Contrary to what you might have heard, video games will not (necessarily) rot your brain. They may actually help you.

Since the 1970s, video gaming has been a leisure activity for all types of people. Perhaps surprisingly, most gamers are older and nearly half are female, a stark contrast from the prevailing stereotype of the basement dwelling, Mountain Dew swigging teenage male.

With the rapid evolution of technology and affordability, gaming has become even more commonplace. While the industry has faced its share of economic challenges, revenues have still been strong – $58.7 billion in 2024 in the United States alone. For perspective, in the same period, the movie industry brought in about $30 billion, globally.

The accessibility and popularity has led to concerns that excessive gaming can cause violence and addiction. There may be some truth here; research has led to the addition of gaming disorder in the American Psychological Association’s diagnostic manual.

Those diagnosed with gaming disorder are likely to have neurological changes similar to those with a drug, alcohol, or gambling addiction. Estimates vary but experts believe that up to 17% of gamers meet the clinical criteria for gaming disorder. These individuals may experience a variety of consequences, including difficulty performing at work or school, strained interpersonal relationships, poor sleep quality, and repetitive hand stress injuries.

Contrary to the negative outcomes of excessive use however, current literature indicates that responsible gaming can actually have benefits.

For one, moderate gaming use can be good for your brain, and these advantages are not just tied to one genre of video game.

One study found that gamers who play action games possess an enhanced processing speed and task switching ability compared to individuals who do not. Similarly, role-playing games like World of Warcraft promote cognitive flexibility by challenging ingrained patterns of thinking and offering alternative options for decision making.

Games particularly focused on overcoming challenges also boost one’s mood and confidence during and after play. Those with visually stimulating elements can further evoke feelings of relaxation and appreciation. (Think of all the rainbow roads in Mario Kart!)

Alternately, sandbox games, or open-world games that are played with others in a non-linear way, are effective in fighting loneliness and improving socialization. Some best-sellers that have found success in this are Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Minecraft.

Because moderate gaming is generally linked to reduced stress and improved self-esteem, it is sometimes clinically prescribed to treat anxiety and depression.

One study found that participants who played 30 to 45 minutes of video games four times a week along with taking medication saw a greater reduction in their anxiety symptoms than those who only took medication. Another study found that children were able to better manage their anxiety before surgery after clinically-guided play.

The benefits of gaming don’t stop at cognitive and mental health, but rather, there may also be tangible physical benefits.

Research is beginning to show that this might be truer for certain populations than others. For example, non-typically developing kids appear to benefit from active video games called exergames. These games require the player to interact with the game using physical movement. There is growing evidence that, not only do these games promote physical activity, but they improve gross motor skills, mobility, and physical stability. These benefits are magnified when exergames are used along with traditional clinical interventions.

Another population who might physically benefit from video games is older adults, for whom overall health and quality of life is often linked to their activity level.

For these gamers, a recent paper found that exergames helped increase their strength and fitness. The benefits were greatest when gaming sessions lasted at least an hour and when individuals kept playing for several months. These games also offer other benefits such as improved balance which may be a powerful tool for those who care for older adults in long-term care facilities. Increasingly research is learning more about gaming and its benefits, but it isn’t without its pitfalls.

It’s worth noting that while much of the public concern about video gaming is focused on addiction, that’s not the only issue. Online gaming culture in particular can be toxic.

Getting “pwned” by a 10-year old while playing Fortnite is not the only peril to navigate while gaming online. Hate speech and toxic behavior runs rampant and on online gaming platforms. One recent report found that three quarters of teenage gamers in the United States experienced harassment while playing online, including cyberbullying, “doxxing,” and “swatting.” That same survey found that adult gamers had a similar experience, though fewer reported online bullying than in the year prior.

To be clear, most online gamers are not hateful jerks. But those who are, seem to be pretty good at it. For this reason, a greater effort needs to be made towards improving the safety and civility of online gaming.

Players have long known that modern gaming is far from mindless and offers compelling storytelling and immersive experiences. Research is beginning to show how games can contribute to positive health outcomes – mentally and physically. Still, video games are like any other form of media: not inherently harmful, but not entirely without risks. They’re best enjoyed in moderation and in good company.