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In the world of movies, one of the most cliché depictions of irresponsibility is a young person playing games on their computer with music—usually rock or rap—blasting in the background or through their earphones. In many ways, this could be apt. Spending endless hours on the computer playing games while ignoring your responsibilities is not ideal.

But movies are usually quick to make us root for people who play games, especially when they are the protagonist or a major character who puts their gaming ability or knowledge into good use. In movies, this would usually be in high stake scenarios like winning a survival game like Arisu in Alice in Borderland or saving the world from an alien invasion like Sam Brenner and other arcade champions did in Pixels.

Whichever the case, there is a clear consensus in both movies and real life that there is some value to the knowledge and skill that people develop while playing games. So while mastering chess or the Uno attack rules could, in movie logic, make you a hero, in real life, it could make you a better person. It's a win-win in both worlds.

Before we look at the skills and knowledge that can be developed by playing games, it’s important to note that this is not they are not the most common reason people play games. Having a great time is usually at the heart of recreational activities like games for humans. The fact that we are constantly seeking a great time would explain why games are as old as humanity itself.

And because many games are played in pairs or in groups, we are able to satisfy our need for social interaction while playing games. But playing games are capable of doing more than these things. It is capable of facilitating mental stimulation and development in parts of the brain.

For example, there is evidence that demonstrates that playing games is capable of increasing the size and competence of parts of the brain responsible for a person’s ability to identify visual and spatial relationships among objects.

So here’s a look into the skills you can develop by playing games:

Problem Solving

This is, perhaps, the most generally accepted benefit of playing games. Most games present a challenge, scenario, problem, puzzle or mystery that players are required to solve, avoid, manage or outsmart. In any case, players would be required to engage their thinking faculties to succeed.

Problem solving skills are developed over time by consistently exercising one’s faculties in activities that compel thought and creativity in solving problems. Through consistent practice, making mistakes and learning from them, reading, learning from more experienced players and platforms and reading, players are able to develop an effective approach towards succeeding in games.

This skill can be translated into real life scenarios because people who play games are able to apply their critical thinking skills and systematic approach towards problem solving to understanding and solving a problem.

Resilience 

While there are several games designed to teach resilience, many others help build this quality without intending to. Games exist with varying levels of difficulty – and for those that have multiple stages, they get more difficult as the player progresses. 

Overcoming multiple levels of challenges usually requires a lot of patience and persistence despite failed attempts. These two are crucial in building resilience. This explains why many people who regularly play games are comfortable with failure but also remain keen on success and would try to do the same things in several different ways to ensure that they get the outcomes that they desire. 

Quick Decision-Making

Making a decision when you have so many attractive choices or when you are not completely sure about the outcomes is hectic for many. We are quickly happy to admit that we struggle with indecision and push the responsibility to decide to someone else by asking for their advice or what they think about the scenario. 

Games, however, would usually require split-second decisions on what to do and thus require immediate action from the player. Doing this over a period of time would provide a player with constant exercise in decision-making, making it easy for them to adapt and make decisions faster.

Memory Enhancement 

Games are very effective in enhancing the memory of humans by boosting how the brain forms a memory.This has been proven by a 2015 study conducted at the University of California.

This is because games, especially those that have 3D environments, would require concentration and attention to lines, colors, space and other features of the design. Constant exposure to them would provide players, who played video games for half an hour a day, with much-needed exercise for their brains. This is especially important as we grow older and have a bigger problem remembering.  

Conclusion

You might never save others from a survival game or save the world by playing games, but you can be assured that beyond having a great time, there is some value to the skills and knowledge that you acquire from playing games. Also remember to, as you would other things, play games in moderation and enjoy your real life too.