Can video games strengthen brain, improve skills and memory?

(Web Desk) - The idea that video games are harmful to the mind is slowly being challenged, and a recent Washington Post article highlights the growing body of research supporting their cognitive benefits.

Once dismissed as a purely recreational activity, gaming is now being explored as a tool for mental stimulation, attention training, and even slowing cognitive decline.

Studies released in 2024 and 2025 suggest that the right kinds of games can strengthen brain connectivity and improve skills like multitasking and memory.

Yet, the picture is far from simple: benefits depend on the type of game, how often you play, and how you engage with the activity.

We explore the science behind gaming and the brain, exploring what works, what doesn’t, and how players can make the most of their screen time.

Challenging the Brain

Not all video games are created equal when it comes to cognitive benefits.

Strategy titles like StarCraft II have been linked to stronger connections in brain areas responsible for attention, memory, and multitasking.

Action games, including first-person and third-person shooters, also show potential for enhancing focus and task-switching abilities.

Cognitive psychologists and neuroscience labs are increasingly interested in how these complex tasks push the brain under sustained mental load.

Players constantly track information, make rapid decisions, and adapt to unpredictable scenarios, all of which require high-level thinking.

Compared to traditional brain training tools, which often focus on repetitive, narrow tasks, video games demand flexible thinking and real-time problem-solving.

Research points to measurable improvements in visual attention, learning speed, and even memory performance among regular players of demanding games.

There is also evidence suggesting that individuals with extensive gaming experience may experience slower cognitive ageing.

However, experts are careful to frame these findings as correlations, rather than guaranteed outcomes.

Skills developed in-game may not always transfer perfectly to daily life, but the consistent finding is that the brain benefits most when gaming is challenging, novel, and mentally engaging.

Why Moderation Matters

Cognitive gains from gaming are not about marathon sessions.

Most studies showing brain benefits focus on structured, short bursts of play, typically around 30 minutes to an hour.

Extended sessions can diminish the benefits and may even lead to unhealthy habits.

Introducing new games appears to be key, as the novelty of learning a fresh system challenges the brain more than mastering a familiar title. Once a task becomes automatic, the cognitive benefit plateaus.

Researchers also distinguish between healthy gaming and problematic play.

Excessive gaming that interferes with daily life does not offer the same positive effects and may create new issues instead.

Balancing gaming with other activities, taking regular breaks, and exploring new challenges seem to be the most effective approach for harnessing potential cognitive gains.

In essence, strategic, varied, and moderate gaming may give the brain a workout comparable to traditional mental exercises, without the monotony.

The evidence is increasingly clear: gaming has the potential to improve certain aspects of brain function, particularly when it challenges players with complex, adaptive tasks.

Strategy and action games stand out, offering mental stimulation that extends beyond simple entertainment.

Yet, the benefits are closely tied to how and how much people play. Moderate, structured, and novel gaming appears to be the sweet spot for cognitive improvement.

While we cannot rely on video games alone to enhance every aspect of mental performance, they are no longer just a pastime; they are a legitimate avenue for keeping the brain sharp.