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107 Video Game Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Video games have become a popular form of entertainment for people of all ages. From action-packed shooters to immersive role-playing games, there is a video game out there for everyone. With such a wide variety of games to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on a topic for an essay about video games. To help you get started, here are 107 video game essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing:

The impact of violent video games on children's behavior
The evolution of video game graphics over the years
The rise of esports and its influence on the gaming industry
The benefits of playing video games for cognitive development
The representation of gender and race in video games
The history of virtual reality gaming
The psychology of loot boxes in video games
The role of music in enhancing the gaming experience
The ethics of video game journalism
The impact of video game addiction on mental health
The cultural significance of video game franchises like Mario and Pokemon
The future of cloud gaming and streaming services
The role of storytelling in video games
The influence of video games on popular culture
The relationship between video games and education
The impact of video game censorship on creative expression
The portrayal of mental health issues in video games
The role of social media in video game marketing
The history of video game consoles
The impact of online multiplayer games on social interaction
The evolution of game mechanics in the survival horror genre
The representation of LGBTQ+ characters in video games
The influence of Japanese culture on video game aesthetics
The role of nostalgia in the popularity of retro gaming
The impact of microtransactions on player experience
The relationship between video games and violence in society
The role of artificial intelligence in game development
The impact of video game streaming platforms like Twitch
The representation of disability in video games
The influence of game design on player engagement
The evolution of mobile gaming
The role of virtual economies in online multiplayer games
The impact of video game sound design on immersion
The portrayal of mental illness in video games
The influence of Eastern philosophy on game narratives
The role of user-generated content in game communities
The impact of fan culture on video game development
The representation of indigenous cultures in video games
The influence of literature on game storytelling
The role of game difficulty in player satisfaction
The impact of video game piracy on the industry
The portrayal of war in military shooter games
The relationship between video games and sports
The influence of board games on video game design
The role of player choice in game narratives
The impact of virtual reality on therapy and rehabilitation
The representation of historical events in video games
The influence of film on game aesthetics
The role of gender stereotypes in video game marketing
The impact of game mods on player creativity
The portrayal of mental health professionals in video games
The influence of tabletop role-playing games on video game mechanics
The role of game mechanics in promoting teamwork and cooperation
The impact of game development crunch on industry workers
The representation of animals in video games
The influence of science fiction on game narratives
The role of player agency in game storytelling
The impact of game difficulty on player motivation
The portrayal of addiction in video games
The influence of mythology on game aesthetics
The role of puzzles in game design
The impact of game reviews on player purchasing decisions
The representation of mental illness in horror games
The influence of architecture on game environments
The role of game soundtracks in enhancing the player experience
The impact of game tutorials on player learning
The portrayal of robots and AI in video games
The influence of fashion on character design in games
The role of humor in game narratives
The impact of game localization on cultural representation
The representation of environmental issues in video games
The influence of psychology on game design
The role of game narratives in exploring complex themes
The impact of game communities on player engagement
The portrayal of mental health struggles in indie games
The influence of mythology on game storytelling
The role of player feedback in game development
The impact of game accessibility on player inclusivity
The representation of gender identity in video games
The influence of surrealism on game aesthetics
The role of morality systems in game narratives
The impact of game tutorials on player retention
The portrayal of mental health professionals in horror games
The influence of psychology on game narratives
The role of player choice in shaping game outcomes
The impact of game aesthetics on player immersion
The representation of LGBTQ+ relationships in video games
The role of environmental storytelling in game design
The impact of game streaming on player engagement
The portrayal of mental illness in puzzle games
The role of player feedback in shaping game development
The impact of game aesthetics on player perception
The representation of LGBTQ+ characters in horror games
The influence of film noir on game narratives
The role of environmental storytelling in shaping game worlds
The impact of game tutorials on player skill progression
The portrayal of mental illness in narrative-driven games
The influence of science fiction on game aesthetics
The role of player choice in determining game endings
The impact of game aesthetics on player emotional response
The representation of LGBTQ+ relationships in indie games
The influence of literature on game design
The role of environmental storytelling in immersive game worlds
The impact of game streaming on player community building
The portrayal of mental health struggles in interactive fiction games

Whether you are writing a research paper, a critical analysis, or a personal reflection on video games, these topics provide a diverse range of ideas to explore. From examining the psychological effects of gaming to analyzing the cultural significance of game narratives, there is no shortage of fascinating topics to delve into. So, pick a topic that interests you and start exploring the world of video games through the lens of your essay. Happy writing!

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Video Games — Video Games and Their Impact

Video Games and Their Impact

Categories: Cognitive Development Video Games

About this sample

Words: 433 |

Published: Feb 12, 2024

Words: 433 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

References:

Barr, Matthew. “Video Games Can Turn University Graduates into Better Employees.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 2019.
Etchells, Pete. “Five Damaging Myths about Video Games – Let’s Shoot ‘Em Up.” The Guardian, 2019.

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Essay on Importance of Games

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Games in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Games

Introduction.

Games are a crucial part of our lives. They instill values, promote health, and provide entertainment.

Health Benefits

Games improve our physical health. They promote strength, agility, and endurance, keeping us fit and active.

Developing Skills

They also develop our skills. Team games teach us cooperation, while strategy games improve our problem-solving abilities.

Social Interaction

Games encourage social interaction. They help us make friends and learn to work as a team.

In conclusion, games are essential for our overall development. They offer fun while teaching us valuable life skills.

Also check:

Paragraph on Importance of Games

250 Words Essay on Importance of Games

The essence of games.

Games, both physical and digital, play a pivotal role in the holistic development of individuals. They serve as a powerful tool, fostering psychological growth, enhancing physical fitness, and nurturing social skills.

Psychological Development

Games stimulate cognitive abilities, promoting analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. For example, strategy-based games, such as chess or Risk, demand players to anticipate opponents’ moves and plan their own. This helps in improving critical thinking and strategic planning skills.

Physical Fitness

Physical games like football, basketball, or tennis, contribute significantly to maintaining health and fitness. They enhance stamina, agility, and coordination, and teach the importance of discipline and teamwork. In an era where sedentary lifestyle diseases are on the rise, games act as a countermeasure, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Social Skills

Games are social constructs that encourage interaction and cooperation. They instill a sense of camaraderie, helping individuals to develop empathy, communication skills, and a spirit of healthy competition. Multiplayer games, for instance, require players to strategize and communicate effectively with their teammates.

In conclusion, games are not merely a source of entertainment but a medium that fosters physical, mental, and social development. They equip individuals with essential life skills, making them more resilient, adaptable, and capable of facing real-world challenges. Therefore, the importance of games should not be underestimated, and they should be integrated more into educational and professional environments.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Games

Games, in their many forms, have been a central part of human culture throughout history. They are a universal language that transcends age, culture, and geography, uniting people through shared experiences. The importance of games cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in physical, mental, and social development. They are not just a source of fun and entertainment, but also a means of learning and personal growth.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Physically engaging games, such as sports, are a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They promote physical fitness, improve coordination, and enhance motor skills. Participating in games can also help in managing weight, reducing the risk of obesity, and promoting cardiovascular health.

Moreover, games also have significant mental health benefits. They stimulate mental agility and improve cognitive functions. Complex board games, for instance, require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Video games, often criticized for promoting sedentary behavior, have been found to enhance spatial navigation, memory, and perception when played in moderation.

Social and Emotional Development

Games are also instrumental in social and emotional development. They foster a sense of community and teamwork, as players often need to collaborate to achieve a common goal. This interaction helps in developing communication skills, understanding social cues, and building empathy.

Additionally, games provide a safe space to experience and manage emotions. Winning and losing are part of every game, teaching players to handle success with humility and defeat with grace. This emotional resilience is a crucial life skill that extends beyond the game.

Educational Value

The educational value of games is often overlooked. They can be effective learning tools, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. Many educational institutions are incorporating game-based learning to make education more engaging and effective. Games have the potential to transform traditional learning methods, making them more interactive and enjoyable.

In conclusion, games are an integral part of human life. They are not just pastimes, but platforms for learning, growth, and development. They contribute to physical and mental health, foster social and emotional development, and have significant educational value. As society evolves, so do games, reflecting our changing interests, values, and technologies. The importance of games, therefore, lies not only in their inherent entertainment value but also in their ability to promote well-rounded development and foster a sense of community.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Happy studying!

The role of game genres and gamers’ communication networks in perceived learning

Chang Won Jung ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4376-2200 1

Palgrave Communications volume 6 , Article number: 69 ( 2020 ) Cite this article

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Cultural and media studies

The present study examined the educational roles of games that were not designed for pedagogical purposes. With respect to the roles of gamers’ communication—communication networks, network diversity, and heterogenous discussion—three specific sub-objectives of the present work include: (1) to examine the extent to which games can be social learning environments, (2) to examine how gamers’ communication contributes to perceived learning, and (3) to evaluate the relationship between game genre’s unique characteristics and learning effects. This work statistically tested a series of research hypotheses using empirical data obtained from a national survey of Korean gamers ( N = 1392). The results from hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicate that game genres and gamers’ communicative networks were significant predictors of perceived game learning. Importantly, game genres that are considered by policymakers to be violent and addictive were found to contribute to learning. Additionally, gamers’ communication variables that are not closely related to education and politics significantly predicted their learning. Based on the results, this study suggests that game coplaying or gamers’ social networks should be considered important for socio-cultural learning. Moreover, the current study provides empirical evidence that exposure to diverse perspectives during game playing contributes significantly to not only tolerance and deliberative democracy but also the socio-political learning of gamers. In this regard, the present study expands the literature on pedagogy (learning effects), political communication (benefits of heterogeneous/deliberative discussions), and game studies (game addiction/gaming disorder). Thus, this study provides new insights for current research on the educational roles of games.

Virtual tree, real impact: how simulated worlds associate with the perception of limited resources

The effects of children’s participation and co-creation in science

A bibliometric analysis of the use of the Gamification Octalysis Framework in training: evidence from Web of Science

Introduction.

There has been a significant body of research to suggest that playing games explicitly designed for educational purposes provides an alternative means of teaching (Ninaus et al., 2019 ). For example, a recent work by Chen et al. ( 2019 ) insisted that game-based negotiation learning can promote students’ goal setting. Game-based learning is characterised by balancing gaming play with subject matter or knowledge and the ability of student players to maintain the motivation of participants. It has been regarded as an educational tool of a learner-driven environment that can apply the principles or guidelines of game design to learning processes to enable student engagement in learning and their participation (Gaydos and Squire, 2012 ; Gee, 2003 ; Gee and Hayes, 2012 ; Jabbar and Felicia, 2015 ; Shapiro and Squire, 2011 ; Yeh and Lan, 2018 ).

