What do Roblox, Pokemon, Minecraft, and Blockman Go all have in common? Yes, they are quite fun to play but that’s not it. The real similarity is the fact these are video games, popular ones at that. Today, people are playing more video games than ever, and in this modern age of technology that is the norm. However, just as with all things, there are some who just can’t keep up and remain stuck at the level they are comfortable with. It’s usually our older family members who fall behind in their ability to use devices, but we can’t really blame them.

One important fact, to begin with, is that adults actually play a lot of video games themselves; but their gameplay is more puzzle than action or aggression. Puzzle and strategy games win out over other genres, which means that adults enjoy these types of games and find the puzzle aspects most interesting. This is important because puzzle and strategy games require the mind to work its gears in order to win. Examples of such games are Tetris, Sudoku, Minesweeper, and Clash of Clans which make your brain think before acting upon a turn. Online versions of board games like Checkers, Uno, and Chess can also count as strategy games. 

Andrew Perren of Pew Research Center reports on a 2017 survey that looked at video games in the United States. Perren reports that video games are quite popular with adults. In fact, the report showed that “Overall, 43% of U.S. adults say they often or sometimes play video games on a computer, TV, game console or portable device like a cellphone.” 

Puzzle and strategy games take the top over the other genres, which means that adults enjoy these types of games and find the puzzle aspects most interesting.  This is important because puzzle and strategy games require the mind to work its gears in order to win. Examples of these types of games are Tetris, Sudoku, Minesweeper, and Clash of Clans which make your brain think before acting upon a turn. Online versions of board games like checkers, Uno, and chess can also count as strategy games. The most nostalgic games usually required strategy to win a round. 

 Having children on a screen all the time gives some worry and concern over their well-being and eye health. This can cause parents in particular to think that video games are a bad thing – especially when they see them playing violent games. 

Video games can help children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Amy Paturel of Brain&Life claims, ¨Kids with ADHD often play action video games to flood their senses with visual stimulation, motor challenges, and immediate rewards. In this environment, the ADHD brain functions in a way that allows these children to focus, so much so they don’t exhibit symptoms, such as distractibility, while gaming.¨ 

This is important because it provides some evidence that video games can be a treatment of sorts for children with ADHD. Not all games are violent and filled with gore. Some are peaceful and give the player a chance to spread their imagination. For example, Minecraft may have some PvP (Player vs. Player) with swords and axes but it’s usually popular for the massive builds from the Minecraft community. It really depends on what type of game is being installed. 

It’s usually the horror games that affect children the most since seeing all the jumpscares at a young age can get into their heads and cause nightmares in their sleep. However, life simulators can give children a chance to see what it’s like to be what they want to be, whether it’s a firefighter, a baker, or even a teacher. There may be some bad sides to playing video games; but there are also some good sides too. Ultimately the value of video games is somewhat balanced but that can be changed with what you play.