Video games are no longer as frowned upon as they were ten or twenty years ago. The medium is now firmly integrated into the daily lives of many. According to some statistics, about half of all Germans gamble, and this includes almost every age group. But gaming is not only a fun hobby, it has many advantages over passive media. Therefore, some aspects must not be lost in the debate.
This article takes a closer look at the different areas of gaming and shows what positive effects they have. Of course, video games shouldn’t take over, but they’re perfect as a balance to everyday life.
Different varieties
Of course there are plenty of films, books and series, but no medium is as diverse as video games. It starts with the platforms players can choose from. Depending on age, budget and accessibility, everyone can make their best choice. The best thing is that many games are available on almost all platforms anyway, as exclusive titles are becoming increasingly rare.
- PC: The computer is suitable for those who want to play casual gaming in the browser, i.e. on the platform Crazy games. It is already present in most homes. But PCs also serve a completely different niche, such as hardcore gamers who want to put together a big setup and have the best graphics settings. Indeed everyone is welcome on PC, as the customization options are now vast.
- Console: Perfect for those who don’t want to deal with technology. For casual gamers there are PlayStation and Xbox, while some use Nintendo.
- Smartphones: Especially popular with the younger generation as smartphones are always in your pocket and you can play games quickly.
The choice of style should not be underestimated here either. Everyone will find a title or two they like. There’s everything from construction simulations to shooters and role-playing games. You can play both old and new games, making your hobby more diverse.
Growing market
Video games now surpass movies and music in terms of revenue. And every year many more new games hit the market that become instant classics. You probably won’t be bored. Thanks to the Internet and better access, there are now not only big gaming studios, but also many small independent developers. Projects like Stardew Valley or Undertale, for example, were created by just one person and still managed to win against big companies.
Physical and mental benefits
But if we look remotely at video games as a medium, we can see that they have significantly more positive effects. Although the negative aspects have been debated, they are now significantly reduced. Gaming brings many benefits that have a good effect on you, your body and your mind.
Positive aspects of video games at a glance:
- Good hand-eye coordination
- memories
- Fast response time
- High attention span
- Stress reduction
Of course, gaming should only be enjoyed in moderation, but many positive effects have already been scientifically proven. Not every genre is equally observable, but it’s all the interactive aspects of video games that make the medium special.
Socialize
Whether online or in person, video games have been connecting people for decades. It begins in childhood, but many friendships continue later. Also known from online games or other circles. Video games even span generations; It is no longer uncommon for parents to play with their children, especially in families.
Springboard for careers
Apart from all these points, video games have now established themselves in other circles and become profitable as well. On the one hand, there are definitely creators on online platforms like YouTube and Twitch who make money through gaming. Here everyone can be creative and attract a huge audience, even get promotional deals and free game codes E-sports are also becoming increasingly popular, including in Germany Even the best of the best can make a living from it.
On the other hand, there are more and more courses and training courses for video games, be it programming, art design or project management. This opens many doors both for German developers and internationally Finally, you can of course always try it as a solo dev and have a surprise hit.
