Level Up Your Mind: Brain-Boosting Video Games for Cognitive Fitness

In recent years, there has been a shift in the perception of video games. Far from being viewed solely as a source of entertainment, studies suggest that playing video games can contribute to improving cognitive abilities. Many kids are drawn to video games and the mental challenges these games present may be akin to a strenuous workout for the brain. Researchers, such as those at Silicon Valley’s S.R.I. International, have found correlations between video game playing and enhanced cognitive learning, problem-solving skills, and memory.

Cognitive Benefits of Video Games

According to University of Wisconsin psychologist C. Shawn Green, playing video games can lead to significant changes in the brain. Much like learning to read, playing an instrument, or even navigating a complex city, video games can alter the brain’s physical structure. The combination of concentration and the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine creates a strengthening effect on neural circuits, similar to the impact of physical exercise on muscles.

Popular Video Game Genres and Cognitive Challenges

Video games span various genres, each presenting different cognitive challenges. Understanding these genres and the associated thinking skills they emphasize is crucial for those seeking to harness the cognitive benefits of gaming.

Strategy Games

Crusader Kings III

Crusader Kings III immerses players in controlling a medieval dynasty. Decision-making is at the forefront, challenging players to navigate family dynamics, manage vassals, forge alliances, and wage wars. Strategic planning and adaptability become essential as players must plan long-term goals, succession strategies, and territorial expansion.

Humankind

In Humankind, players guide a civilization’s evolution from ancient times to the modern era. Strategic planning, decision-making, and resource management are paramount as players shape their civilization’s cultural and technological development. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity are fostered as players navigate challenges and devise innovative strategies.

Phoenix Point

Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by alien creatures, Phoenix Point is a turn-based tactics experience. Tactical decision-making is crucial as players strategically position soldiers, utilize cover effectively, and select weapons and abilities to counter alien threats. Resource management adds another layer, requiring efficient allocation and utilization of resources to develop advanced weaponry.

Starcraft

Starcraft is a real-time strategy game where different alien species vie for dominance. Resource management is vital for building and sustaining units. Playing Starcraft can increase “brain flexibility,” the ability to allocate the brain’s resources under changing circumstances.

XCom Enemy Unknown

XCOM Enemy Unknown, a science fiction turn-based strategy game, allows players to control the fate of the human race. Strategic decision-making includes creating and managing a fully operational base, researching alien technologies, planning combat missions, and controlling soldiers.

Civilization 6

Civilization 6 is a recognized strategy game where players strive to become the Ruler of the World. Waging wars, conducting diplomacy, discovering new technologies, and facing historical leaders are part of the intricate gameplay that fosters strategic thinking and planning.

In these strategy games, players exercise skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and long-term planning, making them ideal for those seeking cognitive challenges.

First Person Shooters

Doom Eternal

Doom Eternal is an intense first-person shooter that thrusts players into a fast-paced battle against hordes of demons. Quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, precision aiming, and strategic thinking are essential as players navigate labyrinthine levels and engage in frenetic combat.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

This immersive first-person shooter takes players into the high-stakes world of Cold War espionage and military operations. Fast-paced gameplay challenges players to think quickly, strategize, and make split-second decisions under pressure.

Valorant

Valorant is a highly competitive and tactical first-person shooter set in a futuristic world. Precise aim, strategic planning, and teamwork are crucial as players engage in objective-based matches.

Overwatch

Overwatch, a team-based first-person shooter, demands fast strategic and tactical thinking. Players continuously assess and react, making moment-by-moment decisions based on various factors.

Battlefield 4

Battlefield 4 offers battles across land, air, and sea. Players must effectively judge what information to store in their working memory, considering the task at hand.

Titanfall

Titanfall is a multiplayer first-person shooter where players control “pilots” and their mech-style Titans in six-on-six matches set in war-torn outer space colonies. Tactical ability and quick decision-making are crucial.

Destiny

In Destiny, players become the Guardian of the last city on Earth, wielding incredible power. This first-person shooter integrates role-playing and massively multiplayer online elements, offering a variety of gameplay.

First-person shooters enhance cognitive skills such as spatial navigation, reasoning, memory, and perception, making them engaging brain-training options.

Action Role Playing Games (RPG)

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is an immersive open-world role-playing game set in a dystopian future. Critical thinking, moral choices, and resource management are central as players navigate intricate storylines and complex decision-making.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla transports players to the Viking Age, combining exploration, combat, and stealth elements. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning are required as players engage in quests and stealth activities.

Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise is an action role-playing game where players track and slay formidable creatures. Strategic thinking, precise timing, and resource management are crucial for success.

Witcher 3

Witcher 3, an action RPG, follows Geralt of Riva’s quest. Decision-making, eye-hand coordination, and flexibility are required as players engage in combat and navigate the open world.

Diablo

Diablo, an action RPG, involves choosing a character class and defeating the Lord of Terror. Exploration, acquisition, and trading of items are integral to the game.

The Elder Scrolls

The Elder Scrolls offers an open world where players freely roam, making decisions about character development, weapons, armor, and magic.

Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor

An open-world action game, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor allows players to control a Ranger named Talion. Players level up abilities and engage in strategic decision-making.

Mass Effect

Mass Effect combines science fiction, role-playing, and third-person shooter elements. Player decisions impact the branching storyline and multiple endings.

Action RPGs enhance cognitive skills by requiring strategic thinking, decision-making, and adapting to various scenarios.

Simulation Games

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a highly realistic flight simulation game that engages cognitive skills such as spatial awareness, attention to detail, and problem-solving.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation game that encourages creativity, resource management, and social interactions.

Two Point Hospital

Two Point Hospital is a simulation game where players design and manage a hospital. Critical thinking and multitasking skills are essential to handle various aspects of hospital management.

Sim City

Sim City is a classic city-building simulation game where players plan, build, and manage a city. Strategic thinking and decision-making are crucial for the city’s success.

Farming Simulator

Farming Simulator allows players to manage a farm, making decisions about crops, livestock, and equipment. Resource management and planning contribute to the game’s cognitive challenges.

Simulation games provide cognitive benefits by simulating real-world scenarios, requiring players to make decisions and solve problems.

Puzzle Games

The Pedestrian

The Pedestrian is a 2D puzzle platformer that challenges players to navigate through interconnected signs. Logical thinking and spatial reasoning are crucial for success.

Maquette

Maquette is a first-person puzzle game that plays with perspective. Players solve puzzles by manipulating objects in different-sized versions of the same environment, enhancing spatial reasoning.

Unpacking

Unpacking is a meditative puzzle game where players unpack boxes and arrange items. Attention to detail, organization, and spatial awareness are key.

Cut the Rope Series

Cut the Rope is a physics-based puzzle game that requires creative problem-solving as players cut ropes to feed candy to a creature.

2048

2048 is a sliding puzzle game where players combine numbered tiles to reach the tile with the number 2048. Strategic planning and pattern recognition are essential.

Portal

Portal is a first-person puzzle-platform game where players solve spatial puzzles using a portal gun. Critical thinking and logic are central to overcoming challenges.

Puzzle games challenge cognitive skills such as critical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving, making them excellent brain-training tools.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cognitive benefits of video games are increasingly recognized. Various genres, from strategy and first-person shooters to action RPGs, simulations, and puzzles, offer unique cognitive challenges. As with any form of mental exercise, moderation and balance are key. Embracing a diverse range of video games can contribute to enhanced cognitive skills, making gaming not just an entertaining pastime but a potential avenue for cognitive development.