Importantly, there is a potential to promote learning by playing games that are not designed for a pedagogical purpose. Stufft ( 2018 ) argued that the use of games that are not intrinsically designed to convey a specific concept may promote students’ engagement in an interest-driven pursuit of learning knowledge. It is noteworthy to state that past literature suggests a possible positive linkage of playing games and learning in political science through the formation of network ties (Pathak et al., 2008 ; Freeman, 2017 ). The main tenet behind the educational strategy is that playing games may act as a social simulator that helps people connect with each other ( building social capital ), share ideas, and teach each other ( collective intelligence ). Moreover, literature on political communication asserts that communication or discussion significantly contributes to increasing political knowledge (Jung et al., 2011 ; Loy et al., 2019 ). While intrinsically designed game-based learning has been well recognised to be beneficial to student learning, there is no empirical documentation for the extrinsic role of game playing in the promotion of learning, particularly in the field of socio-political issues.

The current study discusses (1) to what extent games can be a learning environment, (2) how gamers’ communication contributes to perceived learning of social issues, and (3) how game genre’s unique characteristics relate to learning effects. As the theoretical basis, this study applies the notion of gamification on perceived game learning as discussed in pedagogical studies on game playing (Nietfeld, 2020 ; Park et al., 2019 ). In addition, the present study suggests that gamers who play certain genres (e.g. role playing or augmented reality (AR) games involving multiple players and interaction among them) are more likely to form their communication networks and discuss various political issues with others through diverse channels, as well as participate in discourse more often than other players of other game genres.

According to the results of political communication studies, communication or discussion significantly contributes to increasing political knowledge (Bennett et al., 2011 ; Eveland et al., 2005 ; Eveland and Thomson, 2006 ; Eveland and Hively, 2009 ), and thus, gamers’ communication may also demonstrate learning effects. Additionally, to expand the literature on heterogeneous discussion (Mutz, 2006 ; Huckfeldt et al., 2004 ; Wojcieszak and Rojas, 2011 ; Kim and Hyun, 2017 ; Yoo and De Zuniga, 2019 ) and the deliberative aspect of gamers’ communication, this study explores the role played by heterogeneous discussion in learning. Taken together, this study analyses the effects of three aspects of gamers’ communication—communication networks, network diversity, and heterogeneous discussion—on learning of political issues. This work further validates the conceptual framework and tests a series of research hypotheses using empirical data obtained from a national survey of Korean gamers ( N = 1392).

Games as a tool for collective learning

What is the relationship between game genres and perceived learning via game playing.

Regarding the relationship between game playing and learning, or gaming as a learning tool, the literature on game learning (gamification) provides evidence of the learning effects of game playing. Moreover, as a social consequence of game playing, Squire ( 2010 ) suggested that ‘prolonged participation in game cultures may lead to a more active, problem-solving orientation to learning’ (p. 2572) along with increased confidence in one’s ability to foster feelings of concern. Furthermore, participation in gaming also catalyses collaborative decision-making in gamers, as reported by Beck and Wade ( 2004 ). Moreover, Halverson ( 2012 ) introduced the notion of participatory media spaces in which participants learn by performing, and proposed that such spaces serve as environments in which people can express ideas. Halverson ( 2012 ) analysed the art-creation space, whereas this study argues that gaming can be considered to provide participatory media spaces that promote teamwork and continuous interaction between players of different ages, social statuses, and other characteristics.

Kahne et al. ( 2013 ) found that online participatory activities for youth, including gaming, are increasing and creating communities, and that such activities promote understanding of the norms of membership and potentially foster collective activities. In addition, Thomas and Brown ( 2011 ) stated that ‘gam[ing] does not just teach programming; it cultivates citizenship’ (p. 22), and examined the collective nature of the game environment as a collection of people, skills, and talents. This collectivity is characterised by an active engagement in the process of learning or designing, with the aim of mutual learning.

With culture defined as a ‘system of meaning that is shared by a social group’ (Goncu and Katsarou, 2000 , p. 223), Boellstorff ( 2008 ) indicated that language and other semiotic mediation in an online space serve as cultural tools that crystallise learning and development. Participating in online spaces also engages people in socialisation (Martin and Steinkuehler, 2010 ; Steinkuehler et al., 2012 ). Using this logic, people who play games acquire not only the knowledge and information required for a game, but also the behaviour patterns and communication tools that help them interact with other gamers in the community. Thus, gamers in the collective environment view each other as resources and engage in peer-to-peer learning with all members considered to be at equal positions within the community.

In fact, gamers can learn about political systems, citizenships, and real-life relationships not only by playing games that are specifically designed for this purpose as the pedagogical objective, but also by playing massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) (Williams et al., 2006 ; Martin and Steinkuehler, 2010 ); this is because participation in gaming creates a unique culture in which the members rely on each other for completing various tasks. Williams and his colleagues ( 2006 ) analysed the guilds in World of Warcraft and found out that ‘as guild size increased, guilds were also more likely to engage in more formal management and organisational practices’ (p. 346), similar to real-life structures and organisations—such as political systems, hierarchies and power structures; this may be because these structures reflect not only the social constructs of organisation, but also natural human tendencies (i.e. instincts) in forming organisations. Due to these complex and formal structures in games, gamers experience opportunities for socialisation while interacting with other gamers. Moreover, by their nature, MMOGs are socially constructed worlds in which meanings are collaboratively achieved (Martin and Steinkuehler, 2010 ). While playing games, gamers share a social context, acquire opportunities for learning how to socialise with other gamers, and build a community aimed at learning.

The current study examined six game genres: role playing games (including massively multiplayer online role-playing games ([MMOGs]), multiplayer online battle arena ([MOBA]) (including Aeon of Strife), action/first person shooter (FPS)/third person shooter (TPS) (e.g. Grand Theft Auto, Overwatch, Sudden Attack, Call of Duty), strategy games, AR games (e.g. Pokémon GO), social network games and puzzles, and web board games ([SPW]) (Schroeder Publishing and Wargames). For each game genre, the top 10 games were listed based on their sales and subscriptions.

Based on the characteristics of the game genre, this study proposes the following hypotheses regarding the relationship between a specific game genre and perceived learning via gaming. As previous studies only examined the learning effects of collective-oriented game genres (role playing, MOBA, and AR games) the current study hypothesises the following relationships (see Fig. 1 ):

Conceptual model of game genre, game copying, network diversity and network heterogeneity predicting the effect of perceived learning by playing games.

H1: Playing role playing games is positively related to perceived learning via playing games .

H2: Playing MOBA games is positively related to perceived learning via playing games .

H3: Playing AR games is positively related to perceived learning via playing games .

Because the relationships between action genre, strategy, and social network games and puzzles, and web board games ([SPW]) and learning have not been examined in previous studies, the current study examines the above associations as the research objective.

RQ1: What is the relationship between playing action games and perceived learning?

RQ2: What is the relationship between playing strategy games and perceived learning?

RQ3: What is the relationship between social network games and puzzles, and web board games ([SPW]) and perceived learning?

Gamers’ communication

What is the relationship between gamers’ communication and perceived learning via game playing.

According to Squire ( 2010 ), gamers’ communities function as spaces for communication, which creates a learning culture for gamers. As discussed above, the collective or participatory aspects of game playing or gaming culture plays a crucial role in learning, more specifically, this study argues that communication/discussion among members has an important role in the process of learning by playing games.

Political communication studies discussed the role of communication or discussion in acquiring knowledge (Eveland et al., 2005 ; Eveland and Thomson, 2006 ; Eveland and Hively, 2009 ). These studies found that individuals who engage in discussions with others are more likely to acquire knowledge, which ultimately contributes to political participation. Although these studies analysed the political aspects of communication/discussion and their role in gaining political knowledge or participatory behaviour, the current study attempts to expand the relationship between communication and learning; gamers’ discussion that is not thoroughly related to politics may significantly connect knowledge/learning.

Game coplaying

Apart from communication, it is also important to examine the role of communication partner/encounters. This study explores the gamers’ communication networks and sources of interactions between guild members or game friends (game co-players/ coplaying ). According to Yee ( 2006 ), gamer interactions are closely related to the major motivation of achievement in game playing. In other words, the social nature of engaging in the gaming culture contributes to acquiring game friendships and discussions, among others. Thus, this study argues that communication among game members through various channels of communication may contribute to building communities based on collective intelligence, and this communication is positively related to learning. Based on the previous literature, this study offers the following fourth hypothesis:

H4: Game coplaying is positively related to perceived learning via game playing .

Network diversity and heterogeneous discussion

With the large number of social networking services (SNS) available today, members of online social networks have more communication networks as well as opportunities to encounter diverse opinions that differ from their own. In social networks, likes talk to likes, ultimately leading to polarisation resulting from the reinforcement of existing views (Mutz, 2006 ). As such, people tend to converse with others whom they share close connections with than those who are only acquaintances, and are less likely to discuss opposing views. Moreover, according to Mutz ( 2006 ), a large network size does not guarantee diversity; people are less likely to engage in cross-cutting or heterogeneous discussions, which results in highly partisan communication while isolating individuals and significantly increasing the potential for segregation and polarisation (Sunstein, 2001 , 2002 ).

However, this study argues that democratic citizenship requires tolerance and understanding of others’ viewpoints (Bohman, 2003 ). Mutz ( 2006 ) suggested heterogeneous discussion as a potential solution for such segregation or polarisation. Furthermore, as a positive impact of heterogeneous discussion, Mutz ( 2006 ) found that individuals with heterogeneous discussions were aware of both the rationales for oppositional opinions and those for their own viewpoints, while demonstrating tolerance. Thus, investigating the role of heterogeneous networks in political discussions has important implications for deliberation and democratic citizenship. To expand the literature on game studies and the role of heterogeneous discussion among gamers on learning, this study raises empirical questions regarding whether the deliberative interactions (heterogeneous discussion) among discussion networks affect the perceived learning of gamers.

As no previous study has discussed the relationship between gamers’ communication networks and perceived learning via game playing, the current study offers the following research questions:

RQ4: What is the relationship between network diversity and perceived learning?

