There are a ton of strategy games out there as it is a very broad genre, it’s so big that it has sprouted an array of subgenres over the years like RTS, MOBA, and more. A few notable strategy games that you might have heard about are Clash of Clans, Europa Universalis series, Civilization series, Warcraft, and Hearthstone. These are the games that have found huge commercial success in recent years and are partly responsible for engaging fans of the genre in thrilling multiplayer environments. In this article, we will talk about these strategy games and the impact they have on mental health.
There are several misconceptions surrounding video games and their impact on mental health of the youth, the prominent one being that these games cause violent tendencies. In reality, video games offer several benefits, including improved cognitive performance, the development of problem-solving skills, and a boost to your mood.
Social Interaction
Multiplayer modes in video games encourage players to polish their communication skills so the team can achieve their goals together. These virtual spaces are a great place to get people with social anxiety to talk and can help build their confidence. Also, multiplayer games can help you find new friends with common interests.
Problem-Solving Skills
Strategy games are by far the best genre when it comes to testing the player’s problem-solving skills with their complex level design, puzzles, and mechanics. Turn-based combat and RTS (real-time strategy) games strengthen critical thinking and promote decision-making skills. It’s important to note that this is not exclusive to strategy games, other genres like first-person shooters can also positively impact mental health.
Studies Show Video Games Can Help with Trauma Recovery
Research shows video games regardless of their genre can help with psychological trauma and speed up the recovery process. According to WebMD video games can also help with mental disorders such as ADHD, PTSD, depression and anxiety. The reward system implemented in some games may cause a strong pull for those with short attention spans.
Card Games Improve Pattern Recognition
Quite a few strategy games have implemented card mechanics as a core part of their gameplay; Yu Gi Oh, Hearthstone, and Pokémon are just a few examples. Playing collectible card games can become a fulfilling hobby as there are endless ways to collect them and various game modes where players can utilize their cards.
Obviously, this subgenre of strategy games has taken huge inspiration from traditional playing cards and the related family of card games, including the classic game of blackjack available at online casinos. While these games might seem to rely on luck, that’s only partly true, as card games have evolved a lot and require good decision-making and strategies to triumph. Blackjack, which is also known as twenty-one, can benefit people if played recreationally, as it can improve the ability to deal with stress along with other perks, such as sizeable rewards, adrenaline, and excitement.
After all, the classic game has inspired a generation of video game, and going back to explore the roots is sure to help people build new perspectives.
Advanced players of both Pokémon card games and traditional playing card games know how much mathematics is involved in the gameplay of these games.
Pattern recognition is a skill that is slowly developed and polished over time, playing aforementioned games is known to boost the development of this skill. And again, pattern recognition is not exclusive to strategy games but is definitely more prominent in the genre.
However, there are games that use gambling mechanics where it’s important to limit yourself to avoid getting addicted. These games aren’t bad inherently but if the player gets too attached to them it can negatively impact their mental health. As seen with Genshin Impact and its RPG-style gameplay, it can feel very rewarding to level up and explore the overworld as long as the player is aware of his well-being and avoids spending beyond his affordability on gacha.
RTS Games Improve Cognitive Flexibility
Another research done by NCBI suggests cognitive flexibility can be positively affected by an “engrossing video game experience” which focuses on maintenance and rapid manipulation of multiple information sources. Playing RTS games is directly linked to increasing cognitive function, it’s not only a fun activity but also benefits the player in the long term.
A Short List of Great Strategy & RTS Games
Civilization VI
Alpha Centauri
Crusader Kings 3
Total War: Warhammer 3
Warcraft 3 Reforged
Starcraft 2
Company of Heroes
Europa Universalis 4
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Wrapping Up
Video games have evolved a lot since their inception, though there have always been countless misconceptions about them in popular belief it hasn’t stopped people from playing them. Video game developers have innovated at every stage pushing boundaries of what is possible in the virtual world.
Games will always cheer you up and provide you with a distraction from pain which can be therapeutic in its own way. That said, it’s also important to remember to keep things in moderation as developing addiction may lead to problems.
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