Video games can be used for more than fun and entertainment. Studies on brain function indicate that the games on Lumosity can improve attention and concentration, short-term memory, processing speed, visual range, and situational awareness.[1,2] They also improve planning and strategizing (executive functions).

These enhancements have been shown to improve with increased time devoted to gaming, which has led a further study to suggest that once acquired, the improved brain functions apply to other daily activities and are not isolated to gaming itself.[3] Additionally, puzzle games have been shown to increase mental accuracy more than action games.[4]

Brain improvements from action games

While puzzle games can improve accuracy and concentration, action games are better at improving processing speed.[4] Their other benefits include: 

• Faster encoding of information to short-term memory
• Better attention and focus[5]
• More accurate tracking of spatial objects
• Improved visualization and 3D perception
• Faster visual searching and acquisition of objects in space[3]
• Increased field of view.

These functions have also been found to apply to activities outside of gaming.[3,5]

Other gaming benefits

Improved 3D spatial awareness and visual memory are interesting and consistent side effects of gaming. Multiple studies indicate that experienced action gamers are better at tracking fast-moving objects in real time, detecting changes to objects or environments that they have seen before, and mentally rotating or visualizing 3D objects.[6,7,8] These abilities contribute to better situational awareness and can potentially improve things like driving, hand-eye coordination, and balance. Experienced gamers were also shown to be better at switching more rapidly from one task to another, which could confer an improvement to multitasking.

How to use games for mental improvement

In one study, gamers played for 15 minutes per day at least five days per week. They improved their planning, speed, memory, and concentration after four weeks.[1] Lumosity offers simple puzzle games like the ones in the studies that are specifically designed to enhance these mental functions, but games similar to Tetris were also beneficial.

To gain the action game benefits of spatial awareness, processing speed, and visual memory, try real-time strategy, role-playing, or first-person shooter games. The studies mentioned above used games played on consoles or on PCs. There are also plenty of puzzle games that can be played for free on your internet browser. Try ChessTempo.com and the AARP brain games.

Share your experience

Does Lumosity work for you? What other games have helped improve your memory or attention? Share your experience in the comments section below.

[1] PLoS One. 2013; 8(2): e55518.

[2] J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform. Dec 2006; 32(6): 1465–1478.

[3] PLoS One. 2013; 8(3): e58546.

[4] Perception. 2009;38(11):1678-87.

[5] Acta Psychol (Amst). 2013 Jan;142(1):108-18.

[6] Atten Percept Psychophys. 2013 Aug;75(6):1128-36.

[7] Acta Psychol (Amst). 2008 Nov;129(3):387-98.

[8] Nature. 2003 May 29;423(6939):534-7.