RQ5: What is the relationship between network heterogeneity and perceived learning?

The present study was conducted in compliance with the ethical guidelines of the author’s university institutional review board. All participants provided written informed consent prior to the online survey.

To test the perceived learning effects of game playing, an online survey was administered to Korean adults between October 26 and November 2, 2016. The study participants were selected randomly to receive the survey URL in an online invitation. Among the 2162 responses received, 403 were removed due to short response time, quitting midway, or insincere answers. The response rate was determined to be 30% by the AAPOR method version 4.0 (web). As the main study subjects, the current study focuses on gamers ( N = 1362) who play games at present.

Participants

A total of 1362 adult Korea gamers (male = 768, female = 594, age range = 20–59) were selected. The participants provided information regarding their highest educational levels (1 = Elementary school; 2 = Middle school; 3 = High sschool; 4 = University; 5 = Graduate: M = 3.88; SD = 3.88), household annual incomes (1 = <10,000,000 won [~$8900]; 2 = 10,000,000–20,000,000 won; 3 = 20,000,000—40,000,000 won; 4 = 40,000,000–60,000,000 won; 5 = 60,000,000–80,000,000 won; 6 = 80,000,000–100,000,000 won; 7 = More than 100,000,000 won; M = 3.22; SD = 3.22). The average time spent playing games by participants was between 2 and 3 h a day (0 = I do not play games; 1 = <1 h; 2 = between 1 and 2 h; 3 = between 2 and 3 h; 4 = more than 3 h; M = 2.96; SD = 0.96).

Measurement

Data for the RPG genre (e.g. Lineage, World of Warcraft, Maple Story) were obtained by a single item regarding the frequency of game play, ranging from 0 = never to 5 = very frequently ( M = 1.64, SD = 1.67). Data for the MOBA game genre (e.g. League of Legends, Heroes of the Storm) were obtained by a single item regarding the frequency of game play (0 = never to 5 = very frequently; M = 1.14, SD = 1.56). Data for the strategy game genre (e.g. Civilization, SimCity, Football Manager) were acquired using a single item regarding the frequency of game play (0 = never to 5 = very frequently; M = 1.51, SD = 1.71). For the AR genre (e.g. Pokémon GO), data were obtained by a single item regarding the frequency of game play (0 = never to 5 = very frequently; M = 2.09, SD = 1.80). Similarly, data for the SNG/Puzzle/Web board genre (e.g. Clash of Clans, Kakao Mahjong, Net Marble, Baduk) were measured through a single item regarding the frequency of game play (0 = never to 5 = very frequently; M = 0.59, SD = 1.14).

Game coplaying was considered as the combined size of game friends and guild memberships. The number of game friends was measured by an additive index of the following three items regarding the number of people that participants play with: ‘Random encounters (in quest)’, ‘Online friends’, and ‘Offline friends’. An index was divided into four groups: ‘0’ (41.4%), ‘1–3’ (18.2%), ‘4–10’ (21.2%), and ‘11–410’ (19.3%) ( M = 1.16, SD = 1.16). The number of guild members was measured using a single item on the average number of guild members with whom the respondents play. An index was divided into four groups: ‘0’ (60.4%), ‘1–6’ (12.4%), ‘17–20’ (15.2%), and ‘23–200’ (12.0%). ( M = 0.78, SD = 1.08). These two variables were averaged into a single index ( M = 1.19, SD = 0.96, r = 0.48) (Table 1 ).

Discussion network diversity

This study used five items to measure the discussion network diversity. The questions enquired respondents regarding their frequency of discussions during the past year with (a) guild members ( M = 0.84, SD = 1.22), (b) coworkers ( M = 1.07, SD = 1.28), (c) family members ( M = 1.30, SD = 1.41), (d) random encounters (in-quest/game; M = 0.90, SD = 1.26), (e) online friends (including bloggers or community members; M = 1.00, SD = 1.35), and (f) offline friends (e.g. friends from their neighbourhoods, schools, or workplaces) ( M = 1.30, SD = 1.40). These six variables were averaged into a single index ( M = 1.07, SD = 1.07, Cronbach’s α = 0.89).

Discussion network heterogeneity

Respondents were asked how frequently they commented on news or discussions about politics, including game regulation with (a) people with very different ideas from your own ( M = 0.96, SD = 1.3), (b) people with leftist views ( M = 1.2, SD = 1.3), (c) people with rightist views ( M = 1.0, SD = 1.2), (d) people of a different social status ( M = 1.0, SD = 1.2), and (e) people of different ages ( M = 1.0, SD = 1.2) on a 6-point scale. The final scale was calculated using the approach used by Scheufele et al. ( 2004 ). Respondents’ self-placement on the ideological range was used to recalculate the frequency of political discussions with ideologically like-minded individuals to 0. In other words, a left-leaning person who discussed politics with other leftists were given a score of 0, and similarly for right-leaning respondents. The items regarding the frequency of discussion with an individual of different social status and different political viewpoints remained unchanged because their heterogeneity was measured directly (Wojcieszak and Rojas, 2011 ). The final variable was calculated by averaging the mean of the five items ( M = 1.1, SD = 1.13, Cronbach’s α = 0.66), with higher values indicating greater heterogeneity of discussion networks.

Perceived learning by playing games was measured by asking respondents whether they agreed or disagreed with the following three statements: ‘Through games, I have a chance to learn about socio-political systems/structures’, ‘Through games, I am exposed to a new world that I have not seen before’, and ‘Through games, I meet new people/friends to trust and share emotions with’. A 6-point Likert scale was used for each item, ranging from 0 = totally disagree to 5 = totally agree. An index of socio-political learning by playing games was created by averaging the scores across all measures ( M = 1.43, SD = 1.33, Cronbach’s α = 0.84).

A multiple hierarchical regression was performed to examine whether certain game genres and gamers’ communication (networks, network diversity, and heterogeneous discussion) contribute to perceived learning. For the analysis, the demographic variables (gender, age, education, income) and game play hours of respondents were included in the first block of the equation. In the second block, the game genre variables including RPGs, MOBA, Strategy, AR, and SNG/Puzzle/Web board (SPW). In the third block, gamers’ communication variables—such as game coplaying (gamers’ discussion networks), discussion network diversity, and discussion heterogeneous discussion—were included.

Demographics and game play hour

The model for perceived learning by game playing explained 42.7% of the variance (Table 2 ). In the first block, only game play hours ( β = 0.369, p < 0.001) were significant for predicting learning via game playing (13.1% of incremental variance). The model and the R 2 change were statistically significant ( F (5, 1356) = 41.947, p = 0.00). The game play hours remained significant when other variables were entered into the equation. Those who play games for longer durations tend to perceive that they acquire knowledge about socio-political issues by playing games. The age ( β = 0.094, t (1361) = 3.57, p < 0.001) became significant when the game genre variables were introduced. This suggests that the effect of age is mediated by game genres and gamers’ communication.

The game genre accounted for 19% of the incremental variance. The model and the R 2 change were statistically significant ( F (6, 1350) = 59.390, p = 0.00). Except for the action game genre, all game genres were significantly related to perceived learning via game playing. Nonetheless, when gamers’ communicative network variables were entered into the model, role playing games ( β = 0.081, t (1361) = 3.06, p < 0.01), MOBA ( β = 0.103, t (1361) = 3.62, p < 0.001), and AR ( β = 0.071, t (1361) = 2.61, p < 0.01) game genres contributed significantly to learning via game playing. The findings in Table 2 suggest that while the RPG, MOBA, and AR genres have a direct and indirect effect, the effect of strategy and SPW games was indirect through gamers’ communication when predicting learning via game playing. Those who play RPG, MOBA, and AR genre games tend to acquire knowledge about socio-political issues via game playing. The effect of game learning was stronger in MOBA than in the RPG and AR genre.

Gamers’ communicative networks

The contribution of gamers’ communicative networks accounted for 10.6% of the incremental variance. The model and the R 2 change were statistically significant ( F (3, 1347) = 73.324, p = 0.00). Communication variables played a significant role in predicting perceived learning. Game coplaying ( β = 0.193, t (1361) = 7.42, p < 0.001), discussion network diversity ( β = 0.217, t (1361) = 6.78, p < 0.001), and discussion network heterogeneity ( β = 0.138, t (1361) = 4.70, p < 0.001) were significant indicators for learning via game playing. These results indicate that those who have larger and diverse networks and engaged in discussions with others who have different viewpoints are more likely to learn via playing games. While all gamers’ communicative networks were important, the effect of game learning was stronger in network diversity and game coplaying than in discussion network heterogeneity (see Figs. 2 and 3 ).

Standardized regression coefficients for the relationship between game play hour, game genre, game copying, network diversity, network heterogeneity and perceived learning by playing games. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001; N = 1362.

Standardized regression coefficients for the relationship between age, game play hour, RPGs, MOBA, AR, game copying, network diversity, network heterogeneity and perceived learning by playing games.

This study examined whether playing a specific game genre and gamers’ communication networks contribute to perceived learning via playing games. The findings of this study provide empirical evidence that game genres and gamers’ communicative networks are significant predictors of perceived game learning. It is noteworthy that game genres that policymakers are concerned about due to their violent content and tendency for addiction, such as RPG and MOBA games, were in reality found to contribute to learning. Moreover, the results of this study expand the literature on pedagogy, political communication, and game studies, and the variables that were not closely related to education and politics significantly predicted learning via game playing. Similar to previous studies on the new/emerging media’s roles (especially SNSs usage and discussions) in participatory behaviour, the present study’s findings indicate that gamers’ communication networks play a significant role in game learning.

Regarding the demographic characteristics and how they predict perceived game learning, older people were found to be more likely to perceive that they learn about socio-political systems through playing games. Although the current study only sampled an adult population, one had expected a negative or insignificant relationship between age and learning (i.e. younger people would learn more or at least perceive themselves as learning more about socio-political systems via gaming). This result suggests that there are no age restrictions for learning about society and politics through playing games.

