Why are Video Games Therapy?

Games seem to have this therapeutic effect on humanity. I was wondering why they have such a touch on people of all ages, even those that had no clue foreign things, such as a controller, exists. No matter how old you are, there is an infatuation towards such pixeled-worlds.

Let’s address some games that are very comforting, very popular (still), and if I must say have touched my heart in more ways than I can explained. Video games have been created for the entertainment, perhaps to pass time alone or with others. I’m thinking of Minecraft, for my age specifically. I’m sure most of you know about this block-game, especially since there are trailers of the movie coming out about the vision of the game itself. Initially, this is a survival game where the main character must find resources to shelter, fight, and nourish themselves. Yet you can find diamonds and crystals in this game’s caves? Yes, please. Once you as a character are able to travel through your journey and achieve your final destination, The End, and defeat the dragon, you are accompanied with a message. You, as the player, are connected with a higher sentience, considered the Universe, and as you played the game you connected with the game and its beauty, “This player dreamed of sunlight and trees. Of fire and water. It dreamed it created, and it dreamed it destroyed,” (Julian Gough, paragraph 11).

Every game you play, even if it isn’t a video game, provides a sense of healing and comfort in someway. I noticed it is through a connection to the game or the community the game introduces us to. There’s a connection, overall. As humans, we yearn for connection, resulting in a beautiful main point to every created game.

I feel I must mention, I’m not referring to the horror/ killing games that can genuinely traumatize you. Although, if you are one that loves these types of games, I would still apply this idea to these games due to the connection you have with the individuals that play the game, such as the terrifying (in my opinion) Friday Night’s at Freddy’s.

The Brain Loves Rewards

No matter your age, video games create a connection that in which brings a sense of comfort and healing. Especially with creative games, individuals are able to relax and unwind, which boosts positive feelings in the brain. According to Cleveland Clinic, video games provide a reward system for the brain. The brain has a chance to be creative and start a project, which it’s completion creates a feeling of fullness or reward. As the brain completes a task, endorphins are released for the brain to experience a positive feeling from completing something. Aside from the dopamine and serotonin that is released during the activity of playing the game. The experience of happy feelings as described become pretty addicting to the brain. No wonder so many of us play video games; it’s just enjoyable.

I think its worth mentioning animal crossing and its epiphany of Covid-19. Connecting the idea that video games connect individuals to one another, Animal Crossing has been able to heal those who had not had many chances to connect with others. An environment of animals who walk on around and ask about your day every once in a while helps nourish that ache of loneliness. Not only is there a comfort to the game, there is plenty of creative aspects to the game. From building bridges, to planting flowers, to organizing your own home you need to eventually pay off from its loans.. to opportunities are endless. Sure, there may be a helping hand at first to these games, although often, your instructions following a leader turns into your own hand at some point.

I’m sure plenty of games I haven’t mentioned have this rewarding aspect to them, choosing a current project and working hard to your own satisfied completion. Overall, a feeling of completion simply feels good.

Physical Therapy

Interestingly, playing video games provides not only emotional support to the brain but allows the brain to make motor connections with the body. I’m referring to fine and gross motor skills that usually indicate successful reaction and even hand-eye coordination.

There is an article that I found that roughly explains the finding of individuals playing video games. “Players did significantly better in the precision of arm-hand movements, as expressed by a lower time of errors,” (Borecki). In the article, Computer Games And Fine Motor Skills, researchers found that video games help with psychomotor skills. I feel like games are underappreciated for the proven improvement in motor skills and functioning.

I think video games should be presented as a form of therapy for the peace they bring. Mostly, I want to refer to the creative and community-oriented games. There is a spark that lights up in every individual. There is a game for any individual to support their interests while the game supports the individuals emotional well being and physical well being.

And sure, if it’s not obvious enough, I’m not talking about the crazy games that provide trauma to the user. If you don’t like the game, if it doesn’t provide you peace and comfort, then find a game that does and the rest of the benefits will follow. A plus is making new friends because you find someone that loves the same game as you.

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“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” ~ Albert Einstein

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