Most people think of video games as the pastime of young people. They picture teenagers squirreled away for days on end, engaging in games no one really understands. You wouldn’t be blamed for having this view, especially because the youth are the primary market for these games, and they have adopted it with open arms and wide eyes.

But video games are not exclusive for teenagers and there are enough game titles out there to hook anyone from any background. In this article, you will discover some benefits of playing video games that you’ve probably never considered. Beyond some of the more obvious benefits of gaming, it can also improve your skills, mind, and body, all while having fun in the process!

Video game benefits you should consider

If you asked a gamer why they play video games, they would probably just say, ‘because it’s fun!’. Very few people take the time to think about how video games can impact them positively. Here are three benefits for you to consider:

1. Keeping up with technology

Let’s be honest, most people feel like the technology around them is changing faster than they can keep up with. In fact, when asked, most people report that they feel that technology is developing way too fast. When you think about it, technology is being integrated into pretty much every facet of your life; it’s called the Internet of Things (IoT). Look at your phone, car, TV, computer, and even your wallet—new technology is shaping how we live our lives.

This is why you need to find ways to keep up with technology without it becoming a burden. You might consider getting someone to teach you, or try to make sense of new technologies as they come, or you might even bury your head in the sand and hope that you’ll do okay without it. But one of the best ways is to start playing video games.

Playing video games is a fun way to try new technologies without taking any real risks. New video games are released all the time and they are constantly incorporating the technology of the day to make the gaming experience even more engaging. The benefits of video games include exposing yourself to technologies like:

• Bluetooth

• Smart TVs

• Surround sound audio or noise-canceling headphones

• Virtual reality

• Augmented reality

• Super high-resolution display

• Streaming

• Live gaming with other players

• Headsets

• Hand and body controls

• Many, many, more

The beauty is that while this list may seem intimidating, you can take on as much as you are comfortable with and build from there. Not all games require all technologies and you will feel more comfortable as you explore the video gaming world.

2. Sharpening your cognitive skills

Aside from the tech, you’ll also strengthen your brain as you play new games. One of the main advantages of playing video games is that they can help improve cognitive function. Most games require players to challenge their thinking through:

• Creating and applying strategy

• Problem-solving

• Making quick decisions and seeing direct results

• Learning new operating systems

• Applying mental agility as you are faced with new challenges and scenarios

Strengthening your brain and keeping it sharp has everything to do with building new neural pathways which help to develop improved attention, memory, and spatial reasoning.

Video games can also help reduce stress and anxiety by providing fun and engaging ways to distract the mind from everyday worries. In fact, some studies have shown that playing video games can be just as effective as traditional relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing.

3. Involving your body

Next, let’s explore the benefits of video games for your body! While it may not seem like it, playing video games can actually be quite physically demanding. Many games require players to use hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which can help improve dexterity and reaction times.

In fact, some games, such as sports or fitness games, can provide a fun and engaging way to get exercise. Games like Nintendo Wii Tennis and boxing are obvious examples, but there are also games like Just Dance and Sonic Free Riders that also get your body moving. These games can be a great alternative to traditional workouts for those who find them boring or tedious.

Of course, it's important to remember that like anything else, playing video games should be done in moderation. Too much of anything can be harmful, and it's important to take breaks and get up and move around every once in a while. But overall, playing video games can be a fun and beneficial way to keep both the mind and body active and engaged.

How to get started with video games

Start small and slowly build up your gaming skills and setup. Like most things in life, if you take on too much too soon, you’ll end up quitting.

The best thing you can do is start with games that are familiar to you and that don’t require much setup. With this in mind, you should check out the games provided by AviaGames. AviaGames has created a host of wildly popular online games that you can play directly on your phone. AviaGames has familiar ones like Bingo, Solitaire, and Dominos, and a whole host of games that you’ve probably never heard of, like BubbleBuzz, Zumnia, and Blockolot.

These games are an ideal starting point for your video game journey for these simple reasons:

• You can play directly on your phone either in a game app or within your mobile browser - no complicated hardware is needed

• It’s social so you can play against people from across the US and beyond

• You can win real money and prizes in the process

All AviaGames titles are super legit and have provided hours of fun to literally thousands of people around the world. And, don’t worry, the games use a matching algorithm to ensure that you play against opponents with similar levels of skill and experience.

Start playing today

Are you ready to start reaping the benefits of video games? Download Games by AviaGames today or start playing online. Get all the benefits of playing video games while earning real cash and prizes at the same time. It couldn’t be easier!

At the end of the day, video games are designed to be fun so let that be the number one benefit that guides you. The technical know-how, cognitive skills, and physical benefits are just the cherry on top.