Game playing was found to be significantly related with perceived game learning. The present study’s results suggest that playing RPG, MOBA, and AR game genres has social learning effects, as these genres both directly and indirectly affected learning, further implying that playing these genres encompasses a socio-political learning process. As argued in previous studies, RPGs (including MMORPGs) play a socialising role for gamers (Steinkuehler, 2006 ; Williams et al., 2006 ; Martin and Steinkuehler, 2010 ), and playing MMORPGs also has a critical role in learning. More specifically, Steinkuehler ( 2006 , 2008 ) claimed that MMOGs provided naturally occurring learning environments that involve cognitive/participatory learning communities, which are associated with ‘reciprocal forms of teaching and learning that occur in all directions throughout the social network’ (p. 43). Furthermore, Steinkuehler ( 2006 ) argued that ‘MMOGs are social simulations’ (p. 44); in other words, MMOGs promote social communities that involve building relationships among individuals and groups.

The MOBA and AR game genres share similar characteristics, such as requiring cooperativeness and teamwork among game players. Therefore, it is possible that such collective or party-oriented characteristics of gaming communities offer gamers a culture of learning (Boellstorff, 2008 ) and encourage the learning effect. Thus, RPG, MOBA, and AR game quests can be considered to provide learning environments in which shared meanings are collaboratively achieved (Martin and Steinkuehler, 2010 ), gamers socialise with others, and build a community for learning.

Most importantly, this study found out that communication among gamers facilitates the perceived learning effects, as examined by political communication scholars (Eveland et al., 2005 ; Eveland and Thomson, 2006 ; Eveland and Hively, 2009 ). Game coplaying as significant gamers’ social network amplified learning. While some studies argued that peer groups or gaming friends influence gaming disorder/addiction or excessive game playing (e.g. Amialchuk and Kotalik, 2016 ; Gunuc, 2017 ), the current study suggests that game coplaying or gamers’ social networks should be considered one of the key conditions for socio-cultural learning.

Gamers who engage in diverse discussion networks and discussion involving various views tend to learn more by playing games. This idea implies that heterogeneous network discussion does not only positively influence tolerance as indicated by Mutz ( 2006 ), but also positively influences socio-political learning. Based on this empirical finding, the notion of the benefits of heterogeneous/deliberative discussions can be expanded and re-conceptualised by analysing the over-normative argument as an important factor for gamers’ learning. Thus, if modern communication media offer new channels for discussion and education in democratic processes, then the newly emerging media of games also play a critical role in this dynamic.

While many communication studies have highlighted the negative aspects of game playing, the present study provides meaningful findings regarding the positive effects of gaming. Moreover, the present study’s findings clarify the importance of gamers’ communication networks for learning. Guild members, online friends, and people who play games together can all be considered important resources for learning. Additionally, the current study provides empirical evidence that exposing diverse viewpoints greatly contributes to not only tolerance, but also perceived learning. It is believed that heterogeneous network discussion is an important element of social integration in a polarised society as well as for perceived learning via playing games. In this regard, the results of this study provide new insights for academia and scholars who study games in the context of violence or addiction.

While the present study mainly focused on positive aspects of game playing, the researchers also realise that game playing may have negative impacts for a vulnerable group of young children. For a small percentage, excessive game playing is detrimental to psychological status (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress) or mental health (Frölich et al., 2016 ; Lee and Morgan, 2018 ; Oskenbay et al., 2016 ). Some studies found that self-control or parents’ support are key mediators/moderators to prevent game addiction or gaming disorder (Şahin et al., 2019 ; Soh et al., 2018 ; Zhu et al., 2015 ). Further research into all aspects of gaming would provide meaningful information to assist parents, schools, policymakers, and government health agencies in creating guidelines that promote prosocial gaming while allowing for intervention when gaming has become a negative issue for a particular group.

Regarding policy campaigns to prevent excessive game playing, this study offers in-depth insights into characteristics of a specific game genre. For instance, compared to the other gaming genres, RPG and MOBA gamers are multifaceted gamers who tend to consider various aspects both inside and outside of game play. Policymakers should consider the unique characteristics of the game genre and game players. In addition, as this study suggests, policymakers or those who design campaigns should understand that players of each genre have unique characteristics and gamers’ interpersonal communication networks play positive roles. An identical campaign or policy may not work in a complex gaming world. Thus, policymakers should deeply understand the nature of games and gamers’ communicative networks to effectively prevent negative gaming disorder.

Several previous studies on game learning explored the positive impacts of educationally predesigned games on learning. However, this study found that playing games of artificially violent and hypothetically addictive genres has educational effects. The current study provides new insights for current research on the educational roles of games. In addition, the findings of present study indicate that contrary to certain governments (e.g. those of China, Korea, or Vietnam) and media scholars who consider games to be violent or addictive, several critical aspects of games facilitate learning among gamers.

Data availability

The datasets analysed during the current study are available in the Dataverse repository: https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/KPD8UN , Harvard Dataverse.

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Online gaming as a double-edged sword: an analysis of game community receptiveness, in-game vitality, and player well-being.

Enrico Gandolfi
Richard E. Ferdig
Sk Rezwan Shihab

Education and Information Technologies (2024)

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Impact of Videogames on Children Essay

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Introduction

Modern children live in an extremely digitalized environment characterized by the availability of information and specific ways to spend free time. Today, most young people prefer to spend time in front of the computer, either doing their homework or socializing by using social networks. Another trend of contemporary society is the high popularity of video games that become more complex, similar to reality, and demanding much time. The constantly updating content along with the ability to play with friends online attract children. In such a way, videogames replace other activities such as running, walking, or socializing in the street. The given change of priorities triggers vigorous debates about the possible effects of games on children, their physical and mental development, and long-term consequences. For this reason, the given research is devoted to the issue of videogames and how they influence children. To investigate the problem, the following thesis is offered:

The adverse effects of videogames on children might include the development of anxiety, depression, changes in brain functioning, problems with weight, socialization, and trigger the evolution of chronic diseases; however, they can also positively influence children increasing visuospatial cognition, attention, creativity, and reducing aggression levels.

The development of the videogames industry resulted in the emergence of complex games that create attractive images and exciting tasks to engage players and hold their attention. Statistics show that 66% of children aged 8 to 12 years play video games about 2 hours per day, while teens aged 13 to 17 play about 2,5 hours per day (Halbrook et al. 1097). However, in real life, the numbers can be even higher because of the inability to trace the amount of time spent on such activities. It means, for children, videogames become the main type of activity practiced every day.

Addiction and Accessibility

Another problem linked to videogames is their ability to precondition addiction. They affect the brain similarly to drugs as they stimulate the pleasure center and trigger the release of dopamine responsible for the emergence of specific behaviors (Paturel). In such a way, playing videogames, children feel the need to spend more time. The problem is complicated by the fact that today, games are spread globally, and there is hardly an area, excluding the poorest ones with no Internet or computers, where children are deprived of a chance to play (Paturel). The combination of addiction and accessibility contributes to the spread of videogames and the growing topicality of the question of how they impact the physical and mental health of a child.

Mental Development of a Child

One of the main problems linked to videogames is their influence on the mental development of a child. Childhood is the period fundamental for the mental development of a child, and numerous factors might have either a positive or negative effects on their brain and behaviors (Lobel et al. 885). In such a way, the fact that videogames become the central way to spend free time, replacing the previous activities, attracts the attention of researchers as it has a direct impact on the psyche and health of an individual. However, there is still no consensus on whether videogames have only negative or positive effects.

Brain Functioning

One of the popular fears is that videogames can affect brain functioning. Some researchers assume that excessive gaming in childhood can physically rewire the brain and introduce irreversible changes into its work (Paturel). The recent Chinese research presupposing two control groups showed that gamers (individuals spending about 10 hours a day online) have less gray matter if to compare with people who spend less than two hours online (Paturel). In such a way, gaming can be dangerous as it affects various brain areas, depending on the type of game and reaction it cultivates.

Depression and Anxiety

There is also a belief that games might precondition the development of depression and anxiety in children. The given states are mainly associated with failures in online games, the inability to get some achievement, or bullying, one of the common practices on the Internet. The research shows that excessive gaming might precondition dopamine exhaustion, emotional suppression, and the lack of motivation to achieve various real-life goals (Paturel). Moreover, people with depression might suffer from the deterioration of their states caused by addictive playing (Video Games and Children: Playing with Violence”). Analyzing the impact of videogames on anxiety, researchers also offer various assumptions. First of all, gaming can be a normal and healthy way to relieve stress and decrease anxiety levels by engaging in online activities (Pellissier). However, for children with gaming disorder, using gaming as the anxiety coping mechanism can be dangerous and contribute to the accumulation of negative effects and increased risks (Pellissier). In such a way, video games have diverse effects on depression and anxiety, including the positive and negative ones.

Lack of Socialization

The lack of socialization and contact with peers in real life is one of the most popular fears among parents. Today, most games demand much time; moreover, they are focused on cooperation online by using the Internet, which means that children do not have to leave their houses to communicate with other people. It preconditions the increased time they spend at home. The recent research states that there is a direct correlation between the time spent online and social skills, or the higher the gaming addiction, the less the social skills (Lobel et al. 885). Children might demonstrate the inability to communicate in real life because of the absence of the demanded experience.

Weight Management and Chronic Diseases

Excessive gaming can also result in poor weight management. Gamers usually have snacks consisting of unhealthy food such as sweets, chips, or soda (Halbrook et al. 1100). The given dietary patterns create the basis for the emergence of several problems. First, they might acquire extra weight and suffer from obesity. At the same time, spending much time in front of the computer with decreased physical activity and wrong posture might result in the development of scoliosis and other problems with the locomotor system (Lobel et al. 885). Moreover, there is an increased risk of acquiring chronic diseases such as gastritis. From this perspective, videogames can be dangerous for children.

Nature-Deficit Disorder

Spending much time at home and playing videogames, children devote less attention to real life and the world surrounding them. Thus, Louv states that the threatening tendency towards the decreased exposure of children to nature can be observed in Western countries today (23). The given nature-deficit disorder has a negative impact on children and society as for health development, they need to interact with the environment and acquire all benefits from this cooperation (Louv 45). The inability to remain in contact with the world affects all systems of the child body and prevents them from healthy evolution. For this reason, videogames should be viewed as the factor limiting children’s access to nature and triggering the growth of the nature-deficit disorder.

Enhancement of Brain Capabilities

However, it is critical to mention the fact that there are also positive effects linked to videogames. For instance, studies show that by playing action games, players improve their visual capabilities, including tracking multiple objects, reaction, storing, and manipulating them in specific memory centers in the brain (Paturel). Because of the need to consider several factors at the same time, players have to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and make immediate decisions, which affects their brains and makes them more flexible (Paturel). These positive effects differentiate gamers from other children and help them to cope with diverse tasks while visiting their educational establishments.

