It may be an absurd concept for some (especially for parents), but playing computer games may have some advantages over traditional or conventional outdoor games. Computer games and video games share an unwarranted reputation among concerned citizens of society. These modes of game play are often associated with a sedentary lifestyle, violent behavior, laziness, addiction, and the like. But let us give computer games the benefit of the doubt. Here are some reasons why computer games may outshine outdoor games.
[Read also: Computer Game Focused Learning – Benefits and Risks]
Image by Flickr user: University of Glamorgan
Enter the Computer Age
It is inevitable; computers are now an essential part of our daily lives. We cannot get rid of computers as they facilitate our everyday modern conveniences. Even the current century is dubbed the “information technology age”. Our lives are characterized by the rapid exchange of information locally and across the globe. Our lives rely on information exchange. This exchange empowers people, creates jobs and other possibilities. Enabling information to be exchanged between people all over the globe are computers. We just have to face it, computers are now a big part of the world we live in, and they may well contribute significantly in the aspect of entertainment and activity.
[Read also: Have More Fun Online By Playing Games]
Computer Games Rapidly Evolve
Computer programs and software are rapidly evolving all the time. By this we mean software, including games, are always updated and current. Previously, games were constrained to only joysticks and a mouse, but now we are experiencing an evolution in the gaming industry. Players can now control and play the game not only by joysticks and mouse, but also by using their own body movements. The development of other games can even require players to use their “brain muscles” in conjunction with their “body muscles” to win or accomplish a goal. Such evolutions provide a broader spectrum of physical experience for players. Something outdoor activities may lack.
[Read also: PC vs. Console Gaming – Which Is Better?]
How About the Outdoors?
Let us not forget outdoor activities also serve us with a lot of health benefits. It may be conventional, but its advantages are not something to be overlooked. Outdoor activities would be more enjoyed when you are wearing the appropriate outdoor apparel. Shops like Moosejaw and Backcountry are the shops to stop for when it comes to outdoor gear. Visiting the shop and the site might even get you a Moosejaw coupon or a Backcountry coupon.
Advantages of Computer Games in Skills and Cognition
Computer Games Instigate Problem Solving Skills
Most computer games are designed following stories and chapters. Each story and chapter is often characterized by a particular dilemma, the main task of the player is to solve the dilemma and reach the goal in order to finish a chapter or a story. This particular design of games stimulates problem-solving skills. Studies on the positive effects of gaming also found individuals who play online games, possess the ability to multitask, solve math problems efficiently, and analyze problems and dilemmas skillfully. This ability is honed by the games designed for giving problems, challenges, or tasks, which push the player to think creatively and innovatively.
[Read also: Educational Computer Games]
Computer Games May Improve Hand-Eye Coordination
Games that use joysticks and other equipment are also seen to improve ones’ hand and eye coordination. Gaming consoles that require whole body movement, such as the Nintendo Wii, can improve this type of coordination. Although hand-eye coordination can also be achieved with outside activities, the individual has to choose the right activities to improve this function whereas the Wii games all satisfy hand-eye coordination development.
Technology carries a lot of potential; this potential can be seen greatly if the hands carrying it know the concept of moderation and boundaries. In other words, when it comes to gaming, have as much fun as you can, but know your limits.
[Read also: How to Enjoy Computer Games More Cheaply]
In my country India, children play many versatile outdoor games and even I used to play but then virtual games started amazing me more. Actually there is no comparision between outdoor and indoor gaming, there are like the two sides of a coin. Really enjoyed reading your article.
I like both. In fact I spend more time playing outdoor games than playing computer games. Even computer games that I play involve a lot of body movements that uses Kinect.
Very much agree with you Mahaveer. There is no comparison between them. Both type of games are important. One for mental growth and second for physical growth.
Hi Peter,
When I was in both grade school and high school, I mostly preferred playing outdoor games – probably because video games back then were still for the nerds. However, during college, I was introduced to the playstation and I’ve been addicted ever since. I am not platform or genre specific, so as long as the game has got good reviews I try my best to play them. These days, the only outdoor game I seem to play is beach volleyball, that is, whenever my friends and I go to the beach.
Beach volleyball…, one of my favorite outdoor games.
Computer games are in leading position today, those games are having wide range of benefits. With these games kids can improve their knowledge levels more and more.
I think the great thing about playing computer games over outdoor games is that, by playing PC games, we can learn and gain some values than just playing outdoor games. For example is playing strategy games on PC. By playing strategy games like Age of Empire, The Settler, not only we have a lot of fun, but also, we can sharpen our mind and learn a lot of things about management. And that is a huge plus point of playing computer games.
That’s a good point there, Brian! Most people play computer games merely for fun without noticing they’re actually learning something while playing.