Video Games That Boost Brain Function

About this episode

This episode discusses a meta-analysis on how action video games enhance cognitive function in young adults.

In this episode, we explore a rigorous meta-analysis examining how action video games, particularly first and third-person shooters, affect cognitive function in young adults. The research reveals promising evidence that these games can enhance processing speed and selective attention, with the strongest benefits coming from games requiring rapid environmental responses and decision-making under time pressure. What we discussed: How action video games like Halo and Call of Duty improve processing speed and selective attention more than traditional brain training apps Why games requiring rapid responses to the environment create cognitive benefits that are hard to replicate in daily life The specific game features that matter most: unpredictable environments, time pressure, and rapid response demands Practical game recommendations for adults new to gaming, including accessible options on Nintendo Switch and modern smart TVs How to balance gaming benefits with potential downsides like sleep disruption and social isolation To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question . To subscribe to the free Better Brain Fitness newsletter, join us when we…

People in this episode

Host: Josh Turknett, MD

Topics covered

• video games
• cognitive function
• action video games
• processing speed
• selective attention
• gaming benefits
• brain training

Keywords

• cognitive benefits
• action video games
• first-person shooters
• third-person shooters
• processing speed
• selective attention
• gaming recommendations
• brain training apps

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: brainjo.academy, Better Brain Fitness, Nintendo Switch

Products: Halo, Call of Duty

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