many of the games involve a challenge that the gamer needs to overcome in order to win, advance, or earn points. When players need to work through a challenge or overcome an obstacle, they are encouraged to use strategic thinking and problem-solving in order to do it.

Whether a player needs to match up pairs, create sequences, or even create a strategy that will allow them to win the game (based on that particular game's rules, like chess), they can often develop new skills to be able to do it. As the game progresses, players also need to be able to analyze what's happening in order to make their next move. In conjunction with having strong attention to detail and needing to make these decisions in a short time frame, enhanced problem-solving skills can help gamers not just in play, but in school, at work, and in life too.

7. Boosting Memory and Focus

We have seen that skills-based gaming has the ability to improve both memory and the ability to focus. Initially, brain stimulation in general can have a positive effect here. In relation to brain activity, it's believed that video games stimulate the areas of the brain linked to both memory function and attention. To go into this a little deeper, as we're developing cognitive skills through video gameplay, it helps players practice impulse control which aids in improved focus and attention.

In cases where memory or the ability to focus is concerned, controlled video gameplay can look to improve these areas. Because of this, it can actually be seen to improve symptoms of ADHD and help with focus.

8. Importance of Strategic Thinking

Maybe games of skill require a strategy. So, of course, strong strategic thinking skills come into play here too. When we're talking about games that require logical reasoning, trial and error, and understanding the logistics (and overall purpose) of the game, planning, and strategic thinking will always be key.

If children and young adults are playing games of this nature, they're going to see the positive development of their ability to think logically, strategically, and under pressure too. But this is also the case for adults. As many day-to-day situations and working life scenarios require sharp strategic thinking skills, indulging in your favorite gameplay can have a positive impact here.

Final Thoughts: The Benefit of Video Games for Brain Health and Cognitive Skills

Ultimately, video games are shown to contribute to the positive and strong development of both brain health and cognitive function. With improvements seen in problem-solving abilities, focus and memory, overall brain activity, and visual processing, there's a strong case for gaming being beneficial in our lives. Of course, we can't discount the criticism of too much game time and the impact of excessive play on addiction, everyday life, and even sleep health. However, the benefits far outweigh the negatives when the right types of games are enjoyed with healthy play boundaries.

If you're interested in working on your own brain development, be sure to check out our game of Mahjong solitaire here at 24/7 Mahjong. Our Mahjong solitaire game can be great to help you reduce stress and improve your focus. Head online to try it out today!