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10 Benefits of Playing Online Games to Adults

Updated on January 28, 2016
Photo credit: Official GDC via Foter.com / CC BY
Photo credit: Official GDC via Foter.com / CC BY

Adults are prone to stress, whether be it from heavy workload, toxic co-workers, and let’s not forget you the exasperating experience every rush hours and being caught in heavy traffic. Imagine everyday life jam-packed with hair-yanking and head scratching moments. It’s not easy to remain calm and collected with these events.

But today stress-busting is like a pie. With a few taps, and just making sure that your phone has working internet connection, your smartphone will transform into an object of entertainment that will surely take your mind off of things for things for countless hours depending on how hooked you are.

Research shows that the average age of players is 30 years old. 62% of all gamers are adults, 68% are above 18 and older. Also, older adult gamers play flash games more frequently. These numbers goes to show that a massive part of the gamer’s population are made up of adults.

Remember when we were young and pleaded for an hour extension of video game play and our moms would always say ‘no’ because it’s bad for us? Sorry mom, I hate to break it to you but surprisingly, there are actually benefits in playing games not only to children but also to adults.

# 1 Relieve Stress

The number one benefit is it relieves stress. Playing releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel good chemicals. Endorphins can promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. So if we’re tired from all those paperwork and feel a bit stressed, it’s recommended to take a little break and play a short and fun mini-game.

# 2 Improve Brain Function

It can also improve brain function. With just typing the word “brain games” in search engines, you can come up with thousands of variations including puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, etc. which are good brain stimulation.

# 3 Improve Vision

According to Mental Floss, they could also improve your vision. Scientists are discovering games in moderation may actually improve—not strain—your vision. In one study, 10 weeks of play was associated with a greater ability to discern between different shades of grey. Another had participants try to play games using only their “lazy” eye, with the “good” one obscured. Those players showed significant, sometimes normalized improvement in the affected eye.

# 4 Boost Leadership Skills

It can also boost your leadership skills. Some games can actually unleash your inner-leader by giving commands, formulating strategies and coming up with a brilliant tactic to defeat the enemy of your group. Which is a great exercise to refurbish the leader in you. There are several games to help you build that strong foundation to become a good leader.

Check out Friver, for instance, and you can see top game picks where you can act as a leader of an army and recruit alliance to become a strong group. Just like with work, you have to pick your alliance correctly and manage your people effectively so you can succeed in your tasks.

# 5 Jumpstart Your Career

It can jumpstart your career too! An article in Forbes website, it is said that game-playing in moderation can make you successful in your career. Games can also present players with unexpected challenges and new situations. Gamers learn to respond and even seek out, new challenges in order to progress.

# 6 Awakens Creativity

Playing online games awakens the creative and artsy side too. A game called Minecraft which is a popular choice, you have the ability to build humongous structures, the only limit is your imagination.

# 7 Recharge Energy

It can help you recharge by expending energy, a challenging game or a very challenging activity that you choose yourself amps up the dopamine available in the reward pathways, which increases motivation and willpower.

# 8 Become Competitive

Ever felt that sort of joy when you beat your personal high score? Playing online games and surpassing your personal best often contributes to being competitive. We can use that trait to challenge ourselves to do even better at work.

# 9 Breaks Down Social Barriers

It breaks down social barriers. If you meet with a group of people for something or maybe a job induction, you can use your interest in free online games to break the ice and use it as conversation starter.

# 10 Feel Young and Energetic

Last but definitely not the least, playing online games make you feel young and energetic. When you play, you still feel that sense of rush and remember the time when you were still a teen and it never gets old.

You keep up with the latest trending game and become surprised that people who play that game are younger than you so you feel that you belong to them, instantly diminishing 20 years from your true age.

Amazing benefits, right? Online games are not just good for kids but also for adults. What do you think?

As an adult, what type of online game do you love to play?

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