Video games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment in recent times. You can get many hours of fun and relaxation with them, whether playing alone, with friends or family. However, there are also many benefits of video games in education that go beyond entertainment, as they can provide knowledge for everyday life in a more enjoyable way. Anyone would be eager to dump an essay on a papers writing service because it’s often just boring. But show your students a game, and they will be eager to study.

Nowadays, there are many educational video games for children, through which anyone can practice or learn mathematics, geography, history, and much more. However, any genre in the video game repertoire can have distinct learning benefits if used responsibly. Some of them may teach you critical thinking, some will make your skills with words better than any essay paper writing service, and others will get you to think about great philosophical questions. You are probably wondering how this is possible. Well, if you want to know, here’s how:

Games improve strategy

Often, video games put us in complicated situations in which it is necessary to create a strategy to pass a level. Fortunately, in fictitious situations, such as those offered by video games, players have the opportunity to create different scenarios. If they fail, they still use their mental skills to progress, learning from their mistakes simultaneously.

They stimulate cognitive and dexterity skills

In video games, it is also possible to encounter puzzles or riddles that must be solved to progress. As a result, common sense and critical thinking can be put into practice by making use of logic and cognitive skills. This, in turn, improves problem-solving skills.

They develop leadership skills

When we play with friends, family, or strangers online, we have the opportunity to lead our own team. However, leadership skills need to be honed, and games offer us just such an opportunity. By commanding your teammates, making tough decisions, and getting positive results, you progress in the game and improve your leadership.

They encourage teamwork

One of the best benefits of video games in education is encouraging teamwork. Going hand in hand with leadership skills, skills such as empathy, organizational skills, responsibility, active listening, and communication, among others, can also be developed. Therefore, working as a team in virtual environments can achieve better results for any objective.

They increase responsiveness

In games, there are quick-time events (also known as QTEs), which are rapid sequences that force the player to rely on their reflexes, as they must press buttons within a time limit. As unexpected problems arise in these games, it is necessary to strategize in a rushed manner that works to overcome that section.

They develop creativity

In addition to situations where video games require you to use your creativity and reasoning to overcome problems, there are other types of games that are all about letting your imagination run wild. Titles such as Minecraft, Super Mario Maker, or The Sims help stimulate inventiveness, combat stress, and improve self-esteem and personal development.

They help to practice languages

Although many video games are now translated for different countries, people who decide to try a game in its original language increase their chances of learning a new language. Thanks to on-screen instructions and documents to better understand the story and character dialogues, a player can practice language learning and gain high levels of proficiency in it.

They improve our memory

Many games tend to add puzzles and segments where certain information needs to be remembered to progress through the level. In addition, there is also an aspect called “Backtracking,” which makes the player go back to different points in the game that they have already passed through to continue completing challenges or puzzles to progress.

They help to study history.

Several commercial video game franchises present us with historical events such as the World Wars or the Middle Ages. Contrary to what many might think, many of them give us the real versions of what happened in our past, giving us a more detailed view of these events.

But are all games beneficial, and how to choose a suitable one?

Unfortunately, there are still cases today where politicians, parents, or experts in different areas disapprove of the use of video games. Despite this, it has been demonstrated that video games have many benefits in education and the development of specific skills.

It is important to mention that some commercial video games do not improve people’s learning and are created just for fun. Therefore, different factors must be taken into account to learn with them, especially if you want to educate a child. For example, you obviously cannot teach a child with an overly explicit 18+ game that portrays violence and tons of swearing. And you cannot learn from time killers with no plot and sense.

In conclusion, video games have been a breakthrough for the entertainment industry, and besides being a much-loved pastime, they also offer learning options and even exercise options. However, it is always vital to keep in mind the necessary restrictions and safety measures in order not to compromise our health and to continue enjoying new adventures along with learning with video games.