But why play video games on just one day?
Did you know that National Video Games Day on September 12th? Get ready, set, and go start up your favorite video game this weekend!
About This Day
Today is one of two days of the year dedicated to playing video games. You read that correctly. It isn't clear who created this day of celebration first, or when it was intended to be celebrated.
"National Video Games Day" is celebrated on September 12th. "National Video Game Day" is celebrated on July 8th. Of course, nobody's arguing the origin because it doesn't hurt to play a single or multiple video games more than once a year.
It seems the day was intended to encourage players of all ages to enjoy the challenges video games have to offer. For some, video gaming is their career that provides a source of income. For the rest of us, it's a fun way to escape reality for a while by ourselves (single player) or with others.
Benefits of Video Games
Did you know playing video games could be good for you? It's true! Research shows there are advantages that help build motor skills, provide learning opportunities, stimulate one's mind, and make social connections. It's possible for video games to positively impact a person's mental health and well-being.
Below are just five benefits of playing video games:
1. Improve problem-solving and decision-making skills. While there are some games that require little to no thought, many video games present challenges that require some level of thought and processing.
This is common with strategic and role-playing games like Cities Skylines and Fallout4. Players need to work to find a solution to a problem that prevents them from advancing in the game.
Because video games are considered low stakes (unless you're a professional gamer), players are more willing to take risks and fail. They get to make decisions on how to solve problems that impact their gameplay for better or worse.
2. Pique curiosity and learning. Sometimes a video game would encourage a player to research and learn something new. This is especially the case if a player is determined to beat the game.
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? encouraged me to learn geography as a child so I didn't have to refer to a thick world atlas to solve the in-game puzzles.
3. Enhance spatial visualization. When navigation is part of a gameplay, a player could learn to better visualize space and distance. Games from Minecraft to Crysis encourages players to focus on distance and space as they navigate the virtual map or build within the allotted space they must work with in-game.
4. Improve social skills and build social connections. There are many video games that offer multi-player capabilities. Whether players are physically in the same room or distant in an online environment, players interact with others through text and/or voice chat.
Players could improve their social skills and build connections as they interact with other players through competitive and cooperative gameplay. Games like Among Us and Who's Your Daddy?! require players to interact with one another to achieve their in-game goals.
5. Reduce stress and anxiety. Video games, especially those considered casual, can improve a player's mood. It could be a great way to relax and break-up the monotony of everyday life. Video games offer players a refuge from reality, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
There are other benefits identified from countless research on playing video games. When I worked in higher education, the benefits I noted above were often referenced when professors and researchers promoted gamifying courses and the learning experience.
How to Celebrate
The best (and intended) way to celebrate National Video Games Day is by cleaning! I'm just kidding. Devote some time to playing video games and let go of reality for a while.
Not much of a video gamer? Consider downloading and playing a mobile game on your smart phone. I personally have several word and puzzle games like Sudoku and Word Mix Lite that I play when I'm waiting in line somewhere. Sometimes I'll play BitLife (not recommended for young kids), or 7th Guest when I'm bored with word and puzzle games.
Have a portable game console like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck? Consider heading to the local park to get some fresh air while you enjoy a video game. I don't do this often myself, but I tend to play Pokémon Snap or Animal Crossing New Horizons when I'm having a picnic at the park since the games are primarily set in an outdoor environment.
Want to play a game that gets you moving? Consider virtual reality games like Vacation Simulator that require you to do move around to complete tasks. You could also consider playing augmented reality games like Pokémon Go that encourage you to walk around or visit different locations around town.
There are many ways to celebrate National Video Games Day. Whether you play on mobile, console, or PC, remember to have fun! Just don't forget to take breaks if you plan to play for long periods of time.
What's Next?
Because I love video games so much, I not going to wait until September 12th to have some virtual fun. I just discovered the world of Forza Horizon 4, so I'll head off on a virtual drive around Great Britain today.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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