Good Effects of Video Games Book (Play money)

Following instructions Objectives in games involve following instructions to complete objective Video games usually involve the players having to complete tasks to complete the game. This usually requires the players to follow instructions. Problem solving and logic Some games involve the gamers having to solve puzzles and problems by using logic. This helps to improve problem solving Hand-eye coordination, fine motor and spatial skills. Shooting games require motor skills for movement and targeting, US Army has suggested soldiers to spend some time playing them Resource management and logistics Online games such as age of empires and world of warcraft require the gamers to make decisions on the best way to use limited resources. This helps in real life as people have to manage various forms of resources such as money. Multitasking, simultaneous tracking of many shifting variables and managing multiple objectives Quick thinking, making fast analysis and decisions Shooting games usually involve enemies suddenly spawning in front of the gamers field of view. Therefore the gamers have to make makes quick decisions. Strategy and anticipation Strategy games have more than one method to complete objectives. Therefore gamers rationalize on the best method to complete the task. This may involve methods which will take the least amount of time. Developing reading and math skills RPG require gamers to read text to understand the storyline and any instructions Perseverance Pattern recognition Estimating skills Inductive reasoning and hypothesis testing Mapping Many games include maps which can be used to navigate through the game play area. The maps are very similar to real maps and therefore help to navigate in real life. Memory Reasoned judgments Games allow gamers to make decisions which can affect the storyline. This gives gamers the chance to rationalise the consequences of each action before making decisions Teamwork and cooperation when played with others Multiplayer and online play requires the gamers to work in teams to improve efficiency. Simulation, real world skills

Negative Effects of Video Games

Playing computer games are said to negatively affect the health of players. Research has documented the negative effects of computer games as including obesity and postural, muscular and skeletal disorders. An increase in emotional disorder symptoms Research has shown that gamers are less emotionally stable and therefore are likely to suffer from emotional disorder. An increase in and behavioural disorder symptoms Some video games contain violence and behaviours which are not acceptable in society. These actions can be copied by gamers which can lead to the teenagers misbehaving at home and school. Declines in verbal memory performance

Somatic complaints Attention problems such as hyperactivity, ADD or ADHD Detrimental school performance (as video game usage increases, GPA and SAT scores decrease) Less time spent studying as more time is spent playing games

Family interaction problems such as less positive parental relations Significant reduced amounts of slow-wave (REM) sleep Modifications in visual selective attention Playing violent video games is a significant risk factor for later physically aggressive behaviour Games contain violence and gore