Recent findings have shown that video games may have more positive effects than once thought.

Self-improvement-advice.org has reported that playing video games in moderation may be beneficial for both improving stress and memory.

“Some of the most obvious things that can be seen as advantages of video gaming are, of course, hand-eye coordination-another one, of course, is problem solving,” said Dr. Richard Hudiburg, a psychology professor at UNA. “The typical idea is that to move on to the next level, problems must be solved.”

Selfgrowth.com also points to other advantages of video gaming, such as:

• motivation
• gaining social skills
• decision making
• cognitive skills
• creativity
• taste for design
• self-confidence
• design language skills
• math skills 

It also notes that many medical departments are using computer games for physiotherapy.

It points to the use of video games to help people who are recovering from physical injuries gain motor skills and coordination. Slowly, people are realizing the benefits of video games.

Recently, UNA has implemented a game room in the GUC known as “The Lion’s Den.”

The Lion’s Den supplies students with various games, such as billiards, ping pong and many video games ranging from the three major systems: the Xbox 360, the Wii and the PlayStation 3.

So does UNA offer any intellectually-stimulating video games?

“Depending on what games you’re playing, there may be a lot of times there will be some kind of puzzle you will have to solve, and war games may give insight into history, such as World War II,” said Jimmy Hilley, a student worker at the Lion’s Den. “And sports games will teach you strategy as you learn what plays to pick.”

Despite all the recent praise video games have received, they still garner a historically bad reputation.

The negative thoughts on video gaming range from laziness, limiting social skills, and a lack of physical activity all the way to the desensitization to violence and even to promoting sexual assault.

Hudiburg points out that research is still being done on the effects of violent video games on children. However, adults usually understand that the games are purely contrived.

He also notes that online multiplayer games should enhance player understanding of group thought and teamwork.