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Behavioral and Brain Functions
Published in: Behavioral and Brain Functions 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Review

Commercial video games and cognitive functions: video game genres and modulating factors of cognitive enhancement

Authors: Eunhye Choi, Suk-Ho Shin, Jeh-Kwang Ryu, Kyu-In Jung, Shin-Young Kim, Min-Hyeon Park

Published in: Behavioral and Brain Functions | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Unlike the emphasis on negative results of video games such as the impulsive engagement in video games, cognitive training studies in individuals with cognitive deficits showed that characteristics of video game elements were helpful to train cognitive functions. Thus, this study aimed to have a more balanced view toward the video game playing by reviewing genres of commercial video games and the association of video games with cognitive functions and modulating factors. Literatures were searched with search terms (e.g. genres of video games, cognitive training) on database and Google scholar.

Results

video games, of which purpose is players’ entertainment, were found to be positively associated with cognitive functions (e.g. attention, problem solving skills) despite some discrepancy between studies. However, the enhancement of cognitive functions through video gaming was limited to the task or performance requiring the same cognitive functions. Moreover, as several factors (e.g. age, gender) were identified to modulate cognitive enhancement, the individual difference in the association between video game playing and cognitive function was found.

Conclusion

Commercial video games are suggested to have the potential for cognitive function enhancement. As understanding the association between video gaming and cognitive function in a more balanced view is essential to evaluate the potential outcomes of commercial video games that more people reported to engage, this review contributes to provide more objective evidence for commercial video gaming.
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Metadata
Title
Commercial video games and cognitive functions: video game genres and modulating factors of cognitive enhancement
Authors
Eunhye Choi
Suk-Ho Shin
Jeh-Kwang Ryu
Kyu-In Jung
Shin-Young Kim
Min-Hyeon Park
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Behavioral and Brain Functions / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1744-9081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12993-020-0165-z

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