How video games can improve mental and physical health

By now, everyone has heard the stories. The stories of how video games are detrimental to eyesight, cognitive function and can be blamed for a whole slew of other diseases (remember Nintendinitis)? Well, here are some ways that games have made a difference in peoples’ lives:

  1. Games can help improve one’s health

    In June 2010, CBS reported that some hospitals were using Wii Fit with other software to help those who had suffered brain injuries not only in soldiers, but those who had been in motor vehicle accidents. One such accident victim, Marcie Ellis, was eventually able to stop walking with a cane and also began to read again.

    There have also been reports of soldiers using gaming technology to help fix symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has been found that therapy involving the virtual recreation of familiar environments in Iraq, coupled with careful monitoring by qualified physicians can help bring about improvements in PTSD symptoms.

  2. Games can help people achieve something they never thought possible

    Sometimes games can also simply help the disabled achieve the unthinkable. Take the case of Jordan Verner, an avid gamer. His goal was simple: he wanted to finish The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

    There happened to be one catch, Jordan was completely blind. He couldn’t see anything on screen.

    Fret not, said some other gamers. Roy Williams, along with some other friends, heard about Jordan’s plight, and decided to make what literally amounted to a step-by-step guide that would help someone who couldn’t see finish the game. With the help from his friends, Jordan was able to achieve what he wanted. An example of gaming bringing people together? This is one of the greatest examples.

These are only a few examples of the difference that video games have begun to make in modern society. There are many more, and the number of people whose lives have been positively affected by gaming will only increase!

Carlo R. Coloma

Community Manager, MatchMove Games