Believe it or not, several scientific studies confirm video games are good for you. This may be hard to wrap your head around since you have been told the television ruins your eyes and video games cause violence. However, real research from reputable sources have shown that playing video games does actually have real health benefits.

The main study, conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and Charité University Medicine St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus in Berlin, Germany, found that playing video games helps refine learned and hardwired skills. In simpler terms, playing video games affects and impacts regions of the brain responsible for memory, spatial orientation, information organizations, and fine motor skills. This study also claims that playing video games for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your life.

Video games can also help with real life problem solving and strategy, making them valuable tools for kids and teens. One example of this is the game SimCity. In this video game, players lay out and plan a city. They must think ahead to consider things such as tax rates and street growth. This game teaches resource management and planning.

“Playing SimCity taught me how to conserve things and plan for the future,” shared senior Zoe Santiago.   

There is also certain video games that can be beneficial physically. One example is Wii Sports. This game requires the player(s) to be standing up and moving around while playing sports like bowling, baseball, and basketball.

People’s opinions on video games are very mixed. Some believe that video games are bad for you, while others believe they are beneficial and good for you.

“I think video games are nothing but unhealthy. They damage your eyes,” said Chloe Gabriel, a junior.

So, video games are actually good for you on many levels. We must, of course, not play video games too much. Staying up all night staring at a television isn’t the best idea but playing for short periods of time can have many benefits.