Different video game genres alter brain activity and enhance cognition in unique ways

Playing different video game genres can alter brain activity and enhance cognitive abilities, according to a recent study published in the journal Brain Sciences. Researchers at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China found that both fast-paced action games and turn-based strategy games improved mental performance, but action games led to more significant and long-lasting neural adaptations.

The study aimed to compare the effects of action and strategy games on mental tests and brain activity. Participants, 68 college students without regular video game experience, were randomly assigned to play either an action game, League of Legends, or a strategy card game, Legends of the Three Kingdoms, for one hour a day, five days a week, over 20 weeks.

Performance was tested at six intervals over 30 weeks, with participants completing three cognitive tasks and resting brain activity measurements. Both action and strategy game groups showed improvements in distributed spatial attention and spatial working memory tasks. However, action game players showed a more substantial boost in accuracy, particularly in the attention task, which persisted at the final follow-up.

Both groups also exhibited increased delta and theta wave power and reduced alpha-band connectivity during EEG sessions, indicating enhanced neural adaptability and more efficient brain communication. The action game group displayed the most significant changes, with higher slow-wave activity and lower alpha connectivity ten weeks after training concluded.

These results suggest that different video game genres can positively impact cognitive abilities, with action games yielding more pronounced and enduring effects.