BENEFITS OF PLAYING ONLINE GAMES

The phenomenon of digitalization is increasingly widespread, the most striking trend is now emerging, namely playing online games.

The tendency of Indonesian people to access online networks for various purposes, from interaction, news access to online entertainment, has resulted in this country being inhabited by the largest population of internet technology users in the world.

The discussion regarding the benefits of playing online games was quite interesting. So, what are the benefits of playing online games? Here's the explanation! 

1. Building Connections

The results of research on the influence of cooperative games (couch co-op games) on gamers who are strangers to each other regarding the formation of interpersonal communication and cooperation conclude that the benefits of playing online games have a significant effect on the growth of collaboration between players even though they do not know each other (Garcia et al.,.Promoting Social Relationships Using a Couch Cooperative Video Game: An empirical experiment with Unacquainted Players. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations).

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The benefits of playing online games are not only limited to fun, but also involve relationships and emotional connections, said Lorentz, 2012, in his research Is there a Virtual Socialization by Acting Virtual Identities?: New Communication and Identity Paradigms, IGI Global.

Research on the implications of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) found that gamers' output was able to create close bonds of friendship (Vari, 2021). Sociological analysis of the game The Sims reveals that teenagers learn socialization skills by this online game. Even though the meeting initially started in a virtual space, they often choose to meet in person, then develop into friendships in real life.

The example above illustrates the potential for online gaming community members to initiate closeness.

The quality of the closeness formed varies greatly, so the balance between the online and offline realms is important. There is a need to always be careful when playing online games considering that the benefits may turn detrimental if done without wise consideration. 

 
2. Increase Cognitive Abilities

Cognition means the basic elements of intellect, functioning to play a crucial role regarding how humans process information, problem solving, learning, interacting, etc. Includes memory, concentration, problem solving, reasoning, language skills, perception, spatial awareness, creativity, and decision making.

It was found that the benefits of playing online games stimulate cognitive ability. Academic investigations confirm that if someone regularly plays games, their intellectual development will progress.

For example, the results of Chakravarti's experiments in his journal entitled Does Gaming Help Improve Cognitive Skills? (Journal of Emerging Investigators) revealed that the benefits of playing online games can make students experience an intelligence level of around 62.19% (Chakravarti et al., 2015).

Game-based learning in the educational sphere has high demand. Educators from various backgrounds aggressively use games to motivate students' passion for learning.

Trials of game platform development from 3 categories, namely, first, puzzle games; second, card games; third, road crossing game; shows the benefits of playing online games as a tool to hone analysis.

The benefits of playing online games have been proven to be able to increase the academic capabilities of children with special needs. Investigations carried out on 15 crew members proved that the benefits of playing online games were effective in improving thinking processes (Islam, et al).

We must reflect on the extraordinary advantages of playing online games, in order to encourage intellectual abilities in the form of capacity building. Because, every gaming activity has potential benefits. 

 
3. Relieves Stress

Using online games is the right choice to reduce mental confusion or relieve your mood.

Despite the negative stigma attached to online gaming, several observations indicate the benefits of playing online games.

The relationship between playing online games and mental health has been confirmed. The study explains that it turns out that the benefits of playing online games, casual games, help relieve physical, including psychological, stress. Playing online games provides control of the situation so that it calms the mood (Stanhope, et al Stress Reduction: Casual Gaming versus Guided Relaxation. Human Factors and Applied Psychology Student Conference).

In addition, the benefits of playing online games eliminate overthinking which causes tension, while stimulating the brain.

Content in validated video games increases motivation and reduces or even eliminates negative emotions (Zygotegou et al., 2020). Integrating psychotherapy practices and gamified elements in novel game mechanics for stress relief. CEUR Workshop Proceedings

For example, completing a level in a certain game can create a feeling of pride, ultimately improving your inner condition. Progress when playing games is often visible, giving confidence / giving happiness.

The benefits of playing online games are also used as a healing goal due to enduring heavy difficulties. When individuals play games, they will feel a sensation of happiness, forgetting the worries that trigger stress for a moment, allowing for relaxation.

In addition, engaging in online games that are both entertaining and challenging triggers the release of endorphins, which act as calming hormones or neutralize anxious feelings.

Finally, a study in the International Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Exploration, (Ibrahim, et al 2021) presented evidence that playing online games has been proven to be effective in delivering health benefits related to mental well-being. 

 
4.Employment Interest

in digital skills, such as game software developers, continues to increase. The science of computer simulation/online games is increasingly in demand in the industrial market, resulting in new niches. "Hands-on" genre games actually support professional needs (leadership, team work, negotiating, etc.) 

 
Conclusion

The public needs to be aware, explore and spread education about the benefits of playing online games because it has been proven through scientific reports.

Since the past, knowledge of the bad consequences of playing games has been promoted to the general public. Meanwhile, online games have the potential to be utilized optimally as a means of uniting alliances, launching thinking talents, releasing burdens, raising mental enthusiasm, etc.

Of course, all aspects require targeted monitoring, the same thing applies to looking at the benefits of playing online games. 

 

Through careful review, and a balanced approach, it is ensured that the benefits of playing online games such as increasing intellectual competence, social connectedness, positive entertainment can be felt while avoiding negative impacts (addiction or interference with daily life).

Therefore, understanding and wise management of online games is needed

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