How Games Affect the Brain

The human brain is one of the most fascinating wonders of the cosmos. Studies show that it has higher computational power efficiency than electronic computers by orders of magnitude. Our brain consists of 86 billion neurons, each connected to another, totalling 1 quadrillion connections. Not only that, but information in the brain travels at speeds of up to 350 miles per hour.

Different activities affect the brain. For instance, physical exercise improves cognitive function, while reading strengthens neural connections. Video games enhance problem-solving, spatial awareness, and reflexes. Of course, issues surrounding addictions have led to a divide in the community. In this post, we’ll explain how games affect the brain.

The Science Behind Brain Activity and Gaming

Gamers spend billions of hours per week in front of their screens worldwide. In 2023, the Australian video game industry was valued at A$4.4 billion. In an online survey of 2,025 customers, 29% of Aussies spent 1 to 5 hours weekly playing video games.

Action and action-adventure games are the preferred video game genres. Some of the best-selling video games of 2024 include Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, EA Sports College Football 25, and Helldivers. However, gaming trends extend beyond traditional video games.

For those who prefer a more relaxed and effortless gaming experience, free online pokies have become an increasingly popular choice. These games require no strategy or financial commitment, just spin the reels and let luck take over. It is safe to say that the allure of gambling sites has contributed to the rising number of casual gamers in recent years.

Neurotransmitters and Neuroplasticity

Video games are mainly for entertainment. However, upon closer look, you’ll discover that they actively reshape brain structure and function through activation of key brain regions, neurotransmitter release, and neuroplasticity.

Gaming triggers the release of neurotransmitters that influence mood, cognitive function, and motivation, including dopamine (reward and motivation), serotonin (mood regulation), cortisol (stress response), and norepinephrine (focus and alertness). Relaxing games sharpen attention while also reducing stress and anxiety, promoting emotional stability.

Neuroplasticity refers to your brain’s ability to form or reorganise synaptic connections after gaining a new experience. Gaming stimulates the connectivity between brain regions. Playing video games increases grey matter in areas linked to problem-solving, memory, and spatial navigation.

Similarly, it strengthens neural circuits that control hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and visual processing. Since players need to adapt to different game environments, their actions boost cognitive flexibility.

Brain Regions Affected by Gaming

To understand the relationship between gaming and the brain, we need to explain the areas affected. Thankfully, researchers using neuroimaging techniques have highlighted the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and many more.

Prefrontal Cortex

This part of the brain controls problem-solving, impulse control, and decision-making. Certain games, especially action titles that involve strategy, improve cognitive flexibility and boost working memory.

Games like Tetris, StarCraft, or Age of Empires require players to plan. As a result, they strengthen logical reasoning skills. Plus, adapting strategies based on new challenges improves cognitive flexibility.

Hippocampus

The hippocampus is where memory forms. It is also responsible for spatial navigation. During video games, players need to remember features, such as last checkpoints, combo moves, and location arrangements. These features improve hippocampal function.

Striatum

Games with leaderboards or gifts boost reward-seeking behaviours. This action activates the dopaminergic system, which increases dopamine release. The striatum helps in reinforcement learning, reward processing, and habit formation.

Amygdala

This part of the brain processes pleasure, aggression, and fear emotions. Controlled gaming, especially titles with intense action or emotional storylines, increases emotional engagement. As a result, gaming improves empathy. Final Fantasy XIV, The Sims, and World of Warcraft, among other games, improve social cognition and verbal or emotional processing.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum handles motor control, fine motor skills, and coordination. During video games, players switch weapons, control up to four buttons at once, and solve puzzles. These actions enhance sensorimotor skills by strengthening cerebellar connections.

Action games like Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, or Fortnite improve hand-eye coordination. They require precise movements and quick decisions, and they also boost attentional control, reaction time, and visual processing skills.

Cognitive Benefits of Gaming

Various scientific studies show that video games provide significant benefits to the human brain. Some of those advantages are:

• Strategy games strengthen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Puzzles improve memory and spatial navigation.
• Action games increase attention and focus.
• Games boost reaction time and hand-eye coordination.
• Games improve task-switching ability to multitask.
• Narrative-driven or multiplayer games enhance emotional and social intelligence.

Moderation – The Key to Finding a Balance

Video games have proven benefits for the brain. At the same time, they have drawbacks. One of the fears of video gaming is that excessive exposure to violence heightens aggression in individuals.

However, the literature review for the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications suggests otherwise. Still, we know that practising moderation is the key to enjoying gaming while retaining all its mental benefits.

The Effects of Excessive Gaming

Excessive gaming can lead to addiction, causing players to lose control, neglect responsibilities, and use games as an escape from real-life stress. This happens when gaming overstimulates the brain’s reward system to release too much dopamine or when the prefrontal cortex is impaired. To combat this, set time limits for gaming, take regular breaks, and engage in other hobbies. Most importantly, put work, studies, or social interactions first.

Video games can reduce stress and anxiety, but excessive screen time and social isolation may have the opposite effect. Blue light exposure may also disrupt your sleep. We recommend playing multiplayer games that foster positive social interactions.

Likewise, avoid late-night gaming and balance screen time with your offline activities. Explore the benefits and drawbacks of gaming on the brain in the table below:

Benefits	Drawbacks
Improves problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking abilities	Excessive gaming may lead to cognitive overload
Enhances working memory	Sleep disruption can impair memory
Boosts hand-eye coordination and attention span	Too much gaming makes it difficult to focus on non-gaming tasks
Encourages teamwork and communication in multiplayer games	It can lead to social withdrawal and isolation

Conclusion

Research into how video games affect the brain is mixed. For every positive, there is a negative. Science shows that gaming improves hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. At the same time, games enhance memory, attention, and other cognitive functions.

Besides, they provide a new way to socialise. Gaming increases grey matter, enabling the brain to grow and adapt. However, moderation is key. Excessive gaming can negatively impact your quality of life. Have fun, but don’t go overboard.

//This is third party content