Playing action games is also directly correlated with reaction speed. Investigations show that gamers who spend much time in this sort of activities have a lower speed of reaction (Paturel). It is explained by the fact that their gaming sessions can be viewed as training, which results in the formation of bonds in the brain and the development of skills (Pellissier). Because multiple repetitions of the same actions are an effective form of learning, gamers acquire new capabilities linked to similar situations (Paturel).

Imagination

There are also different opinions on how videogames affect the imagination. Thus, most studies conclude that modern role-playing games (RPG) contribute to the development of creative and imaginary qualities of the child brain (Halbrook et al. 1100). They offer a person a unique world, and a player should use his/her imagination to dive into it and associate his/her hero with himself/herself. Additionally, quests and strategies might precondition the rise of strategic thinking and the ability to resolve problematic puzzles or questions (Halbrook et al. 1100). For this reason, videogames can be viewed as a factor stimulating the development of this aspect of the brain’s functioning.

Recommendation

In such a way, there is no unified opinion about whether videogames should be viewed as a positive or negative factor impacting the mental development of a child. This complexity comes from the fact that there are both positive and negative effects associated with gaming. However, all sources emphasize the dangerous nature of excessive gaming and addiction. It means that parents are recommended to control their children playing patterns to avoid spending too much time in the virtual world and guarantee that they interact with the world and their peers in real life.

Altogether, videogames have both positive and negative effects on children. They might precondition the development of chronic diseases and extra weight, high anxiety, and depression levels, along with the changes in brain functioning. The highly-addictive nature increases the risks of spending too much time in games. However, there are also positive effects, such as better reaction, motor skills, visuospatial cognition, and creativity, which are trained during gaming sessions. For this reason, it is vital to continue the further investigation of the problem to outline more effects and conclude whether children’s brains suffer critical damage from games or they can be a tool to stimulate its development and optimal functioning.

Works Cited

Halbrook, Yemaya J., et al. “When and How Video Games Can Be Good: A Review of the Positive Effects of Video Games on Well-Being.” Perspectives on Psychological Science , vol. 14, no. 6, Nov. 2019, pp. 1096–1104.

Lobel, Adam, et al. “Video Gaming and Children’s Psychosocial Wellbeing: A Longitudinal Study.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence , vol. 46, no. 4, 2017, pp. 884-897. doi:10.1007/s10964-017-0646-z.

Louv, Richard. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder . Algonquin Books, 2008.

Paturel, Amy. “ Game Theory: The Effects of Video Games on the Brain .” Brain & Life , Web.

Pellissier, Hank. “ Your child’s Brain on Technology: Video Games .” Great Schools , 2014, Web.

“Video Games and Children: Playing with Violence.” American Academy of Child & Adolescents Psychiatry , 2015, Web.

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11 The Role of Games

Published: October 2009
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This chapter considers the realm of children's and adolescents' games. As noted, this area is incredibly under-researched. That games are so under-studied yet so interesting and important to children, adolescents, and adults should be a message to the research community: this is an important topic. If there is doubt, consider the billions of dollars spent in the “gaming” (i.e. gambling) industry, state and national lotteries, and sport at both professional and college levels. From this perspective it is imperative to study games, and indeed sport, in order to understand the contexts in which individuals actually develop.

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Exploring the Cognitive Benefits of Video Games: How Gaming Can Improve Learning

by Katrine B

September 10, 2023

Video games have become a popular form of entertainment for people of all ages. While there has been much debate about the potential negative effects of gaming, more recent research has focused on the positive impact of video games on cognitive development and learning. In this narrative essay , we will explore the cognitive benefits of video games and discuss how gaming can improve learning.

Understanding the Cognitive Benefits of Video Games

Before delving into the specific cognitive benefits of video games, it is important to define what cognitive benefits are. Cognitive benefits refer to improvements in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making that can result from engaging in certain activities or experiences.

Defining Cognitive Benefits

When we talk about cognitive benefits, we are referring to positive changes in cognitive abilities as a result of playing video games. These changes can include enhanced attention span, improved memory retention, better problem-solving skills, and increased cognitive flexibility.

The Connection Between Gaming and Cognitive Function

Research has shown that video games can have a positive impact on various aspects of cognitive function. One study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, found that playing certain video games can lead to improvements in attention and multitasking abilities.

The researchers found that video game players were better at ignoring irrelevant information and were more efficient at switching between different tasks compared to non-gamers. They suggested that the fast-paced and immersive nature of video games may contribute to these cognitive improvements.

The Impact of Video Games on Learning

In addition to the cognitive benefits, video games have also been found to have a positive impact on learning. In particular, they can enhance memory and improve problem-solving skills.

Video Games and Memory Enhancement

Several studies have shown that playing video games can enhance memory function. In a study published in the journal Nature, researchers found that participants who played a 3D video game had better memory performance compared to those who played a 2D game or did not play any game at all.

The researchers suggested that the immersive and interactive nature of 3D video games may stimulate the hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with memory formation, leading to improved memory function.

Improving Problem-Solving Skills Through Gaming

Video games often require players to think critically and solve puzzles or challenges to progress in the game. This constant engagement with problem-solving tasks can enhance players' abilities to think critically and creatively, and to approach problems from different angles.

Furthermore, research has shown that video games can improve players' ability to transfer problem-solving skills to real-world scenarios. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that individuals who played strategy-based video games showed better problem-solving skills and an increased ability to think strategically in real-world situations.

The Psychological Perspective of Gaming

Another aspect to consider when exploring the cognitive benefits of video games is the psychological perspective. Video games have been found to have an impact on attention span and emotional regulation.

Gaming and Attention Span

Contrary to popular belief, research suggests that playing video games in moderation can actually improve attention span. A study published in the journal Current Biology found that action video game players had better attentional control and were able to sustain their attention for longer periods compared to non-players.

This improved attention span may be attributed to the fast-paced nature of video games, which require players to quickly process and react to various stimuli within the game environment.

The Role of Video Games in Emotional Regulation

Video games can also play a role in emotional regulation. Studies have shown that playing video games can provide an outlet for emotional expression and serve as a means of stress relief.

Furthermore, multiplayer online games can provide opportunities for social interaction and can help individuals develop social skills and emotional intelligence. Engaging in cooperative gameplay can foster teamwork and collaboration, which can be beneficial in both virtual and real-world settings.

The Social Benefits of Multiplayer Games

Multiplayer games, in particular, offer a unique opportunity for social interaction and the development of important skills.

Developing Communication Skills Through Gaming

Multiplayer games often require players to communicate and cooperate with others to achieve shared objectives. This can help individuals develop effective communication skills, as they learn to coordinate actions, share information, and work together as a team.

Teamwork and Collaboration in Multiplayer Games

Playing multiplayer games can also cultivate teamwork and collaboration skills. By working together towards a common goal, players learn to delegate tasks, strategize, and make decisions as a team.

Research has shown that individuals who regularly engage in multiplayer gaming tend to have enhanced teamwork and collaboration skills, which can be transferable to various real-life situations, such as group projects or work environments.

Debunking Myths About Video Games

Despite the growing evidence of the cognitive and social benefits of video games, there are still misconceptions and concerns surrounding their use.

Addressing Concerns About Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction is a controversial topic that has attracted much attention in recent years. While it is true that excessive gaming can have negative consequences, it is important to note that moderate and responsible gaming can bring about positive effects.

Individuals who engage in gaming as a recreational activity, in balance with other aspects of their lives, are unlikely to develop addiction problems. It is important to establish healthy gaming habits and recognize when it starts to interfere with other important areas of life, such as school or work.

The Truth About Video Games and Violence

Another major concern associated with video games is the belief that they promote aggression and violent behavior. However, research conducted in this area has not found a causal link between video games and real-life violence.

Studies have shown that while video games may temporarily increase aggression levels immediately after playing, this effect is short-lived and does not lead to long-term changes in behavior. It is important to consider other factors, such as pre-existing aggression or a lack of parental involvement, when examining the relationship between video games and aggression.

In conclusion, video games have the potential to offer various cognitive benefits and contribute to learning. They can improve attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation. Additionally, multiplayer games can enhance communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills. It is crucial to approach gaming in a responsible and balanced manner, recognizing the positive aspects while addressing concerns about addiction and violence. By understanding and harnessing the cognitive benefits of video games, we can explore their potential as tools for learning and personal development.

Essays About Video Games: Top 12 Examples and Prompts

Video games have revolutionized the way we have fun today. If you are writing essays about video games, check out our guide to inspire your writing.

Few can contest the fact that video games have taken over the world. From the basic, almost “primitive” games of the 1970s like Pong to the mind-bending virtual reality games of the 2020s, they have been a source of entertainment for all. Moreover, they have proven quite profitable; countries like Japan and the United States have made tens of billions of dollars solely from the video game market.

Despite their popularity, much has been debated over the potentially harmful side effects that video games may have, particularly on children. One side argues that playing certain video games can lead to people exhibiting violence in the future, while others believe that video games teach players essential life skills. Regardless, they will continue to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future.

For engaging essays about video games, read the essay examples featured below for inspiration.

1. What electronic games can teach us by Kendall Powell

2. designers are imagining video games without guns by keith stuart, 3. playing video games all summer won’t make you feel worse by nicole wetsman, 4. violent video games bad by andrea newman.

5. The health effects of too much gaming by Peter Grinspoon

Writing Prompts For Essays About Video Games

1. video games: good or bad, 2. the benefits of video games, 3. what is your favorite video game, 4. do video games cause people to become violent, 5. video games in your life, 6. video games vs. traditional games, 7. is the video game rating system enough.

“In other studies, researchers found that gamers who trained on Tetris were better at mentally rotating two-dimensional shapes than those who played a control game. Students who played two hours of All You Can E.T., an educational game designed to enhance the executive function of switching between tasks, improved their focus-shifting skills compared with students who played a word search game.”

Powell explains a few possibilities of applying video games to education. As it turns out, certain video games can improve players’ skills, depending on the mechanics. Researchers are inspired by this and hope to take advantage of the competitive, motivational nature of gaming to encourage children to learn. New games are designed to help kids improve their focus, coordination, and resilience, and game designers hope they will succeed.

