Are Fast-Paced Games Better Than Others

One of the newest research areas is looking at if action and other types of fast-paced games are better when it comes to improving reading, writing, and other academic skills of children who have dyslexia. Because this area is newer, there are many studies needed to help build a solid foundation, but so far, it’s looking like action-packed games are a better option. 

Scientists led one of the studies at Oxford University. They concluded that people with dyslexia showed delayed reactions when shifting their attention from sights to sounds. Therefore, fast-paced action video games, rather than games explicitly tailored for language learning, might help people with dyslexia improve reaction times. Another study further proved the researchers at Oxford University stated that action games not only helped enhance attention abilities when it came to the dyslexic brain but also created a ripple effect as it helped improve their reading abilities. 

A BCBL Study Shows that Non-Violent Video Games are Better than Violent Ones

A study conducted at BCBL, the Basque research center, showed that action video games helped improve reading ability and visual attention for people with dyslexia. Researchers stated that the main objective you want to focus on is to use the most useful video game elements. These are not focused on violence. You can further help your children improve your cognitive ability by looking at games that are fast-paced and hold action instead of violent games. 

The researchers focused on the difference between violent and non-violent games. Why? They wanted to focus on what specifically helped improve the visual attention and learning processes. It wasn’t clear that it’s all for entertainment, even if the person believes the game is for pure entertainment purposes. It’s because of the coordination and parts of the brain the person needs to use when they’re playing video games. The trouble is that violence can bring in other brain wires and chemicals, which can decrease the parts of the brain that the person needs to focus on to improve their abilities.

The Problems You Can’t Avoid… Yet

No matter how much you support the studies or your stance on video games, they can help people with dyslexia. Follow the guidance of professionals regarding the games and how much time you or your children should spend playing. While most studies focus on about an hour of playtime, this is also dependent on the person as some people. It is especially for young children, won’t have the attention span to play for that period. Some games, such as football and basketball, are non-violent but won’t give people the elements that they need to improve their brain function. 

Another problem is that some people find it hard to get fast-paced games that are not violent for several reasons. First, you or your child might like them; or maybe gaming is newer to you, and you’re just not sure where to look. The best result is to focus on games with elements of surprise and create a sense of fun and excitement. Finally, it’s essential to focus on what you believe and feel. If you notice that your child is playing a specific game and their attention improves, that’s an ideal game. If their reading and writing skills improve, you know you have a good match for your child. 

Sources:

“Dyslexia.” Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic. 

“50 Interesting Facts About Dyslexia.” Angela, Reading Horizons At Home Solutions. 

“8 Cognitive Benefits of Playing Video Games for Kids.” Sheila Eugenio, Engaget. February 2017. 

“Action video games to fight dyslexia.” Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), Medical Express. December 2015. 

“Undoing Dyslexia via Video Games.” American Psychological Association. April 2014. 

“Video Games May Improve Reading Skills in Dyslexics.” Collthom, Dyslexia Help. March 2013.