Both gaming and esports has grown in popularity dramatically over the years and this will only continue. It is clear that there are a variety of great benefits to gaming and esports.
This article will be uncovering some of these as well as exploring the topic further.
Gaming Vs Esports: What’s The Difference?
The first thing you need to know about both gaming and esports is what they are, and how they differ from each other.
The main difference between them is that gaming is played on consoles or computers while esports is played online. However, both games have their own unique qualities.
Gaming – A Game Played On Consoles Or Computers
Gaming can be played on any number of different devices such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, etc. There are many types of games available for gamers to play.
These include sports games, action-adventure games, racing games, puzzle games, adventure games, fighting games, etc.
Some people prefer playing single player games while others enjoy multiplayer games.
Esports – An Online Competition
Esports is an online competition where players compete against one another. Most commonly, it involves video game tournaments which involve teams of players competing against one another.
There are numerous benefits to gaming and esports, but here are just a few of them:
1) Improves Your Memory
Playing video games helps improve your memory because it requires you to use your brain. You must remember things like names, locations, dates, facts, etc.
While doing so, you also learn new information. In fact, research shows that adults who play video games regularly perform better than non-gamers when it comes to remembering information.
2) Helps Improve Focus
When you’re playing a video game, your focus becomes very intense. As a result, you’ll be more focused on the task at hand.
This allows you to concentrate on something else, such as studying or working out.
3) Boosts Brain Power
Video games help boost brain power because they require you to think. Playing video games improves your problem solving skills, logic, reasoning, and decision making.
4) Keeps You Active
If you want to stay healthy, then you should always make sure that you get enough exercise.
Some video games such as VR (virtual reality) or the Nintendo Wii are considered exercise since they require you to move around, thus keeping your body active.
5) Helps With Social Skills
Video games allow you to interact with other people, especially when it comes to esports. When you play video games, you meet new friends and even form relationships with them.
6) Makes Learning Fun
Games can be educational and allow learning to be approached in a fun way. For example, you can study using flashcards or problem solving games instead of textbooks.
If you do this, then learning becomes much easier. This is good for younger children who may get distracted easily.
7) Allows You To Relax
Video games allow you to relax after a long day at work. The best part is that you don’t have to leave home to play these games. All you need is a device that connects to the internet.
8) Helps Build Confidence
Most people feel insecure when they go into unfamiliar situations. However, if you’re comfortable in those situations, then you will feel confident.
With esports for example, you have to be able to be a team player and interact with others fairly. This can be beneficial in everyday life.
9) Provides A Sense Of Achievement
Most people love achieving goals. There’s nothing better than completing a goal successfully. By participating in esports, you’ll be able to achieve many goals.
Some examples include becoming a pro gamer, earning scholarships, and getting hired.
10) Improves Eyesight
According to a recent study, it has been found that gaming can improve a gamer’s eyesight. Gaming allows players to be better responsive to different shades of colors as well as having a better visual perception.
Are There Any Downsides To Gaming And Esports?
Whilst there are many benefits, there will of course be some downsides too.
Playing video games can distract you from important tasks. For example, you might spend hours playing a video game instead of finishing an assignment.
3) May Not Be Good For Your Health
Some studies show that excessive use of video games can cause health problems. For example, repetitive strain injuries are common among gamers.
Also, some research shows that playing video games for too long can lead to eye problems.
4) Time Consuming
Some people complain about how time consuming video games are. They say that they never seem to finish any game.
5) Can Lead To Violence
Violence is another downside of gaming and esports. Video games can teach kids bad habits like aggression and violence which is why it is important to have age ratings.
My name is Ashley Newby and I want to put integrity back into esports and get the hype surrounding them paramount once more. During my teenage years, I happened to stumble across a Street Fighter tournament online and I was hooked.
From that day, I have kept up with and watched many tournaments including Valorant, Super Smash Bros, and League of Legends. I even got to compete in my first one earlier this year!