“Imagine a game where you’re a war reporter seeking to capture the most iconic, representative images in a battle environment: You’d still get the sense of peril that audiences expect from action adventures, but your relationship with the environment would be more profound. It would be Call of Duty from the perspective of a creative participant rather than a violent interloper.”

The graphic nature of some video games is said to make kids violent, so it is only natural that some creators try to change this. Stuart writes that it is possible to maintain the fun that shooter-type games induce without using guns. He gives examples of games where you do not kill your enemy, simply stunning or capturing them instead. He also suggests photography as an alternative to killing in a “shooting” game. Finally, he suggests basing video games around helping others, making friends, and doing more peaceful, creative tasks.

“Any role video games play in skewing well-being that did pop up in the study was too small to have a real-world impact on how people feel, the authors said. People would have to play games for 10 more hours per day than their baseline to notice changes in their well-being, the study found.”

Wetsman counters the widespread belief that video games “destroy your brain.” Research done with a sample of 39,000 players over six weeks has shown that whether one plays video games for long or short periods, their mental health is not impacted much. There are some exceptions; however, there are not enough to conclude that video games are, in fact, harmful.

“Some people believe that the connection between violent games, and real violence is also fairly intuitive. In playing the games kids are likely to become desensitized to gory images;which could make them less disturbing, and perhaps easier to deal with in real life. While video games aren’t about violence their capacity to teach can be a good thing.”

In her essay, Newman writes about the supposed promotion of violence in some video games. However, she believes this violence does not cause people to be more aggressive later. Instead, she believes these games expose children to certain atrocities so they will not be traumatized if they see them in real life. In addition, these games supposedly promote connections and friendships. Finally, Newman believes that these “harmful” can make you a better person.

5. The health effects of too much gaming by Peter Grinspoon

“Gamers need to be educated on how to protect their thumbs, wrists, and elbows, their waistlines, their emotional state, their sleep, and their eyes. Simple education around taking breaks, stretching, eating healthy snacks, and resting and icing your thumb, wrist, or elbow when it starts hurting can address injuries early, before they become significant. For the eyes, gamers can try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, try to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.”

Grinspoon discusses both the benefits and the health risks of gaming. Video games allow people to interact with each other remotely and bond over specific missions or tasks, and some research shows that they have cognitive benefits. However, some gamers may develop vision problems and hand and wrist injuries. Gaming and “staring in front of a screen the whole day” is also associated with obesity. Overall, Grinspoon believes that gaming is best done in moderation.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about hobbies .

Many parents believe that their children’s “bad behavior” is because of video games. Based on your experience and others, decide: are video games good or bad for you? Make sure to read viewpoints from both sides and write an essay based on your position. Would you encourage others to play video games? Discuss these pros and cons for an interesting argumentative essay.

Like anything else, video games have both positive and negative aspects. Explain the good that video games can do for you: the skills they can equip you with, the lessons they can teach, and anything else. Also, include whether you believe their benefits outweigh the disadvantages they may pose.

For your essay, write about your favorite video game and why you chose it. What is its meaning to you, and how has it affected your life? Describe the gameplay mechanics, characters, storyline, and general impact on the gaming community or society. You can write about any game you want, even if you have not played it; just ensure the content is sufficient.

Many claim that playing violent video games can make you violent in the future. Research this phenomenon and conclude whether it is true or not. Is the evidence sufficient? There are many resources on this topic; support your argument by citing credible sources, such as news articles, statistics, and scientific research.

Video games have been a part of almost all our lives. Recall a treasured experience with video games and explain why it is significant. How old were you? Why do you remember it fondly? How did this experience make you feel? Answer these questions in your own words for an exciting essay.

Essays About Video Games: Video games vs. Traditional games

There are stark differences between video and traditional games, such as board games and card games. For an engaging essay, compare and contrast them and write about which is more entertaining, in your opinion. Be creative; this should be based on your own opinions and ideas.

The video game content rating system is used to classify video games based on their appropriateness for specific ages. However, parents complain that they are not strict enough and allow the display of violent content to children. Explore the criteria behind the rating system, decide whether it needs to be changed or not, and give examples to support your argument.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

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Video Games and Their Impact on Teens’ Mental Health

First Online: 02 March 2018

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Melissa E. DeRosier Ph.D. 3 &
James M. Thomas Ph.D. 3

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The role that video games play in the lives of teenagers has grown dramatically and without pause for the past generation or two. Between computers, smart phones, and dedicated game consoles, not only are individual adolescents spending more of their days playing video games, but the percentage of teens whose daily lives include video games is quickly approaching universality. In this chapter, we first review recent trends in video gaming and explore the various and myriad video games that teens tend to play as well as their motivations to play video games. Then, we review the literature regarding the influence of playing different types of commercial video games on mental health. And last, we explore recent innovations in game development whereby video games are specifically developed to improve mental health symptoms or psychosocial adjustment, including a review of the research supporting use of these “impactful video games.” It is hoped that the information presented in this chapter will provide practitioners with greater understanding of the diversity and breadth of experiences that fall under the umbrella term “video gaming” in order to help foster more open and productive conversations with teens about their video gaming behavior. We also hope the research evidence presented in this chapter will encourage practitioners to integrate the use of video games into their treatment of teen patients, both as a means of fostering the therapeutic alliance and as an innovative accompaniment to traditional therapeutic methods to enhance teens’ mental and behavioral health.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank their three sons—Jefferson Thomas, Benjamin Thomas, and Lincoln Thomas—who provided considerable input (and fact-checking) for this chapter regarding popular commercial video games, video game genres, and video gaming experiences. Their feedback and sharing were integral in helping the authors conceptualize teens’ gameplay experiences when writing the first section of this chapter. The authors would also like to thank Mary Whatley who aided considerably in conducting a literature search and compiling the citations included in this chapter.

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DeRosier, M.E., Thomas, J.M. (2018). Video Games and Their Impact on Teens’ Mental Health. In: Moreno, M., Radovic, A. (eds) Technology and Adolescent Mental Health . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69638-6_17

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Essay on Importance of Games and Sports: 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Words

Today we are providing 5 different types and formats of Essay on the Importance of Games and Sports for you. This is a really important topic for school and college students. Even the graduation level students can use these essays for them. You will find a suitable one for you.

In This Blog We Will Discuss

Short Essay on Importance of Games and Sports: 200 Words for Class 1, 2, 3

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports in 200 Words

Sports and games are really important in human life. We should play games and sports regularly to build better physical and mental health. It helps us in several ways to get a better body. Especially the students should play more and more games and sports. Sports increase stamina and self-confidence. When you are playing a competitive game, you will learn lots of things in real. That will help you to grow your self-confidence. At the same time, your body will get lots of stamina. Both physical fitness and mental health become better by playing games. It teaches you lots of rules that help you to become a more disciplined person in the future. Games like chess are really effective to increase your mental health. Sometimes sports like football or rugby could be a bit dangerous for unprofessional players. But if everyone is friendly, then there is not a problem. Anybody should play football or games like this without proper training because that could fall you in an injury. Overall sports and games are really important in our life. We should play and let our kids play sports regularly.

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports: 300 Words for Class 4, 5

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports in 300 Words

Introduction: Sports are really important for the youth. An entire young generation should be involved with sports and games. There are lots of advantages to that. In this essay, we will talk about sports and games’ importance in our regular life. Sports and games help people to grow physically and mentally faster. Even it helps to get interesting characteristics. And several games and sports competition makes people really competitive that are important for regular life.

Teamwork: Sports are the best option to learn teamwork. We know it’s easy to achieve something with a good team. Teamwork is not easy always if you don’t have the proper knowledge to handle your team. If you play sports regularly, you have to be with a team. You will get a proper guide from the leader and once you become the leader, you need to guide them properly. In that process, you will learn how a team works and it will be great for your future teamwork. If a team can perform properly together, then anything is possible.

Release Stress: Stress could be a reason for suicide in some cases. We all look for a way to release stress. Sport is an amazing way to release stress. When you are playing a game, your complete concentration will be on the game. In that case, you will forget other things that were happening with you. That will help you to get out of hard times.

Conclusion: We all need to get some time for sports from our busy schedule because it’s important for our physical and mental health both. And it teaches us so many real things. So from now, we should let our kids play more.

Importance of Games and Sports Essay: 400 Words for Class 6, 7, 8

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports in 400 Words

Introduction: Games and sports are part and parcel of our regular life. We should play more sports every day to keep ourselves healthy and fit. There are lots of researches and experts said that playing sports could be a really great option to be fit and keep our heart and organs healthy. Participating in sports reduces your stress and make your mood better. It is the best option to become healthy, fit, improves sleeps and improves self-confidence.

Sports to Keep You Fit: Fitness is important in our life. If you don’t remain fit and healthy, your normal life will be hampered. Most of the time, you don’t need to do extra exercise if you are a regular sports lover.

Sports for Kids: Kids should play regularly, first of all, it improves their immune system. It is a little bit hard to control the kids and their health. When a kid sleeps properly, it makes him fit for the next day. We need to let our kids play outside. It is a way of entertainment for them too.

Improving Mental Strength: It is proved by the experts that sports can make your inner power stronger. It is important for mental growth too. The brain of a sportsman become so much fast and they become clever in their regular life. When the kids play games regularly, they learn several tricks to survive and it helps them to be mature in real life.

Sports as Profession: There are lots of sportsmen we see and we follow as influencers and celebrities. All of them came from a really simple family. They did hard work and they understood their talent. As like this, there are lots of students are really good at cricket or football. The school should pick them and arrange special training for them. These students are future Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni. If you look back, all these legends came from the really normal area and normal family. Their parents and they cared about their talent. Even ordinary students also should get the opportunity to practice and make them strong physically. Physical strength is important for everyone. Without enough physical strength, you won’t be able to perform better in your life.

Conclusion: As you can understand, the importance of sports and games is very much in our life. We should be involved in sports.

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports: 500 Words for Class 9, 10

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports in 500 Words

Introduction: Sports and games are a really important part of our life. It helps us to become strong physically and mentally. A good sportsman is a good human too. A sport teaches us so many real-life lessons that help us to understand the meaning of life. There is a huge importance of games and sports for students, ordinary people and almost everyone.

