{"id":9447,"date":"2023-03-08T10:59:08","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T16:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/?p=9447"},"modified":"2023-05-19T10:44:52","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T15:44:52","slug":"positive-effects-of-video-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/positive-effects-of-video-games\/","title":{"rendered":"Positive Effects of Video Games"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_9449\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9449\" style=\"width: 442px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-9449\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unnamed-11.jpg?resize=442%2C589&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A photo provided by SEMCIL (SE MN Center for Independent Living) taken at one of their Adaptive Gaming Nights. A young man wearing a baseball cap and white t-shirt is playing a video game using several different buttons and switches mapped from an Xbox Adaptive Controller\" width=\"442\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unnamed-11-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C853&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unnamed-11-scaled.jpg?resize=1240%2C1653&amp;ssl=1 1240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unnamed-11-scaled.jpg?resize=200%2C267&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unnamed-11-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unnamed-11-scaled.jpg?resize=38%2C50&amp;ssl=1 38w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unnamed-11-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unnamed-11-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unnamed-11-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9449\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo provided by Powered by AbleGamers partner SEMCIL (SE MN Center for Independent Living) taken at one of their Adaptive Gaming Nights in Rochester, MN.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h5><b>The Positive Effects of Video Games (Particularly on People With Disabilities)<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Video games have been a topic of debate for many years, with some people arguing that they are a waste of time and have negative effects on players. However, recent research has shown that video games can have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dsq-sds.org\/article\/view\/4513\/3833\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">many different positive effects on players<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, particularly on those with disabilities (PWD).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether a player has disabilities or not, video games <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/1133150\/positive-experiences-video-gaming\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have been shown to help<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with things like making friends, learning about interesting topics, feeling like a part of a community, discovering new interests, and more. In this article, we\u2019ll explore these and other <\/span><b>positive effects of video games<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/the-benefits-of-playing-video-games-for-people-with-disabilities\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with a focus on the greatest benefits for people with disabilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How Do Video Games Positively Impact Players, Especially Those With Disabilities?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Video games have long been thought of as simply a form of entertainment, but they also provide many other benefits to those who play them. Here are some of the <\/span><b>positive effects of video games<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for PWD:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improved Cognitive Abilities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; One of the most significant benefits of video games is that they can help people with disabilities <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timescolonist.com\/local-news\/game-changer-video-game-could-help-improve-brain-function-for-children-with-disabilities-4688203\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improve their cognitive abilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Playing video games requires players to use various cognitive skills, including memory, attention, and problem-solving. For people with disabilities\u2014such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and more\u2014video games can be an effective way to improve these skills. For example, playing games that require players to remember patterns or solve puzzles can help improve memory and problem-solving skills. Because of this, video games can be important learning tools that can provide additional ways to improve cognitive functions.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhanced Motor Skills<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Another one of the <\/span><b>positive impacts of video games<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that they can help people with physical and developmental disabilities <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30508504\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improve their motor skills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Many video games require players to use fine motor skills\u2014such as hand-eye coordination\u2014which can be beneficial for people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. In addition, some video games are designed specifically for people with disabilities, such as those that use motion-sensing technology or adaptive controllers. These games, in particular, can help players improve their physical abilities and locomotor skills.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Therapy and Rehabilitation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Video games can also be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bctra.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/tr_journals\/8416-28573-1-PB.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">useful therapy and rehabilitation tools<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for PWD. Many therapists and healthcare professionals use video games as part of their treatment plans for patients with disabilities. For example, virtual reality games can be used to help patients with physical disabilities practice movements and improve their motor skills. Games requiring players to perform specific actions\u2014such as reaching or grasping\u2014can help patients with mobility impairments improve their physical abilities.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Entertainment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; One of the major <\/span><b>positives of playing video games<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that they can be a source of enjoyment and entertainment for people with disabilities. As mentioned earlier, video games have often been thought of primarily as a form of entertainment. But that entertainment is also important and beneficial. Many people with disabilities face numerous challenges in their daily lives and may have limited opportunities for leisure activities. Video games can provide a fun and engaging way for PWD to relax and enjoy themselves, which can positively impact their mental health and well-being. It can also help them forget about the things they have difficulty doing or need assistance with, allowing them to be fully independent and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/video-games\/2019\/10\/14\/its-my-escape-how-video-games-help-people-cope-with-disabilities\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cope with their disabilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Increased Socialization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; There are also many <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/the-social-benefits-of-video-games-for-people-with-disabilities\/\"><b>positive social effects of video games<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for people with disabilities. Many people with disabilities face social isolation and may have difficulty making friends or finding social activities they can participate in. Video games can provide a way for people with disabilities to connect with others who share their interests and form social connections. Online gaming communities can provide a sense of belonging and support for people with disabilities, which can have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/lakenbrooks\/2021\/10\/13\/disabled-gamers-are-using-video-games-for-self-care\/?sh=2dcdd9316884\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">positive impact on their mental health and well-being<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s clear that video games can have many positive effects on players, particularly on those with disabilities. They can help improve cognitive and motor skills, be useful tools for therapy and rehabilitation, deliver entertainment and enjoyment, and provide social support that helps to reduce social isolation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative video games that cater to the needs and interests of people with disabilities. It is important to recognize the potential benefits of video games and to encourage their use as a tool for improving the lives of people with disabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At AbleGamers, our mission is to create opportunities that enable play in order to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. We know that video games can be the perfect gateway to community participation, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable shared experiences. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to ensure these experiences are developed with accessibility as a priority and inclusion as the goal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are working every day to make sure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else for positive experiences through play. With our nearly two decades as pioneers in inclusive play, thousands of hours working with people with disabilities, and leading developers and engineers, we create opportunities for players to find inclusive places to play and connect with family and friends. Learn more about what we do <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/our-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or help continue our crucial work by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/donate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">making a monetary donation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ablegamers.shop\/collections\/all\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">purchasing something from our shop<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-summary\">\nThe Positive Effects of Video Games (Particularly on People With Disabilities) Video games have been a topic of debate for many years, with some people arguing that they are a waste of time and have negative effects on players. However,&hellip;\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"link-more-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/positive-effects-of-video-games\/\" class=\"link-more\" aria-label=\"Continue reading Positive Effects of Video Games\">Continue reading&hellip;<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9574,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","inline_featured_image":false,"wp_popup_display_lightbox":0,"wp_popup_suppress":"","wp_popup_trigger":"","wp_popup_trigger_amount":0,"wp_popup_disable_on_mobile":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,43,172],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9447","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ablegamers-blog","category-ablegamers-news","category-news","entry","entry-type-post"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ablegamers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/video-games-w-adptive-tech.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9447"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9948,"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9447\/revisions\/9948"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9574"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ablegamers.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}