Many people solely view video games in a bad light. Some issues that people may have are the distracting and immersive nature of the game and intense gamers finding little time or motivation to do other things besides playing video games. However, such individuals overlook the positive effects of playing indoor games. Whether one talks about multiplayer or single-player games, each comes with multiple pros, not just cons. So, let’s discuss the positives.

Benefits of playing video games

Enhanced cognitive ability
In scientific terms, a person’s cognitive function is the ability to reason, understand and resolve hurdles, plan, comprehend and form complex ideas, think abstractly, and learn from experiences. Video games involve several in-game scenarios in which these abilities revolving around understanding and dealing with situations are needed. So, playing strategy-based video games elevates one’s cognitive function to a great degree.

• As people play complex video games involving viewing specific scenarios, detecting patterns, planning for success, and executing the plans, their ability to recognize and remember particular in-game objects and the relation between them increases. For example, in a soccer-based video game, if one sees that someone on their team is running low on stamina during the late stages of a match, they immediately can substitute the tiring soccer player with a fresh one to boost their chances of winning.
• Another example can be identifying patterns and finding one’s way around cities or towns using in-game maps in a racing game.
• A person’s childhood is the best phase to enhance their cognitive abilities. Therefore, playing video games is arguably the easiest way to build these abilities in kids (and grown-ups).

Improved visual-spatial understanding
Several modern video games, such as Minecraft, use Virtual Reality headsets and full-blown 3D worlds to navigate. People who play these games can hone their visual-spatial skills to a great degree over time. In these games, there may or may not be GPS systems or maps to guide players, so their understanding of spaces and distances constantly improves by playing frequently.

Increased social connections
As the name implies, multiplayer games involve several individuals connecting online and working together as a team to make gameplay more engaging and exciting. Whether playing in the same team or against each other, such players connect digitally on a social level through these games. One of the biggest positives of video games is their ability to bring together players from different regions worldwide and social strata levels. This non-discriminatory quality has always been and continues to be one of the most significant positive effects of playing indoor video games.

Improved problem-solving abilities
Video games across genres involve varying levels of problem-solving. These problems may be simple, such as creating as many words possible from 5 specific letters in a word puzzle game, to complex, like devising a plan to infiltrate enemy zones and attack opposing soldiers in high-concept strategy games like Into The Breach.
When people play video games regularly, their strategy formation and problem-solving skills also inadvertently improve. As a result, seasoned gamers can remain calm even in real-life crises and eventually develop winning ideas to resolve them.

Enhanced multi-tasking ability
In today’s age, it is straightforward for people to listen to their favorite podcasts using their Bluetooth earphones, munch on some delicious pasta, and play Counter-Strike Online 2 simultaneously. Multitasking may not be very productive from a work or study perspective, but it is a good quality. Professional gamers are so adept at keeping their eyes and ears open to everything around them that they can play a video game well and still be completely mindful of their surroundings.
Apart from these benefits, some of the others are increased hand-eye coordination, enhanced imagination and creativity, better pro-social behaviors, better eyesight, and increased drive to win (a quality known as having a winning mentality).

Popular game genres
There are hundreds of video game genres. Some of the most well-known and often-played ones include:

Real-time strategy games
These video games involve complex plots, extensive world-building, several in-game characters, and problem situations. Gamers must use their strategic sense and gameplay know-how to succeed. Good examples of strategy-based games are PUBG: Battlegrounds and Call Of Duty.

Simulation games
These are games that closely mimic activities one sees in the real world. For example, certain simulation games might teach gamers how to catch a fish, while others may involve a dance-off between real-world friends. Simulation games are incredibly immersive and may involve the use of VR headsets. Examples of simulation games are Cities: Skylines and Stardew Valley.

Sports games
Sporting games such as FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer are wildly popular with kids and grown-ups alike. One not only gets to play in licensed competitions such as the FIFA World Cup in such games but also uses their favorite player cards for added realism.