Importance of Sports in Life: There are so many benefits of sports in life. First of all, let’s consider the physical side. It is proved that regular sportsperson has a good heart. That’s means, if you play games and sports regularly, it will improve your heart condition. Doctors say that sport is a strong option to prevent heart diseases. You won’t find any people facing heart problem who is a regular player in cricket, football or another game. It makes our physics really strong, the blood vessels become cleaner. Even you can consider this as your regular exercise too. It reduces fats and cholesterol from the body that makes people really healthy. Overall sport is really important for good health. If you want to learn discipline, you can learn it from sports. Because there are some specific rules and regulations that you must need to follow in every game. You can’t commit any action out of rules. If you are good in a specific sport, that could be your career too. Lots of people are getting connected with sports permanently and there is a bright career ahead. Even they are making a fair amount of money with their skill and entertaining characteristics.

Never Give Up Mentality: Sports build a never give up mentality in your brain. You will face lots of a hard time and under pressure moments in the game. If you can overcome these moments and get a win, you will gain lots of self-confidence. That will teach you not to lose hope in your life. This mentality or mental strength is really important for everyone. If you are really strong inside, you will be able to make hard things easy in your life.

Makes More Competitive: Competition is the core thing in a game or sport. There are usually two teams that compete with each other. In some games, there could be more than two teams. But the main thing is to compete with each other. End of the competition the best performer becomes the winner. So if you play games and sports regularly, you will get a competitiveness mind setup for your future. That will assist you to compete with bad moments of your life.

No Need to Do Extra Exercise: You don’t need to do any extra physical exercise to keep yourself healthy if you are a regular sportsman. It will keep you fit and healthy. There is no better option than playing sports to stay healthy.

Conclusion: There is a lot of importance to sports in our life. We need to play and promote sports among the young generation.

Importance of Games and Sports Essay: 600 Words for Class 11, 12

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports in 600 Words

Introduction: We all play games and sports in our life. But nowadays, the time for sports and games are really limited for the students. They have to follow a tight study schedule or they don’t have proper facilities for playing sports. The biggest problem is enough space or playground. In big cities, there are really fewer playgrounds for the students. That’s a really threatening thing for the future generation. Sports are really important in many ways in our life. We are going to talk about this in that essay. I hope you will enjoy it.

Sports in My School: In my school , sport is mandatory. We have a really big playground in front of our school. The field is really amazing for playing both football and cricket. Most of the time, students play cricket, but there is a specific season for football too. We have a really strong football and cricket team. Last year, we won the interschool cricket championship in our district. Our teachers are also really conscious of sports. They want every student to participate in different games. Not only cricket and football, but there are also some other sports too that we play. Our cricket coach is Mahmudul Hasan sir. He is a great person and really experienced sports coach. He is conscious of our fitness. We need to do proper exercise, before any cricket tournament. We play three main tournaments in a year. I got selected in the main team when I was in class nine. And then became a captain in class ten, and stills serving the school team as a captain. We have won lots of trophies under my captaincy. So overall, there is an amazing sports environment in my school . I wish every school to become a sport-loving place like my school .

Importance of Sports in Student Life: A student’s main duty is to study. But to keep balance in mental and physical health, we need to come out and do some physical exercise. And as a young boy or girl, there not other better option to do physical exercise than playing games and sports. It makes us really happy when we do something good in the game. Even if we lose, it teaches us to accept lose and walk ahead. Sometimes, we face hard times in the cricket pitch or football field. We learn how to control the pressure in a hard time. So the sport is full of lessons. We can learn lots of real-life lessons from it. There is no hesitation that the importance of sports is really high in student life. You must need to participate in lots of sports at that age.

Sports to Spread Social Awareness: The youth is facing lots of problems these days. A big number of them are being connected with drugs and eve-teasing. In that case, sports can change the entire scenario. When a young boy gets free time, he wants to use it on a thing that he can make fun of. So it’s not really surprising that they start taking drugs with bad company. But if that boy is connected with cricket or football, he will love the game automatically. He always will try to keep himself fit for the game. In that case, he will use his spare time to practice and will do physical exercise. Overall, it’s a matter to enjoy the game. We know we all love playing and watching sports and games. We just need proper facilities to play that. So we need to promote games and sports with some social messages and spreading some social awareness to save our youth from the drugs and other crimes.

Conclusion: We need to give our kids enough opportunity to play sports and games so that they can prepare themselves mentally and physically.

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Essay on Sports and Games for Students and Children

500+ words essay on sports and games.

sports and games are essential for both physical and mental of the students. Moreover, it increases the immunity of the person. As it increases the blood flow in the body and makes it adaptable for exertion. The main difference between a sport and a game is, we can play games both indoors and outdoors. But we can only play sports outdoors. Furthermore, there are various advantages to sports and games. Some of them are below:

Advantages of sports

Physical Fitness- Sports and games play a major rule in keeping a person fit and fine. Furthermore, it increases the blood flow in the entire body. So this helps in keeping the heart in the best condition. Moreover, the immunity of the body increases by playing outdoor sports. Also, it helps in keeping your body fat percentage low. This makes the appearance of the body better and makes a person good-looking.

Increase mental health- Games like chess , card games increase the mental health of a person . As it develops Spontaneity and the response time of a person. As a result, a person’s mind can make a decision under pressure. Thus this helps in increasing the IQ of a person and its’ presence of mind.

Increase Stamina- Outdoor Sports like Football , cricket, basketball, swimming builds the stamina of a person. As all these sports require a lot of running, the stamina of a person automatically increases. Therefore a person can work for a longer period of time without getting tired.

Builds a sense of teamwork- Some sports need individual participation, while some require teamwork. Thus sports enlists teamwork in a person. Which is essential in every fieldwork. A company can only run by working together and not individually. So it is important for a person to know how to work together in a team. Only then you can achieve the desired goal .

Stress-relieving- Sports can bring a change to your day to day routine. Moreover, it can relieve you from stress as your body will experience a change. It gives your mind a boost of enthusiasm and happiness. As a result, it will fill you with energy for the next day.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of sport and games

Dangerous- Some sports like football, cricket , basketball, swimming can be dangerous. Because any injury can occur while playing these sports. Therefore you should wear proper safety gear before playing it. Moreover, it can be harmful if you are playing it while you are sick.

Exhausting- Sports require energy, so a person needs to have proper meals. Moreover, the body needs rest to recover from the exertion. Therefore you need proper sleep every day if you are indulging in any sport.

Takes time- In order to play any sport, you have to take out time from your busy schedule. This may be very difficult for some people. As they work day and night to fulfill the needs of their family. So a person needs to cut off some things from their busy schedule to take out time to play a sport.

FAQ On the essay on sports and games

Q1. What is the main difference between sports and games?

A1. The main difference between sports and games is, we can play sports only outdoors. But games can take place both indoors and outdoors.

Q2. Write any two advantages and disadvantages of sports.

A2. The advantages of sports are it keeps a person fit and is a stress buster. The disadvantages of sports are it can be dangerous to play, injury can occur while playing and it is can be exhausting.

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The Role and Importance of Body Farms in Forensic Science

This essay about body farms explains their role and importance in forensic science. Body farms are research facilities where scientists study the decomposition of human remains under various conditions. The information gathered helps forensic experts determine the time of death and identify human remains in criminal investigations. Established by Dr. William Bass in 1981, these facilities simulate real-world scenarios to understand how environmental factors affect decomposition. The research also aids in educational training and has broader applications in fields like environmental science and archaeology. Despite public discomfort, body farms make significant contributions to science and justice.

How it works

A body farm, more formally termed as a forensic osteology research enclave, denotes a specialized open-air laboratory where scholars scrutinize the necrosis of human cadavers. These facilities assume a pivotal function in legal medicine by furnishing invaluable data that facilitates forensic osteologists, pathologists, and law enforcement entities in comprehending the phases of human necrosis under diverse circumstances. This erudition is imperative for accurately ascertaining the chronology of demise and other medico-legal intricacies in criminal inquiries.

The notion of a body farm was pioneered by Dr.

William Bass in 1981 with the inauguration of the University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility in Knoxville. Since then, several other necrotariums have been established in disparate regions of the United States, each augmenting the burgeoning repository of knowledge in forensic osteology.

At a body farm, donated human cadavers are situated in myriad environs to observe their decomposition. These environs encompass interment, surface exposure, submersion in aqueous habitats, or emplacement within diverse receptacles. Researchers meticulously chronicle the necrotic process, documenting parameters such as ambient temperature, humidity, arthropod activity, and the ramifications of scavenging fauna. By scrutinizing these variables, scholars can devise more precise methodologies for gauging post-mortem intervals, i.e., the duration that has elapsed since decease.

A fundamental facet of necrotariums is their capability to emulate real-world scenarios that forensic connoisseurs might confront. For instance, cadavers may be positioned in shaded locales, exposed to direct solar irradiation, or interred at varying depths. These scenarios facilitate researchers in discerning how sundry environmental factors influence the pace of decomposition. This intel is pivotal when investigators need to approximate the time of demise in instances where cadavers are unearthed in divergent conditions, such as arboreal regions, arid hinterlands, or urban milieus.

In tandem with aiding in the estimation of the time of demise, research conducted at necrotariums also assists in the identification of human remains. By scrutinizing the repercussions of decomposition on osseous and corporeal tissues, forensic osteologists can contrive methodologies for identifying individuals predicated on skeletal remains. This is markedly consequential in instances of mass catastrophes, unmarked sepulchers, or circumstances where cadavers are exceedingly decomposed.

The research conducted at necrotariums also proffers broader applications beyond criminal investigations. For instance, it contributes to our comprehension of the ecologic repercussions of human necrosis, which can inform domains such as environmental science and biology. Additionally, the amassed data can ameliorate practices in fields like archaeology, where discerning how antiquated remains have decomposed over epochs can yield insights into historical and prehistorical events.

Necrotariums also discharge an educational function, affording tutelage for scholars and professionals in legal medicine. They provide a hands-on learning milieu where individuals can acquire pragmatic proficiency in forensic methodologies and techniques. This pedagogy is invaluable for those embarking on vocations in forensic osteology, law enforcement, and kindred domains, as it primes them for the intricacies and vicissitudes they will encounter in real-world scenarios.

Despite their scientific and pedagogical merit, necrotariums are occasionally perceived with discomposure by the populace. The notion of scrutinizing decomposing cadavers can appear somber or disquieting. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the substantive contributions these facilities render to legal medicine and the broader comprehension of human necrosis. The insights gleaned from necrotariums bear a direct impact on resolving crimes, identifying missing persons, and advancing scientific erudition.

