Leveraging Online Games to Improve Cognitive Skills and Problem Solving

Today, online games are not only played to pass the time but also to learn critical life skills, such as problem-solving abilities and strategizing, and even to improve one’s cognitive functions. There’s a growing body of research backing this up, and we’ll talk more about them below.

Continue reading to find out how you can leverage online games to boost your cognitive functions.

Online gaming and its cognitive benefits

We do agree that some online games are just for fun, but the majority of them teach you essential skills you can use to navigate the complexities of life. Take Call Break, for example. This is a simple card game that has been around for years, and you are probably familiar with it. The rules are simple to follow, and any Tom, Dick, and Harry can start to play the game. But the catch is if you want to win and participate in tournaments. For doing so, simply knowing the rules isn’t enough. Then, you need to be able to form strategies, observe your opponents, make quick decisions, and learn from your mistakes. You are also expected to adapt to evolving challenges and come out victorious.

These explosive dynamics of skill-based games, such as Call Break and others, stimulate various cognitive processes and lead to improvements in critical areas, such as attention, memory, and reasoning. The University of Houston conducted a study that tracked the habits of 23 employed gamers over 20 years. The results came as a surprise since they showed that video gaming wasn’t time-wasting but actually contributed to the gamers building vital work skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, confidence, and leadership. The gamers, according to reports, applied the skills that they had acquired to their careers, which served to advance their careers.

Strategy games and how they help augment problem-solving skills

Turn-based strategy games, real-time strategy games, and others require players to meticulously plan and anticipate the moves of their opponents. In addition to all of this, they also have to manage their resources effectively. As you can see, these games are not just to entertain you. They’re silently teaching you essential skills, such as problem-solving, resource management, strategic thinking and planning, and so on.

So, if you play these games enough and play them well, you can expect to see visible improvements in your cognitive functions related to interpersonal communication and strategic planning.

The relation between video games and cognitive performance in children

No, the cognitive benefits of video games are not just limited to adults. Children can significantly benefit from them, too. This is probably why several schools are adopting games to teach children essential skills and stimulate their cognitive functions.

Several research studies indicate that children who play video games may experience enhanced cognitive performance. This is because they can perform tasks that involve working memory and response inhibition better than children who do not play video games.

Do traditional board games offer similar cognitive benefits?

Yes! You won’t hear about traditional board games offering similar cognitive benefits because online games have been the focus of most studies and research.

However, playing board games also offers cognitive benefits and is strongly associated with working memory. This is why a lot of the online games you play today are adaptations of board games, such as Ludo, Carrom, etc.

Do brain-training applications work?

Brain training programs are dominating the world of online gaming because their discovery created a new option for brain development. These programs, like Lumosity, Sudoku, Peak, and Brainwell, have the ability to enhance multiple cognitive aspects, such as memory, problem-solving, and observation.

But keep in mind that while brain-training games stimulate your brain to adjust and flourish, they are not magic pills and will not make your brain function at 100%. The trick is repeatedly playing brain-training games to keep your mind active and agile.

Balance gaming with physical activity

Internet games are great for mental benefits, but they are not a panacea. In order to have the best brain fitness, you should balance your lifestyle with some form of exercise and a few hours of dedicated gaming time. Exercises like running and other forms of physical exercise have been shown to enhance mental health, complementing the cognitive improvements you may have obtained through gaming.

Want to leverage online games? Practical tips

To reap the cognitive advantages of online gaming, follow these tips:

• Choose the correct games: Play games that challenge your strategic brain, memory, and problem-solving skills. Strategy games, puzzles, and simulations are best.
• Establish time constraints: Practice restraint. Allocate specific time frames for gaming to prevent excessive screen exposure and ensure a balanced schedule.​
• Diversify gaming experiences: Play different games to activate different cognitive abilities. Puzzle games can help improve problem-solving, while multiplayer games can enhance communication and collaboration.​
• Combine gaming with physical activity: Integrate exercise into your daily routine to enhance mental health and the cognitive benefits of gaming.​
• Reflect and apply: After playing sessions, reflect on the strategies employed and consider how they could be used in real life. This exercise can close the gap between virtual problem-solving and everyday applications.​

Final Word

Online gaming, when used cautiously, can be a beneficial asset for developing cognitive abilities and problem-solving capacity. Backed by numerous studies, it is clear that intelligent gaming can enhance mental quickness, strategic thinking, and communication. By incorporating gaming with other sound lifestyle practices, one can tap into these benefits to augment general cognitive wellness and individual growth.​

So, what are you playing today?