Video games offer benefits like improved cognitive skills (problem-solving, memory, coordination) and social connection, but also pose risks such as addiction, increased aggression (especially with violent content), sedentary lifestyle issues (obesity, eye strain), and disrupted sleep, with moderation and game type being key to balancing positive and negative effects.
However, recent research has revealed a number other positive and negative consequences of video game play, such as beneficial effects of prosocial games on helping (Greitemeyer & Osswald, 2010), positive effects of action games on visual-spatial skills (Green & Bavelier, 2007), harm- ful effects of fast-paced games on ...
Short answer: Generally no--prefer delaying regular access to 18+ (Adults Only/Mature) games for a 12-year-old--but make an exception only with active parental supervision, clear limits, and deliberate educational value.
Based on that research here are ten reasons why you should make play a part of your everyday life.
Games Promote Social Activity and Teamwork
However, excessive playtime can lead to increased isolation and loneliness, which are linked to mental health problems like depression and social anxiety.
Like most activities, gaming should be done in moderation. However, if you engage in video games for at least two hours every day, your main concern will be making sure you take adequate breaks while you play games. Taking regular 15-minute breaks while gaming is essential for your long-term health.
Video games have long been demonised as a bad influence, particularly on children, but research shows that playing games can be incredibly beneficial to healthy brain function and development.
The 40 second rule is a method that was intended to keep the player engaged while exploring The Witcher 3's game world. It keeps the player engaged by rewarding them with POIs at least every 40 seconds (Noclip. 2017).
Use the 20-20-20 rule in-between matches (Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds). Create an automated gameplay pause in your settings or reminder to blink. Keep artificial tears or lubricating eye drops on hand. Stop any gaming or computer activity at least one hour before bedtime.
The age recommendation for Fortnite is 13 and up, but each child is different. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board rates Fortnite “T” for teen, which means ages 13 and up. Common Sense Media, an Understood founding partner, also recommends the game for kids 13 and up, because of its action violence and open chat.
At its core, the 7-7-7 rule is exactly what it sounds like: spend 7 minutes in the morning, 7 minutes after school or work, and 7 minutes before bed in a dedicated, undivided connection with your child. During these short windows, the goal isn't productivity or problem-solving.
Studies show that excessive gaming can lead to poor emotional regulation. Poor emotional regulation contributes to mood problems such as anxiety, depression, and aggression.
Here are ten negative effects of video games:
Improved Cognitive Skills
Many games require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and memory recall. Studies show that children who play for two or more hours daily often perform better in problem-solving and learning compared to those who do not.
Playing video games for three or more hours in one session was associated with higher odds of negative physical symptoms (e.g., overall physical problems, OR = 2.80 [95% CI: 1.52–5.16, p < 0.001 and back or neck pain, OR = 2.19 [95% CI: 1.28–3.74], p < 0.01).
Releases
In the study by game platform Stakester, it was found one hour of gameplay burned about 210 calories in men and 236 calories in women. Two hours of gameplay burned about 420 calories in men and 472 calories in women. That's the equivalent of 1,000 sit-ups.
90% of the brain develops before age 5.
The brain is most flexible and adaptable to learning during the earliest years, and as the brain matures, it is less capable of reorganizing and adapting to new or unexpected challenges.
Over the intervening period, those in the study who reported spending more time than the norm on video games saw an increase of 2.5 IQ points above the average rise.
As of 2025, the top 10 YouTube gaming channels globally, ranked by subscriber count, are:
The Longing is a 2020 point-and-click adventure game created by independent developer Studio Seufz. Set in an underground kingdom, the player controls the Shade, a creature tasked with watching over a sleeping king for 400 days.