Video games are an entertaining form of entertainment that can be played on various devices such as PCs, smartphones and video game consoles. They’re a favorite pastime among adults and children alike and even serve to enhance learning capabilities.
Video games come in many varieties, from action shooters to multiplayer titles, strategy titles and more. Some require an internet connection while others are standalone or browser-based and don’t need players to have one for play.
Mobile Gaming
The mobile gaming market is one of the world’s most successful industries and it continues to expand annually. Smartphones are becoming more capable of playing video games, and there is now a wide selection of apps available for download.
Many smartphone games today boast augmented reality (AR) features that bring digital content to real-life experiences. For instance, Pokemon Go, a popular AR mobile game, uses your phone’s camera to help locate virtual Pokemon in the real world.
Streaming Platforms
Live video streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming have seen rapid growth and made an impact in the video game industry. These services allow users to watch real-time gaming events unfolding, which has proven highly appealing for gamers.
Cloud Gaming
The rise of cloud gaming has shifted the video game industry’s focus away from traditional consoles and towards streaming video services. These streaming options can be accessed on any computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
Roblox
Roblox is an online multiplayer game creation platform that enables users to design their own games and then play them with others. As one of the world’s most popular gaming platforms, it boasts over 100 million active monthly users as of May 2020.
Developing Social Skills
Video games offer many opportunities to hone leadership and collaboration abilities, which are vital skills in many professions. For instance, a game about a group of kids trying to solve a mystery can teach players how to communicate effectively with other players and make decisions in real-life scenarios.
Enhancing Hand-to-Eye Coordination
Video game players tend to develop better hand-eye coordination than those who don’t, due to the fast reactions and split second decisions required in many video games. This practice can translate into real life situations by sharpening one’s reflexes in real life as well.
Research Has Shown That People Who Play Video Games Have More Cognitive Activity and Problem Solving Skills Than Non-Gamers
Research has indicated that those who play video games tend to be cognitively engaged and possess better problem-solving abilities than non-gamers. Since many games require logic and planning, playing them can help develop certain areas of the brain dedicated to critical thinking.
History
Many video game plotlines feature actual historical events, which researchers suggest can spark a child’s interest in history and culture. This could even lead to lifelong admiration of the subject matter itself, according to researchers.
