Playing Video Games: unravelling some common myths

The Interactive and Gaming Network (IGEA) have once again released a report of their research findings on how, why and by whom, video games are played in Australia. Undertaken in conjunction with Bond University and comprising a study of over 3000 individuals, it is important work to help us break down some of the pre existing beliefs and common myths and misconceptions about game playing, whilst also looking at how we can harness the power of games for positive outcomes.

You can read the full report on the IGEA website here, but for those who sometimes struggle to understand why their kids seem somewhat obsessed with video games or struggle to comprehend that there can be anything good to come from them, I have taken a look at some of the major findings below to help you garner some new perspective and open our minds to challenge some of our beliefs about the social, emotional, physical and cognitive effects of playing video games.