4 Top Health Benefits of Playing Mobile Games

Gone are the days of flashy headlines warning of the societal and health dangers that video games pose. Society has grown more accustomed to this emerging new medium. There are many studies that highlight the health benefits of playing video games—from reducing depression and decreasing stress levels to improving certain skills and keeping the mind sharp. While these statements might seem a little tongue in cheek, the fact of the matter is that video games, due to their interactive nature, stimulate and develop certain areas that other entertainment mediums, such as movies and TV shows, do not. Here are the top four health benefits of playing mobile games.

mood enhancement. There are few things that offer a better feeling than besting a skilled opponent, obtain an impossible achievement, or using a mobile bonus to its full effect through good tactical thinking and sheer strategic prowess. But do not just take our word for it. Science has already proved the link between playing games and positive mood effects. A 2014 study conducted at the University College in London established a correlation between the total number of hours spent playing games and the rate at which gamers recovered from the effects of work-related stress. In the study, researchers surveyed 491 participants. A 2009 study published in the Journal of CyberTherapy & Rehabilitation found that casual video gaming (CVG) can alleviate depression, improve mood, and reduce stress levels. That is because CVGs apparently increase right alpha brain wave activity, a phenomenon associated with excitement and euphoric behaviors. Therefore, no matter why you play video games —for competing against other players or relaxation—the results are the same: you will feel better after the fact.

mobile games improve social skills. If you ask a group of video games fans what is that they love the most about this medium, a many of them will mention the social aspect. Certain online games (the good ones, anyway) encourage players to communicate and work together to accomplish their objectives. This aspect is especially valid in games where winning (either by besting the opposing team or otherwise) is virtually impossible if players attempt to accomplish the objective on their own, in lone-wolf style.

mobile games improve the brain. Games, regardless of platform, are capable of sharpening the brain in a significant way. Titles in which players need to be aware of their surroundings, either in-game or otherwise, can enhance their spatial awareness and reaction time. Furthermore, playing mobile games can also benefit memory. Games that require players to memorize and keep track of certain patterns and tasks (poker and blackjack, for example) stimulate the brain in a way that other media (films, TV shows, what have you) are unable to do.

mobile games can spark interest in other pursuits. To stay relevant and engaging, games of all kinds need to adopt certain themes to either drive their stories or provide the gameplay with context and meaning. The same things that are designed to keep players hooked on the game can also make them more interested in other activities. For example, if you are playing a mobile game set in the Victorian Era long enough, you might end up buying a couple of books about that period, kickstarting a life-long passion for history. If a game makes a passing reference to a certain event or the pop culture, you might discover a movie or an entire universe that would have flown under your radar otherwise.

Nowadays, video games are no longer considered time wasters meant for children. They are seen by many as rather full-fledged interactive mediums that can offer players satisfaction and tons of health benefits. Science has proved that there is a clear link between games and mood enhancement, decreased stress levels, and good social skills. So, gamers around the world, you might have finally been vindicated by science.