From their origins as pixelated classics in the arcade to their current incarnation on phones, game consoles, computers, and on the Web, one thing about video games stays constant, and that is they’re fun to play.

Once relegated to a guilty pleasure or a nerdy teenager’s hobby, digital games have become one of the world’s biggest entertainment industries. Played by people of almost all ages, video games are also used by companies to train their employees, doctors for therapeutic purposes, and schools and other educational institutions as learning tools. With technological advances, such as faster Internet connection and cloud gaming, and increased acceptance of new technologies like virtual reality, it is clear that games will be sticking around for quite some time.

Why They Matter

Video games provide people with a way to connect and communicate with others, especially through multiplayer games that act as virtual hangout spots (think of them as the new park or mall) and, in some cases, chat. Some people even connect through their voices!

Digital games give people an opportunity to see what they’re capable of by challenging their brains with tricky puzzles or helping them conquer difficult levels. This makes players feel a sense of accomplishment when they’re able to achieve a feat.

Digital games allow people to participate in a storyline. Unlike a movie, where events unfold in front of the viewer, games allow people to impact the story with their actions and make decisions.

Research shows that playing video games may improve a person’s decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The Concerns

Predatory practices: Some parents and regulators are taking notice of tactics used in games that are free to download and play, but offer in-game purchases. These can be highly addictive and encourage users to spend money.

Too much screen time, especially for kids: If games occupy too much of someone’s life, they have less time to devote to other activities. For kids, excessive game-playing may interfere with sleep, physical activity, or schoolwork, among other things.

Poor experiences: Just like many things connected to the Internet, poorly-moderated online games may subject people to harassment and other forms of negative interactions with others.

Looking Ahead

Games themselves are neutral because they’re not good or bad, and their effects on people vary widely depending on a variety of factors. By continuing to raise awareness around monetization schemes used by some companies, employing parental controls, setting boundaries around game-playing, and using video games to their fullest potential, people are taking steps to maximize their benefits and minimize their downsides.

Written by

Dee