Written by Taylor Le | Edited by Kevin Liu
Photo by Julia M Cameron
If we took a time machine back to 1974 Sunnyvale, California, we would be hard-pressed to believe that a 2D video game based on table tennis would generate $14 million in revenue in its first two years [1]. Recognized as one of the most successful and influential arcade games in history, Pong arguably sparked the rise of video gaming we see today [2]. Since Pong’s success, advances in social media and computing technology have allowed gaming to flourish in terms of content, cost, and overall satisfaction across a variety of video game formats, from role-playing to online battle arenas. Player versus player (PvP) gaming has grown tremendously to create a new entertainment experience: competitive video gaming or electronic sports, colloquially known as esports. With foundations rooted in the 1970s, esports have recently taken the world by storm. League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Fortnite are among the world’s most-watched Esports [3]. Hundreds of thousands of fans now tune in on online streaming platforms to cheer on their favorite players and teams in addition to playing the video games themselves in their spare time.
A 2015 study conducted at the University of California, Irvine suggests that certain types of gaming can be beneficial for all age ranges. Dr. Stark and Dr. Clemenson, neuroscience researchers currently analyzing and studying the mechanisms underlying memory, found that actively exploring and interacting with 3D video game environments (specifically Super Mario 3D World and Minecraft) improved hippocampus-associated cognition. The hippocampus is a brain structure associated with learning and memory. Gamers who engaged in these 3D game environments demonstrated better discrimination (distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information) and memory for specific details compared to non-gamers and gamers who engaged in 2D environments (Angry Birds) in a Memory Mnemonic Task (MST) [4]. Other studies have noted that gamers also demonstrate improvements in their ability to react and hand-eye coordination compared to non-gamers. Gamers’ brains were also observed to contain more gray matter, which is neural tissue responsible for sensory perception, memory, emotion, and decision-making ability [5] [6].
However, it should be noted that excessive gaming may result in Internet Gaming Disorder, a condition in which gaming takes precedence over other priorities. The disorder may impact daily activities and hobbies and produce symptoms of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other psychological-social problems [7] [8]. When considering the direct and even indirect exposure to games and gaming culture from friends, school organizations, and gameplay videos, there is a risk of overexposure resulting in adverse affects on the gamer and those around them. A recent rise in gaming disorders and addictions has become so dire that legislation is being created to control it; just earlier this year, China restricted individuals under 18 years old to a three-hour maximum of gaming time per week due to increasing cases of gaming addiction [9].
With the current prevalence and exponential growth of online gaming from mainstream casual games to international competitions, gamers must remember that video games should be enjoyed in moderation. Making sure to take frequent breaks, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and spend time with family and friends are key safeguards to avoiding Internet Gaming Disorder and addiction. Despite the potential benefits and neurological improvements seen in those who game, the pastime can lead to potential side effects and should be exercised in moderation.
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