| Video games, the bane of every parent's | | | | a place to start and what better place than the |
| existence; the begging for the latest game or | | | | awesome imagery and unique scenarios available |
| game console, the excuses not to do chores, the | | | | in a video game? Of course you could always |
| lack of fresh air and sunlight! It's enough to drive | | | | stare at a stack of blocks and see what comes |
| most parents over the edge; but what if you | | | | to mind. |
| found out that all those hours spent in front of | | | | Exploration - Video role-playing games encourage |
| the TV, joystick in hand, was actually educational? | | | | the player to stray off the beaten path, take a |
| Prove it you say? OK let's look at what gaming | | | | chance and open the door, not knowing what |
| actually improves. | | | | may be lurking behind it and interact with other |
| Strategic Thinking - Most games require the | | | | characters. It is not just a suggestion but a |
| player to think two or three moves ahead of | | | | requirement that players gather up their courage |
| their current situation, the 'what comes next' way | | | | and explore the unknown. |
| of thinking. With constant exposure this becomes | | | | Memorization - The worlds depicted in video |
| second nature in life as well. | | | | games can be vast and accessing maps and |
| Problem Solving - Studies have shown that video | | | | other help can disrupt not only the game but a |
| games improve problem-solving skills. Most (if not | | | | player's concentration as well. To avoid this |
| all) games are centered on a problem or quest | | | | gamers will automatically memorize new terrain |
| which the player must then solve by overcoming | | | | and remember which tasks must be completed |
| all obstacles. | | | | to reach a certain goal. |
| Hand/Eye Coordination - Using a game controller is | | | | Consequences - All games, whether computer or |
| just as difficult as learning to touch type or play | | | | video, operate on a 'action/reaction' principle. Do |
| the piano and just as important. Try it sometime; | | | | action A and reaction B will happen. This is a great |
| it's not easy getting the avatar to do what you | | | | opportunity for both gamers and programmers to |
| want. | | | | learn about the consequences of their actions. |
| Decision Making Skills - Being able to make quick | | | | Patience, Dedication, Endurance - Very few |
| decisions in a short amount of time has so many | | | | games can be finished in a day and if you can |
| real world applications. Do you turn left or right, | | | | finish them that soon most people feel cheated. In |
| fight the dragon or the Cyclops, stop now or | | | | fact, some of the most popular games take |
| later? Granted, there are not dragons or Cyclops | | | | weeks or even months to finish. |
| in real life but you get the picture. | | | | Still not convinced? Try sitting down with your |
| Imagination - The old argument is that there is no | | | | child's video game and make it through level 1 |
| need to use imagination in television, videos, or | | | | without any help. Once you are successful, take |
| gaming. Untrue! Where else can you imagine | | | | another look at our list and decide for yourself if |
| yourself to be a strong, rugged barbarian or a | | | | we are right. |
| wizard with incredible powers? Imagination needs | | | | |