We know the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that many teenagers could be suffering from a Gaming Disorder Illness last year but we still believe everyone can play games anywhere. Either on their phones, laptops or at the comfort of their homes. This has become a part of our daily schedules and even though it has its own downsides, health professionals say they have social benefits. There are negative connotations surrounding video games that so many people can raise when the issue comes up for discussion. For the record, there's no known research to prove the negative myths regarding playing video games.
Playing games is not a bad thing, it rather helps people come out of their shell. Kids who play video games develop social skills in diverse ways. The gaming platform allows them to relate to strangers talking to just anybody with ease. Reserved kids have become more engaged in their community as a result of video games. The myths in connection with video games have portrayed gamers as violent people always stuck in a dark basement. Gaming is seen as isolating and very addictive. This is not the case all the time. Gaming stores are no longer in basements but rather at the forefront hence the time for people to jump on board. It is the remedy for most of the depressed and socially troubled kids out there.
How video games promote social skills
Modern video games do not just encourage social behaviour in children but adults as well. Most gamers (over 70%) play games with one or more of their friends cooperatively. This can help enhance your teamwork and social skills. Cooperative games allow players to interact with each other face-to-face, this feature has proven to improve the conversation skills of the players. Discussing game strategies can also help you to be part of a team. There are scenarios where video games are engaged in the wrong way. Video games can be a source of tension between kids and their parents. And so we see time and time again that parents aren't engaged in the kind of mentoring and guidance around video games that they do for other parts of kids' play and growing up and friendship relationships.
These social benefits of video games are greatest when players play games that specifically requires you to reward, support and help other players. If you are looking for a list of cooperative games to play with your friend or your crew, here is a list of some amazing cooperative games to look out for in 2019.
1. GTFO
Publisher: 10 Chambers Collective
Platform: PC
4. Tom Clancy's Close Recon Breakpoint
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release: October 4, 2019
5. Anthem
6. Dying light 2
Developer: Techland
Publisher: Techland Publishing
Release: 2019
In moderation, playing video games can be a great way to help children and even adults to learn how to become well-rounded social individuals. So maybe when you see your son or daughter playing games, you should rather look at the brighter side rather than drawing unproved facts.