Let me first address the actual fact that though I am not a “Gamer”, I do play video games from time to time and have even lost a few months of my life to World of Warcraft more than once. But this morning I had an encounter with a friendly fella on Bluesky that went on a short tangent about video games being good or bad, health benefits, and the like. 

In this conversation, I originally stated I thought video games were a waste of time. Which I do. Every now and again I do catch myself installing  COD Mobile or something on my PC and suddenly missing a week of my life before I pop back out of the delirium. This may just be my highly addictive personality, but when I play, I frigging play! Nonetheless, he pointed out the health benefits, which I believe he took from ChatGPT or the like, I am going to do the same since he shared a screenshot and didn’t type them out. 

Video games can offer a variety of benefits beyond just entertainment. Here are a few ways they can positively impact your life:

  1. Cognitive Skills: Many video games require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and quick decision-making, which can enhance your cognitive abilities and improve your brain function.

  2. Hand-Eye Coordination: Fast-paced games often demand precise hand-eye coordination, which can translate into improved real-world skills, such as better driving or sports performance.

  3. Social Interaction: Online multiplayer games provide opportunities to connect with people from around the world, fostering teamwork, communication, and friendships.

  4. Stress Relief: Immersing yourself in a game can be a great way to relax and unwind, providing an escape from everyday stress and helping to improve your mood.

  5. Educational Value: Many games are designed with educational purposes in mind, teaching subjects like history, science, math, and even language skills in an engaging way.

  6. Creativity and Imagination: Games with open worlds or creative modes, like Minecraft, encourage players to think outside the box and build their own adventures.

Of course, my initial comment was basically, that is great! But I think there are more beneficial things that you can be doing that provide the same benefit. So, I asked the ole’ ChatGPT just that and got the following reply.

Here’s a combined list of activities that offer similar benefits to playing video games:

  1. Puzzles and Brain Games: Enhance cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities.

  2. Sports and Physical Activities: Improve hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, and reduce stress.

  3. Board Games and Card Games: Encourage strategic thinking, social interaction, and cognitive skill development.

  4. Creative Arts: Boost creativity, enhance cognitive abilities, and serve as a stress reliever.

  5. Reading and Writing: Improve language skills, expand knowledge, and provide mental stimulation.

  6. Social Clubs and Group Activities: Foster social connections and improve communication skills.

  7. Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: Offer immersive environments for relaxation, education, and social interaction.

  8. Meditation and Mindfulness: Reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.

  9. Gardening: Therapeutic, improve mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment.

  10. Cooking and Baking: Creative and stress-relieving, as well as develop practical skills.

  11. Traveling and Exploring: Broaden horizons, improve problem-solving skills, and reduce stress.

  12. Volunteering: Provide a sense of purpose, improve social skills, and contribute to the community.

  13. Dance and Aerobics: Fun ways to stay fit, improve coordination, and relieve stress.

  14. Fishing and Hunting: Offer relaxation, improve focus, and connect you with nature.

  15. Crafting and DIY Projects: Engage in creative and rewarding activities.

  16. Learning New Skills: Mentally stimulating and fulfilling.

Again, I don’t judge, for I am a player of games, let alone I spend a ton of time on my computer blogging, doom-scrolling, mindlessly following links on the interwebs and so on. At the same time, I can agree that most of the things on list two are generally more constructive than playing WoW for eight hours straight. 

There is no doubt, there are benefits to playing video games. And if you have an aversion to people or the outdoors, it may be a real good way to build some of those skills. At the same time, don’t use the said benefits of gaming as an excuse as if there were no other way to get them. 

Again, I am not judging, but at the same time, don’t get upset when people say there is possibly a better way to achieve such things. Remember it’s just opinions, and like assholes, we all have one. 

Cheers!