Since their debut in 1958, video games have been a source of controversy. From claims that they cause violent behavior to assertions that they contribute to obesity, virtually everyone has something negative to say about gaming.
Yet, studies show that video games have many positive effects – particularly for those with disabilities. Here are some of the most convincing reasons why video gaming can be a worthwhile way to spend your leisure time.
1. Increased socialization
A frequent criticism of video games is that they encourage players to isolate themselves. On the contrary, gaming with others may encourage the building of friendships among individuals with mobility challenges or travel limitations by allowing socialization to take place without leaving the house. Additionally, gaming is a great way for individuals with unusual interests to find like-minded people.
2. More Accessibility
Now that video games have features like adaptive controllers, closed captions, and virtual sets they’ve become far more accessible for people with a wide range of disabilities. One product that has made a huge difference to disabled gamers is the Xbox Adaptive Controller. As Anita Mortaloni, Director of Accessibility Xbox at Microsoft, told Ability Magazine, “[Xbox Adaptive Controller] started the momentum that accessibility can go beyond features like captions and difficulty settings and showed that we can really be innovative and meet the needs of people that previously were excluded from gaming. It allowed us to use the controller as gold standard to show the impact it can have on the industry.”
3. Cognitive skill development
According to Ablegamers.org, “many video games involve critical thinking, reading, writing, decision-making, and more activities that can help [people with disabilities] learn new things in a fun, easy-to-understand way, improving their cognitive skills through the decisions they make during gameplay.”
4. Improved mood
Video games have been shown to improve mood among depressed individuals. According to Ablegamers.org, “Video games can provide an outlet for people with disabilities to de-stress, allow them to be whoever they want to be, work toward a specific goal, feel a sense of accomplishment, and even help improve their self-esteem.”
5. Multisensory stimulation
Video games provide an immersive experience through a mix of auditory, visual and tactile stimulation that can benefit sensory seeking individuals.
6. Educational benefits
Video games provide opportunities to practice academic skills such as math, reading, history, programming and geography. According to EdSource, “As more schools have brought computers into the classroom, educational video games have become an easy way to engage students — especially those who might be bored by class lectures, educators said.”
