Unfortunately, most people think about the negative effects of gaming including addiction, depression, and violence. We often hear parents blaming games as the reason why kids are so violent. Video games in general tend to have a bad reputation. Consuming too much of anything can be bad and there is a lot more research being done on the impacts of video games.

While a lot of people default into the bad parts of video games, there are many benefits playing video games too. With so many different genres of games with over 100 categories, every game can exercise a different part of your brain and even your body (think virtual games and Wii fit!). Nowadays with advanced gaming technology, a lot of companies try to also encourage physical fitness as part of their gaming focus.

When Wii Sports first came out with the capabilities of the Wii Remote, this was such a game changer in the industry. The Wii Remote was a motion-sending handheld device that mimics your real-life movements onto the screen. Playing virtual tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing felt so much more real than ever. This even changed how people saw gaming, and now more than a “lazy gamer”, the Wii Sport taught players how to have fun without solely sitting in a gaming chair and moving their hands.

Many games take a certain level of skill to play. From memory and perception, to critical thinking and reasoning. There are a lot of different types of games out there that can help develop different skills when playing. For example when first learning how to play a first person shooter game, like Valorant, you learn to develop skills ranging from hand-eye coordination to tactful decision-making (see below on what skills you learn and develop when playing Valorant).

• Hand-eye coordination which requires quick and accurate reactions can be developed from aiming and shooting at enemy agents
• Cognitive skills can be developed from strategic planning with team and enemy agents and the agents’ utilities and also considering map placement. Every aspect of the game enhances a player's ability to learn. Every round requires strategic thinking and communicating
• Decision making on the spot for the best course of action as the last player standing or even general gameplay against enemy agents
• Teamwork and communication from working with your team to plant the spike or defuse the spike as the main goal and mission to accomplish

There are other advantages of gaming such as a psychological benefit when it comes to certain games. Their genre of video games are growing and the styles continue to meet different demands. Role playing games (e.g., Path of Exile, The Witcher, The Elder Scrolls, God of War, Dungeons and Dragons), sandbox games (Minecraft, Stardew Valley, The Sims), real time strategy (Warcraft, Age of Empires), shooter (Halo, CSGO, Valorant, Fortnite), multiplayer online battle arena games (Dota 2 and League of Legends), puzzle and party games (Jackbox, Portal 2), and survival and horror (Resident Evil, Left 4 Dead, Don’t Starve); all these games have different skills the player can learn and acquire.

Each genre of game can exercise a different part of your brain and even push a player to develop skills you never thought a game could. Some games can help you to think on the spot and strategize in a fast-paced situation, some games can help you get off the couch and onto your feet, some can help you with your social skills and building better relationships with others, some help relieve stress, and ultimately a lot of these games help players learn from their mistakes and push you to reach your goal.

Social relationships during gameplay can boost a person's wellbeing and psychological health. Online teamwork can enhance team bonding and lead to growing and long-term friendships. Connecting with players across platforms can help players build self-esteem and strengthen their confidence.

Video games cannot be seen as “black-and-white” not “good-and-bad”. While it can have both extremes, where video games could potentially become an unhealthy addiction or it can also significantly increase happiness and well-being, we must understand that this topic also has its gray area and in betweens. In the end, balance is always key, and it’s important to be aware of how much you game and all things related.