Children and adolescents constitute a significant group among video game players. The gaming market is constantly growing, with impressive revenues. The virtual world attracts more and more young people, who spend more time in it than in the real environment. Many researchers and parents focus on the negative aspects of children and adolescents’ engagement with video games. Are there any clear benefits to this form of entertainment? Can children gain any advantages from virtual gaming?

Researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) conducted a study aimed at exploring the links between gaming and brain development[1]. The results of the study, conducted on a group of 2,000 children, showed that “those who played video games for at least three hours a day performed better in cognitive skills tests, including impulse control and working memory, compared to children who had never played video games”[2].

In addition to improving coordination and memory, other researchers also point out benefits such as the development of a child’s creativity, improvement in reading skills, and practicing problem-solving.

The market for educational games is expanding year by year. In 2021, the market size reached $11 billion, and it is estimated to grow to $29.7 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 21.9%[3].

It is important to remember to treat video games as an additional form of entertainment that, when approached responsibly, can contribute to a child’s development and bring them a lot of joy. It is necessary to carefully choose the types of games and responsibly monitor children’s gaming time.

[1] https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2022/10/video-gaming-may-be-associated-with-better-cognitive-performance-in-children [accessed: 29.03.2023]
[2] Ibid.
[3] https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/game-based-learning-market-146337112.html [accessed: 29.03.2023]