Many, especially parents :), say gaming is a “waste of time.” Slowly though, the benefits of gaming started to be researched and brought to the public’s attention.
Both gaming and esports have grown in popularity dramatically over the years, which will only continue. Now that esports is taking off; there are even more benefits when you’re part of the gaming community.
There are a variety of great benefits to gaming and esports.
This article will uncover some of these and explore the topic further.
Gaming Vs. Esports: What’s The Difference?
The first thing you need to know about both gaming and esports is what they are and how they differ from each other.
The main difference is that gaming is played on consoles or computers while esports is played online. However, both games have their unique qualities.
Gaming – A Game Played On Consoles Or Computers
You can play gaming on various devices such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, etc. There are many types of games available for gamers to play.
These include sports games, action-adventure games, racing games, puzzle games, adventure games, fighting games, etc.
Some people prefer playing single-player games, while others enjoy multiplayer games.
Esports – An Online Competition
Esports is an online competition where players compete against one another. Most commonly, it involves video game tournaments that involve teams of players competing against one another.
Players who excel at certain games can become professional athletes. eSports players earn large sums of money by winning competitions.
Benefits Of Gaming And Esports
There are numerous benefits to gaming and esports, but here are just a few of them:
1. Improves Your Memory
Playing video games helps improve your memory because it requires you to use your brain. It will help if you remember names, locations, dates, facts, etc.
While doing so, you also learn new information. Research shows that adults who play video games regularly perform better than non-gamers when remembering information.
As we age, we start to see a decline in our:
- cognitive flexibility
- attention
- working memory
- abstract reasoning
Scientists did experiments with elderly patients, such as this one, showing that gaming improved all of the above.
2. Boosts Brain Power
Video games help boost brain power because they require you to think. Playing video games improves problem-solving skills, logic, reasoning, and decision-making.
3. Helps Improve Focus
When you’re playing a video game, your focus becomes very intense. As a result, you’ll be more focused on the task.
This allows you to concentrate on something else, such as studying or working out.
4. Makes Learning Fun
Games can be educational and allow learning to be approached in a fun way. For example, you can study using flashcards or problem-solving games instead of textbooks.
If you do this, then learning becomes much easier. This is good for younger children who may get distracted easily.
5. Helps With Social Skills
Video games allow you to interact with other people, especially in esports. When you play video games, you meet new friends and even form relationships with them.
6. Keeps You Active
If you want to stay healthy, then you should always make sure that you get enough exercise.
Some video games, such as VR (virtual reality) or the Nintendo Wii, are considered exercise since they require you to move around, thus keeping your body active.
7. Improves Eyesight
According to a recent study, it has been found that gaming can improve a gamer’s Eyesight. Gaming allows players to be better responsive to different colors and perceive better.
Professor Ingo Froböse’s research on esports athletes found that hand-eye coordination went far beyond that required for table tennis.
8. It Allows You To Relax
Video games allow you to relax after a long day at work. The best part is that you don’t have to leave home to play these games. All you need is a device that connects to the internet.
9. Helps Build Confidence
Most people feel insecure when they go into unfamiliar situations. However, you will feel confident if you’re comfortable in those situations.
With esports, for example, you have to be able to be a team player and interact with others somewhat. This can be beneficial in everyday life.
10. Provides A Sense Of Achievement
Most people love achieving goals. There’s nothing better than completing a goal successfully. By participating in esports, you’ll be able to achieve many goals.
Some examples include becoming a pro gamer, earning scholarships, and getting hired.
Downsides To Gaming And Esports
While there are many benefits, there will also be some downsides.
1. It Can Be Addictive
This is one of the most significant disadvantages of gaming and esports. Many people start playing games for fun, but before they know it, they find themselves addicted to them. If you bet on esports, you should be careful about your habits and never bet more than you afford to lose. Keep it just for fun and enjoy the eSports competitions.
2. Distracting
Playing video games can distract you from important tasks. For example, you might spend hours playing a video game instead of finishing an assignment.
3. May Not Be Good For Your Health
Some studies show that excessive use of video games can cause health problems. For example, repetitive strain injuries are common among gamers.
Also, some research shows that playing video games for too long can lead to eye problems.
4. Time-Consuming
Some people complain about how time-consuming video games are. They say that they never seem to finish any game.
5. Can Lead To Violence
Violence is another downside of gaming and esports. Video games can teach kids bad habits like aggression and violence, which is why it is essential to have age ratings.
Final Thoughts
eSports Benefits
- Improves Your Memory
- Boosts Brain Power
- Helps Improve Focus
- Makes Learning Fun
- Helps With Social Skills
- Keeps You Active
- Improves Eyesight
- It Allows You To Relax
- Helps Build Confidence
- Provides A Sense Of Achievement
eSports Downsides
- It Can Be Addictive
- It can be Distracting
- May Not Be Good For Your Health
- Time-Consuming
- Can Lead To Violence
Gaming and esports have been around for decades now. However, its popularity continues to snowball.
Many people enjoy watching esports tournaments, and some even participate in them just for the sake of it. Others do not even play but make money with eSports by organizing tournaments, investing in stocks, or placing bets on eSports.
No matter if you prefer to watch esports or play games by yourself, there are many benefits