Benefits and Detriments of Playing Video Games

Introduction

As of 2017, the video game industry has generated approximately 18 billion dollars in America alone. A staggering 4 out of 5 American households contain at least one gaming console. An estimated 155 million Americans are engaging with video games, with 42% playing a minimum of 3 hours each week (Extra-life, 2017). There is no denying it: America is, and will continue to be, a nation that games. But at what cost? Research has highlighted the benefits of playing video games, such as improved hand-eye coordination and enhanced multitasking capabilities. However, for every benefit, a corresponding detriment has also been identified. These drawbacks often arise from the mechanics designed to keep players engaged and eager to continue gaming. This essay will discuss how game designers use methods to trigger players’ brains, their effects on a neurological level, and the implications for the mental and physical health of users.

Game Design and Player Engagement

Video game designers have honed their craft since the 1970s when the first generation of consoles was released to the public. Innovation throughout the digital age has armed designers with tools and capabilities that were unimaginable in the '70s. Today's gaming titles are built with state-of-the-art design and programming software, ensuring that the games not only look amazing but also feel almost second nature to players. Titles such as World of Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim exemplify the growing capabilities and attention to detail that designers invest in, making these games instant cult classics upon release. Players immerse themselves in hours of discoverable content, journeying into vast virtual worlds alongside in-game partners. Designers focus on five specific aspects of gameplay to ensure players become fully immersed in their digital creations and continuously crave more.

The first aspect is a model of measurable progress related to players' in-game experiences. As players spend hours in the game, they strive to reach the next level or achieve a certain amount of in-game points or currency. This measurable model provides visual progress, reinforcing the manageability of achieving these specific in-game goals. The second aspect involves generating multiple achievements within the game, each varying in duration and requirements. This allows players to perceive time as a factor, promising that even if they do not reach their primary goal, other attainable objectives exist, reinforcing the third aspect of rewarding effort. Regardless of the amount of effort, every player wins in some way. Feedback, the fourth aspect, is often the most stimulating. Through in-game feedback loops, designers can manipulate players by rewarding specific actions. Players are punished for a lack of or deviation from these actions, leading them to adjust their behavior to achieve the desired reward. The final aspect is the implementation of randomness, introducing a level of uncertainty akin to gambling. This structure provides a sense of adventure while confining players within the limitations of the reward system. Such systems are altering how players engage with games and changing their behaviors even after they stop playing. What was once leisure time and relaxation has transformed into a virtual representation of Pavlovian experiments, subjecting users to the Prisoner’s Dilemma.

Neurological Effects and Health Implications

Given these circumstances, why do players continue to game? The simple answer is that they are hooked, much like Pavlov’s canines. The sophisticated and intricate reward systems in place affect players on a deep neurological level, often without their conscious awareness. Video game rewards trigger neurological responses by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for communication between nerve cells and directly affecting pathways in the brain related to reward anticipation. While dopamine release is a normal and important function for neurological health and development, excessive amounts can cause complications. When dopamine is released, the nervous system activates and triggers the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol regulates blood sugar levels and metabolic rate, but in high concentrations, it can cause hypertension and hyperglycemia (American Psychological Association, 2020).

A study examined children's behaviors before, during, and after playing video games. Results indicated that while playing, heart rates increased as dopamine flooded their neurological pathways, and their attention became narrowly focused on the game, tuning out their surroundings. When deprived of the game, subjects exhibited fits of rage due to elevated dopamine levels and engaged adrenal glands, leading to immediate outbursts. This reaction is common; higher cortisol levels cause hyperactive adrenal secretion, leaving individuals on edge amidst a hormone overload (Johnson et al., 2019). These neurological impacts are detrimental to users' mental and physical health. The hyper-arousal from video games contributes to disorders like chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Although video games are often sought as stress relievers, offering relaxation after a long day or a way to connect with friends online, their construction sets users up for short-term fixes, leading to a vicious cycle as their tolerance to excitement builds. Chronic stress is a serious concern, potentially leading to severe ailments, including cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes, and causing the adrenal system to fluctuate, resulting in irregular energy levels and lethargy (American Psychological Association, 2020). In many cases, mental disorder diagnoses require follow-up for video gamers, as studies show it can take weeks for the brain, body, and mind to adjust after changing gaming habits (Smith et al., 2021).

Conclusion

The video game industry's rapid growth and the sophisticated techniques employed by game designers have created an environment where players are deeply engaged, often to their detriment. While the benefits of gaming, such as improved cognitive abilities, are notable, the neurological and health risks must also be acknowledged. As gaming continues to evolve, it is crucial to balance these aspects, ensuring that players can enjoy their experiences without compromising their well-being.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Understanding chronic stress. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/chronic
• Extra-life. (2017). Video game industry statistics. Retrieved from https://www.extra-life.org
• Johnson, T., Smith, R., & Thompson, L. (2019). The effects of video games on neurological pathways. Journal of Neuroscience, 12(3), 45-58.
• Smith, R., Brown, P., & Williams, J. (2021). Video game addiction and mental health. Journal of Behavioral Health, 15(4), 220-233.