Research indicates that video games may play a significant role in enhancing cognitive health and delaying brain ageing. A growing body of evidence suggests that engaging with these digital platforms can improve various cognitive skills, particularly when played in specific ways.
According to Aaron Seitz, a professor of psychology and director of the Brain Game Centre for Mental Fitness and Wellbeing at Northeastern University, video games facilitate practice in complex skills within simulated environments. This contrasts with traditional brain games, which often focus on simpler tasks with limited cognitive engagement.
Studies have shown that action video games, in particular, can be beneficial for cognitive functions such as visual attention and learning abilities. C. Shawn Green, a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, emphasizes that while brain training games may improve a narrow range of skills, action games appear to foster broader cognitive benefits.
Despite these promising findings, experts caution against excessive gaming. Carlos Coronel, a research fellow at Trinity College Dublin and Adolfo Ibanez University in Santiago, Chile, warns, “I cannot say that playing video games for hours and hours is going to be good for your brain health. You need to find a balance.” He notes that cognitive engagement can take many forms, including education, puzzles, and social activities, all of which contribute to brain health.
Recent research published in the journal NeuroImage highlights the cognitive advantages of playing strategy games like StarCraft II. In a study involving 31 participants, those who frequently played the game demonstrated improved brain connectivity and processing efficiency compared to non-players. Coronel, who led the study, found that players exhibited enhanced connectivity in areas of the brain critical for visual attention and executive function.
Further supporting these claims, a 2025 study published in Nature Communications revealed that individuals with greater expertise in video gaming exhibit signs of slower brain ageing, with the cognitive age of experienced gamers appearing an estimated four years younger. Coronel suggests that creative pursuits, including video games, may help protect neural connections and enhance information processing capabilities.
Interestingly, even minimal gaming can yield benefits. In an experiment where 24 non-gamers played StarCraft II for just 30 hours over three to four weeks, their cognitive processing speed improved compared to those who engaged with a slower-paced game like Hearthstone. Coronel stated, “The more you practise, the more you will benefit. But also you can get benefits without being an expert.”
The effectiveness of cognitive training through video games varies among individuals, as the type of cognitive load differs from person to person. Green points out that many brain-training activities suffer from the “curse of specificity,” failing to transfer skills to broader cognitive contexts. For example, expert chess players may excel in recalling chess piece arrangements but struggle when the pieces are presented randomly.
Action video games, particularly first- and third-person shooters, may present an intriguing exception. Research suggests that the fast-paced nature of these games enhances players’ visual attention and spatial skills. In one study published in Communications Biology, participants who engaged with action games outperformed those playing slower simulation games in tests measuring visual perception and working memory, which are not directly related to the games played.
Nevertheless, some experts urge caution in interpreting these findings. Seitz warns that certain psychological assessments require participants to respond to rapid visual stimuli, which may not translate to everyday skills. Green counters that many real-world tasks involve time and spatial constraints, similar to those in gaming.
The current landscape of research lacks sufficient data to draw definitive conclusions regarding which gaming methods are most effective for various individuals. Green emphasizes the importance of considering the types of games played. “If you came and said, ‘My kid’s eating a lot of food,’ I’d want to know what type, right?” he notes.
Crucially, moderation is key. Green advises that the focus should be on positive engagement rather than excessive gaming. The World Health Organization recognizes gaming disorder as a behavioral addiction, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy balance. “Try things in moderation,” Seitz suggests, as most studies focus on short gaming sessions of 30 to 60 minutes.
Green shares his experiences encouraging his parents in their 70s to engage with new games online, noting their frustration at having to start anew each time. “Once you start getting good, it’s not useful anymore,” he says, emphasizing the value of continual challenge to maintain cognitive health.
Popular action games that offer engaging experiences include the Call of Duty series, Halo, and Quake. For those seeking less violent options, games like Overwatch and the Splatoon series provide entertaining alternatives.
To determine the most effective gaming strategies, Seitz recommends exploring a variety of options to see which yields cognitive improvements. He urges players to set realistic expectations, acknowledging the uncertainty regarding which activities are most beneficial for different individuals.
Ultimately, there is no singular solution for enhancing cognitive function. A holistic approach is essential, incorporating creative activities alongside physical exercise, adequate sleep, and social engagement. Coronel concludes, “A healthy brain should include all of them.”
