Games On A Writer’s Brain
By: Jodi Rosebud
Tags: Writer, Writers On Writing, Writing, Writers Life, Games

Games On A Writer’s Brain

Photo by João Ferrão on Unsplash

We’ve all heard the arguments, had parental figures lecture about the terrible effects touching a few buttons can cause. But let’s just be clear, are video games the cause for bad grades and lack of concentration when it comes down to our writing?

Freelance Writer, Sam Fentman argues that computer games can have a positive effect on cognitive memory and motor skills. Her article, ‘What impact do different types of computer games have on your brain?’ pursues scientific findings on how different game types change how our brain activity works.

“One of the undeniable benefits of video games and other interactive training techniques is that they offer a type of engaging and interesting activity that can help players build and practice new skills.” — Sam Fentman

In an American study that was made fairly recently, it was discovered that out of two groups of biology undergrad students, the group who were assigned to play a game called Spore attained a 4% higher grade than the group of students who detained from playing any games.

According to Sam Fentman, online video games are a sure way to succeed in your writing. She states that playing World of Warcraft might just help you with gaining multitasking and teammate communication skills. Smaller, brainteaser games like Angry Birds could potentially help with problem-solving and attention to detail.

As someone who isn’t a true gamer, I’ve always had a negative view on what gaming is, thinking of it as a way to do anything productive. After all it’s easy to be concerned about whether children are getting a good education if they’re playing games most of the time.

However, my outlook on online gaming has begun to change after reading articles like Alison Jones’ positive pro gaming piece.

Playing games seems like the best way to get work experience. This is why commercial airlines have used flight simulations to teach new pilots how to fly. VR headsets are a big step in terms of gaming technology and have taken leaps in advancement since COVID 19 hit us.

One of the ways virtual gaming has come in handy is for training methods, without being able to leave the house sports games will need to be postponed. For footballers like Michail Antonio this might have meant no more practice, if it wasn’t for the VR headset.

“I’m not a footballer known for his awareness on the field. I’m known for my brute strength, power and pace. I’ve noticed that my awareness is starting to improve, knowing where people are coming from. It’s helping.” — West Ham United’s Michail Antonio.

Developers say that the VR offers the same neuroplastic response as a real ball, specifically weighted for each individual.

So, how does gaming affect writing abilities?

While a research project created by UKM, that showed 90% of the participating students revealing that video games helped to improve their vocabulary, and 76.5% of the students said that playing had enhanced their narrative skills and character building abilities.

Along with interactive games that involved plot sequences and good narratives encouraged them with their story writing, the project ended with many of these students stating that they’d be interested in pursuing a writing profession in the future.

Following this however, a Geographic article that was published in 2010 did not hold the same views on the improvement in writing skills, rather showcasing an opposition in gaming being outside of an educational benefit.

“video games aren’t inherently harmful in themselves. Their danger lies in their ability to shift the balance between work and play.”

Young children who spend a lot of time inside playing games have results showing that their writing and reader skills are at a far lower standing than those who don’t play video games, but this in itself can depend upon the individual who uses games as an escapism method rather than a fun learning exercise.

In conclusion what affects our writing if games are considered both good and bad? The answer is simple. Everything. In truth there’s no right answer to how we should be writing, only the writer knows what works best for them. I’m not against playing a good car racing game every once in a while, but I also believe that time away from games is still important.