one day while playing games with a friend (who was a non regular gamer), it came to my attention that they really sucked at puzzle solving. as i watched him helplessly trying to reach a higher ledge (guarded by mobs), i lost patience and told him "just shoot them with your ice and jump on top of them wtf" then they returned with a look of bewilderment, "wtf how would i know to do that??" it was so obvious to me, yet they could not figure it out. so i started thinking, could it be that video games actually make you smart? maybe that wasnt the best example (lol) but heres what i came up with:
1) for starters you would know how to set up a console. some adults dont even know how to turn on a vcr, let alone plugging them into av ports. learning this at a young age makes you smarter already.
2) common belief among non-gamers is that most (if not all) video games are about violence and killing stuff. probably due to the fact that the biggest hype games with the most media attention are games like Halo or Call of Duty. little do they know that there is a puzzle genre. not to mention action/adventure games have a fair share of puzzle solving. being able to solve these puzzles is an inherent ability among gamers and they will continue to develop as they play more games.
3) a lot of games require quick reflexes and fast thinking. its probably harder NOT to grow some kind of brain power while recognizing/learning patterns and developing reflexes.
lately people have developed a better understanding of gaming entertanment and are starting to appreciate its capabilities. but there are still some out there who remain ignorant and oblivious to the awesomeness that is video games.
so to those who associate immaturity with gamers, i ask you. would you rather your kid growing up with a little brain adrenaline every now and then, or sitting around the floor stacking lego blocks? i think id choose the former (though i do love them lego blocks).
