Health Benefits of Arcade Gaming

Improves cognitive abilities. Even the most basic games boost multitasking and decision-making skills. Gaming forces one to make split-second decisions and stand behind them. Whether players choose the correct choices or not, the ability to decide is developed. Decision-making skills are especially beneficial for those in the professional world, where indecisiveness can cause quite a bit of damage. Improves reflexes and muscle memory. Whether using the simple controls of the joystick-style arcade game or more complex controller, playing games builds muscle memory. In turn, this improves reflexes and hand-eye coordination which are used in a variety of daily skills, such as typing, driving, and tying shoelaces. Studies have even found that in professions that utilize fine motor skills, such as surgeons, gamers outperformed non-gaming students and co-workers by a large margin. Gaming reduces stress and depression. Studies have found that gamers who suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, showed a notable improvement in the condition after venting their frustrations via playing a video or arcade game. Health professionals have even developed some games that help reduce physical pain in those suffering from chronic illnesses or severe wounds. Curbs cravings and helps to reduce weight. While there are no replacements for a balanced diet and exercise, gaming can help curb cravings. When bored or anxious, many people reach for snacks. Getting out of the house and going to an arcade reduces emotional eating by keeping players engaged mentally and physically. Less snacking means maintaining a healthy weight or even reducing weight for some people.