Playing video games benefit key regions of the brain
A recent study from Georgia State University found that sensorimotor decision-making skills were superior in regular video game players to those that didn’t play video games. Gaming in the name of health “Video games are played by the overwhelming majority of our youth for more than three Read More...
Exclusive version of Minecraft helps kids with autism learn social skills
The popular video game Minecraft isn’t usually considered a tool that can help people improve social skills and learn how to build relationships—in fact, many people consider playing video games an antisocial activity. However, the opposite is true of Autcraft, an online version of Minecraft Read More...
Activision Blizzard workers vote in industry’s first union
Video game makers may create and sell fun-filled entertainment products, but Activision Blizzard has been bogged down in suits and bad press for unfair working conditions. The makers of games like Overwatch and Call of Duty are accused particularly of fostering a “frat boy” culture where sexual Read More...
Can video games treat health conditions? This start-up thinks so
Video games tend to have a bad rep of fostering addiction and encouraging people to waste time—however, as gamification proves a handy tool in conservation, humanitarian initiatives, and in combatting climate change, video games may also become a rising star in another arena: health. Video games Read More...
An effective treatment for gaming and internet addiction in teens
Everyone loves playing games. Whether that be a physical sport, board games, or video games, there is something innately human about wanting to play them. But for some, these hobbies can become addictive. The World Health Organization now recognizes being addicted to video games as a disease. Read More...
Study sheds new light on the effect of screens on kids’ health and wellbeing
These days it can feel like everything we do involves screens. Work, school, and even booking a doctor’s appointment is done online, but many of us, especially those with young children, worry about the effects of extensive screen time on developing brains. A new study from the University of Read More...
This joystick helps stroke patients regain muscle strength
Stroke patients who suffer from weakness of muscles in their arms have to perform regular rehabilitative exercises to regain strength in their limbs. In a bid to boost motivation and faster recovery, a team of scientists has found a way to gamify those exercises with the help of a gadget designed Read More...
This video game enables players to tackle real-world environmental problems
From companies using more recycled materials in their products to corporations increasing their focus on sustainability, and people learning about ways to green up their lifestyle, climate change concerns have become ubiquitous. Now, even video games are joining the climate movement. One of these Read More...
Nintendo rolls out gaming consoles to hospitalized kids across the US
Hospitalized kids across the country will soon be able to pass the time in a wholesome way thanks to a partnership between Nintendo of America and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit aiming to bring joy to seriously ill children and their families. As part of the initiative, new Read More...
Oxford study: Playing video games might be good for your mental health
Apart from being a source of entertainment, video gaming can also have a positive influence on your mental health. At least, that’s what a new study from Oxford University has found, in which the researchers used actual gameplay data to analyze players’ wellbeing. The research, which analyzed Read More...