LIFESTYLE

Looking through the true

value of video games

BY SOPHIA PAMELA UMALI | DECEMBER 7, 2023

Imagine being the fastest and mightiest hero in the ring, having the ultimate attack and highest skill you could ever wield. Picture having the most intricate costume that sparkles everywhere, with a touch of the finest leather boots you could buy.

Video games have been developed not only for leisure but also to exercise the brain regarding memory skills and impulse control. Kids are drawn to their dramatic storyline, iconic characters, and the ability to experience worlds beyond the limit of imagination and laws of nature. Video games can ignite their dreams by learning and developing skills from the information they learn and using them to establish their early building blocks for growth.

The gaming industry advanced along with technological improvements, enhancing the experience through gadgets, accessories, and consoles like PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and Gameboy, which serve as our magical doorways to the pixel world.

Adventure games follow a heavy dramatic and interactive story where you take the role of the protagonist. Sandbox games allow players to roam freely in an open world and do quests in a nonlinear fashion.

Furthermore, sports games are a subgenre of simulation games that focus solely on practicing sports; puzzle games emphasize logic and problem solving as each level becomes harder; and simulation games mimic day-to-day activities we see in the real world.

So sit back, grab some snacks, and power up those weapons as we journey along in unearthing the hidden value and power of video games that fuel children's fiery imagination and capabilities.

Easy Level

If you ask kids these days what games they like, their first responses might be Minecraft, Roblox, and the classic of all—Pokemon. These phenomenal games charmed not only children, but also adults who found new enjoyment or grew up playing video games through its adventure-packed maps, diverse creation features, and ability to interact with other players globally.

Minecraft players challenge their creativity skills by building structures such as castles, fortresses, houses, and secret bases using various materials to the player’s liking.

Minecraft also exhibits learning about various elements, building a strategic mindset when fighting monsters, and exploring dimensions to find treasures. Somehow, it also teaches agriculture such as farming, raising livestock, and taming wolves to be your virtual pets.

Roblox, conversely, enables its users to build a virtual world for leisure and create games using their imagination for other players to enjoy. Players can design games from simple simulation games like Adopt Me! and Mining Simulator. They can also play other users’ games on this platform and interact with other virtual explorers.

Games like Pokemon and The Legend of Zelda also allow kids to interact with the environment and test their comprehension as their objective is to understand the storyline to progress in the game.

Normal Level

Research shows that doing puzzles enhances brain functions, specifically the cognitive abilities of an individual. Video games heighten problem-solving skills when certain missions require critical thinking and discernment when puzzles are encountered or pump their adrenaline rush when an enemy is approaching.

As children are exposed to using technology in their early childhood, parents should be mindful of their children's screen time. They must, however, be open to letting them discover what video games can offer for improving their competencies.

It is crucial for children to understand how artifacts and items like books, art crafts, and other learning materials can also boost their skills and abilities like how video games showcase them.

Not only do video games provide entertainment for these little beans, but also enhance their creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and social skills as they interact with the game and other players.

Other video games also have the option to form a guild—a group of players established as a small community to raid or fight bosses and contribute to the welfare of the guild’s rank and power. This simply levels up children’s teamwork and leadership skills through gameplay.

Since many of them are explorative in nature and come in different genres, video games bridge the gap between reality and a virtual, open world—elevating children's imagination and social skills.

Boss Level

It may seem like a gamble to balance learning through technology with the traditional way of teaching; however, simple video games can increase your child’s reading comprehension, coordination, and multitasking skills at an early age.

Video games let them experience what it feels like to be the most powerful hero in a game. It is a thrilling thought that with just a controller, they can experience a world of magic and monsters that kindle the light of dedication in their future. They can become like the heroes they idolize—smart and strong—through learning and taking on their own quests in the real world.