In summation, body farms are indispensable research enclaves that furnish crucial data for legal medicine. By scrutinizing the decomposition of human remains under diverse conditions, these facilities aid forensic connoisseurs in devising more precise methodologies for ascertaining the time of demise and identifying human remains. The research conducted at necrotariums harbors far-reaching ramifications, benefitting criminal inquiries, environmental science, and educational initiatives. While they may elicit mixed reactions, the contributions of necrotariums to science and jurisprudence are invaluable, rendering them an integral component of contemporary forensic osteology.

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For 'Such Kindness' novelist Andre Dubus III, chronic pain is a fact of life

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About this game, system requirements.

Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
Processor: Intel® Core i5 (Quad Core or better)
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060
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Storage: 20 GB available space
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©2024 Middle-earth Enterprises. All rights reserved. "Moria", "Middle-Earth" and "The Lord of the Rings" and the names of the characters, events, items, and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC under license to Open Door Entertainment, LLC dba North Beach Games. ©2024 Free Range Games. All rights reserved. Free Range Games and the Free Range Games logo are trademarks or service marks of Free Range Games. ©2024 North Beach Games and associated logos and names are trademarks of Open Door Entertainment, LLC

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Sky's Chennedy Carter has 'no regrets' about foul on Caitlin Clark; Angel Reese will 'take the bad guy role'

I t's been two days since the Chicago Sky lost 71-70 to the Indiana Fever , and the Sky have finally broken their silence about the most talked-about play from that game: Chennedy Carter's upgraded flagrant foul on Fever rookie Caitlin Clark .

Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon was the first to speak about it on Monday, releasing a statement about how she addressed the play with Carter.

"Physical play, intensity, and a competitive spirit are hallmarks of Chicago Sky basketball. Chennedy got caught up in the heat of the moment in an effort to win the game. She and I have discussed what happened and that it was not appropriate, nor is it what we do or who we are. Chennedy understands that there are better ways to handle situations on the court, and she will learn from this as we all will.

"As a team, we will grow together and continue to work hard to display strong leadership and set a positive example for our competitors, fans, and partners."

Carter gave Clark a hard shove at the end of the third quarter without the ball in play. Clark landed on the floor and Carter was called for a personal foul. The WNBA upgraded the foul to a flagrant-1 after further review on Sunday. No one on the Sky commented about Clark or the foul following the game.

Angel Reese skipped her postgame media commitments completely, which is against WNBA media policy. The league announced Sunday that Reese had been fined $1,000 for skipping interviews and the Sky had been fined $5,000 for allowing her to violate the WNBA's media policy.

But both Reese and Carter were front and center on Monday afternoon, addressing the media together and speaking their minds about what happened Saturday. Carter began by saying she had "no regrets."

Carter followed that up by saying she has "no complaints" even though the Sky have been the subject of a lot of negative talk over the past few days.

Reese, who was seen cheering on the sideline when Carter fouled Clark, then said she's willing to play whatever role the game needs her to play. If she needs to be the villain, then that's exactly what she'll do.

The Sky's next game is against the New York Liberty on Tuesday night.

Edmonton Oilers reach Stanley Cup Final with Game 6 victory against Dallas Stars

The Edmonton Oilers are heading to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in the Connor McDavid era, and the team captain played a huge role in making it happen in clinching Game 6.

McDavid had a highlight-reel goal and an assist in a 2-1 victory against the Dallas Stars on Sunday night that earned the Oilers their first trip to the championship round since 2006.

They will face the Florida Panthers in the best-of-seven series, starting Saturday night in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers, back in the Final for the second consecutive season, are seeking their first Stanley Cup title. The Oilers have five championships and last won in 1990.

"It feels great to be in this position," McDavid told reporters. "This was always part of the plan, and it feels good to be here today."

McDavid has been the NHL's best player since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2015 and is a three-time winner of the Hart Trophy. But the farthest he has reached in the playoffs previously was the Oilers being swept in the 2022 conference final.

The Oilers broke through during a season in which they started 3-9-1, fired coach Jay Woodcroft and hired Kris Knoblauch. They turned their season around with a 16-game winning streak , and McDavid joined rare company with an 100-assist season . McDavid leads all playoff scorers with 31 points.

Here's how the Oilers won Game 6 and what's next for them and the Stars:

How the Edmonton Oilers beat the Dallas Stars in Game 6

McDavid gave the Oilers a 1-0 lead at 4:17 of the first period with a spectacular goal. He took a pass on the power play, stickhandled between Sam Steel and Miro Heiskanen and roofed a shot past Stars goalie Jake Oettinger.

"There's only one player in the world that can make things like that happen," teammate Leon Draisaitl said.

McDavid helped add to the lead when he fed Zach Hyman on the power play. Hyman scored his league-leading 14th goal of the playoffs.

The Oilers emerged from the first period with a 2-0 lead despite being outshot 12-3.

The Stars continued to press in the second period with Roope Hintz hitting the post.

The Oilers killed a delay of game penalty to Draisaitl in the third period, but Dallas' Mason Marchment soon after cut the Stars' deficit to 2-1 at 9:18.

Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner finished with 34 saves for the victory in a game in which Edmonton was outshot 35-10.

"We're on a plane to Dallas if not for Stu," McDavid said.

The Oilers didn't touch the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl awarded to the Western Conference champion. The Panthers didn't touch the Prince of Wales Trophy on Saturday, either.

What's next for the Edmonton Oilers?

They will open on the road against the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. But they have won the past two rounds without having home-ice advantage and won Game 7 against the Vancouver Canucks on the road.

The Panthers won the season series 2-0.

The Oilers have four power-play goals in their last two games after none in the first four games against the Stars. That will be a plus against a Panthers team that allowed only one power-play goal against the New York Rangers. But Edmonton also has been excellent at penalty killing, perfect in its last 10 games.

The matchup of Selke Trophy winner Aleksander Barkov and McDavid should be fun to watch.

What's next for the Dallas Stars?

They have fallen in the Western Conference final for the second consecutive season.

"You could probably argue that it was our best game of the series," captain Jamie Benn said. "It just didn't go our way."

Trade deadline acquisition Chris Tanev played a big role in their playoff run and is an unrestricted free agent.

So is Joe Pavelski, 39. Does the all-time leading U.S.-born playoff goal scorer return for another season or retire?

"I don't know if it will be Joe's last game or not, but an absolute privilege of my coaching career to coach a guy like that," Stars coach Peter DeBoer said.

The UFA list also includes Matt Duchene, who scored 25 goals this season after being bought out by the Nashville Predators , backup goalie Scott Wedgewood and defenseman Jani Hakanpaa.

Defenseman Thomas Harley is their key restricted free agent.

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PDF The Benefits of Playing Video Games
Given this vast diversity in video games, a single deﬁnition may not be useful. In fact, top scholars in the ﬁeld have declared, "One can no more say what the effects of video games are, than one can say what the effects of food are" (Bavelier et al., 2011, p. 763). Thus, rather than deﬁne video games according to a convenient generality,
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Video Games As Culture: Considering the Role and Importance of Video
This included AAA games, indie games, games on personal computers, on various consoles, old and new , on mobile devices, on web-bro wsers, online, ofﬂine, alone, with others, and much more.
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In conclusion, video games can be a valuable tool for the cognitive and intellectual development of individuals. They require players to exercise various skills such as attentiveness, fast reaction times, logical thinking, and problem-solving. Additionally, video games can also benefit adults by improving communication, resourcefulness, and ...
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The present study examined the educational roles of games that were not designed for pedagogical purposes. With respect to the roles of gamers' communication—communication networks, network ...
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Conclusion. Altogether, videogames have both positive and negative effects on children. They might precondition the development of chronic diseases and extra weight, high anxiety, and depression levels, along with the changes in brain functioning. The highly-addictive nature increases the risks of spending too much time in games.
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Design. The evolution of video games as a storytelling medium, and the role of narrative in modern games. This essay aims to investigate the topic of narrative in video games. Specifically, the evolution of narratives in games, and the role of narrative in today's story-based games.
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Participation in games varies from simple turn-taking games, such as tag and chase, to typically more complex games with a variety of roles and rules, such as ball games and verbal games (Borman & Kurdek, 1987; Sutton-Smith, 1973; 1975 ). Though chase games can be complicated (Finnan, 1982 ), most are relatively simple.
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Video games can also play a role in emotional regulation. Studies have shown that playing video games can provide an outlet for emotional expression and serve as a means of stress relief. Furthermore, multiplayer online games can provide opportunities for social interaction and can help individuals develop social skills and emotional intelligence.
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For engaging essays about video games, read the essay examples featured below for inspiration. Quick Summary: ... "Any role video games play in skewing well-being that did pop up in the study was too small to have a real-world impact on how people feel, the authors said. People would have to play games for 10 more hours per day than their ...
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Sports and games are crucial for promoting the overall health and well-being of an individual. Playing sports and games helps keep the human body in shape and develop strength, endurance, and patience. All medical professionals advise regular exercise as a disease prevention strategy. Exercising regularly or participating in any outdoor sport ...
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Role-playing games (RPGs) typically combine action, adventure, and/or strategy elements into gameplay, but what differentiates RPGs is that the player assumes a particular role and acts out that role within the story world's narrative. Each role (or class) has a defined set of abilities, skills, and characteristics, and a primary focus of ...
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Advantages of Games in Life. Competition Factor: It generates a healthy, fair and strong spirit of competition. It also conducts that positive competition is the best and active way of competition in the student's life. Discipline Factor: It makes the child more active, patient and disciplined. Unity Factor: It teaches us about teamwork, sense ...
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Every phase has played a crucial role in shaping the VGI, influencing both players and consumers, and weaving a rich tapestry of experiences. The nascent era of the Video Game Industry traces its origins back to the 1950s and 1960s, when trailblazers like William Higinbotham and Ralph Baer laid the foundation for interactive electronic games ...
Game-Based Teaching: Practices, Roles, and Pedagogies
Game -Based Teaching (GBT): Refers to the teacher practices involved in selecting, facilitating, and validating the use of games for educational purposes. The term is also used in contrast to the ...
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This essay about body farms explains their role and importance in forensic science. Body farms are research facilities where scientists study the decomposition of human remains under various conditions. The information gathered helps forensic experts determine the time of death and identify human remains in criminal investigations.
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Edmonton Oilers reach Stanley Cup Final with Game 6 victory against
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