Does playing video games make you sharper at work?

"For many, picking up a controller at the end of a long day to neutralize some zombies or take on a side quest with a fairy is a way to unwind and escape from the demands of work. But it might also have some unexpected benefits that follow you from the character select screen and into the office. A new report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) finds that the motivations behind gaming go far beyond fun. While 66% of the more than 24,000 players in 21 countries surveyed say they play primarily for enjoyment, the majority credit gaming with developing real-world skills, like problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking. All useful transferable skills to play up in a job interview. (Maybe don't reveal you honed them playing Fortnite, though.)"

""The player perspective is supported by scientific research, with many studies concluding that video games improve cognitive skills and decision-making," Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO, Entertainment Software Association, told Fast Company. "A number of industries have already embraced interactive technologies for training employees, from medical treatments and surgery to astronautics and emergency response," says Pierre-Louis. "I anticipate more will recognize gameplay as a way to engage with and develop their workforce in the near future.""

A global survey of more than 24,000 players in 21 countries found 66% play primarily for enjoyment while many also credit gaming with developing real-world skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking. More than half of respondents report gaming helps relieve stress, 45% say it keeps their minds sharp, and 43% say games have positively influenced their education or career path. Industry leaders note scientific research linking gaming to improved cognitive skills and decision-making, and some studies of children report better impulse control and working memory among players. Brain health experts remain divided on cognitive impacts of specific games.

Read at Fast Company