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There are plenty of video game myths around. As a parent, teacher or a gamer yourself, you need to separate fact from sensationalized fiction when it comes to games. From the concerns over violence caused by games, to how games are creative in nature, here are some to ponder.

Video Games Have No Benefits

One of the most commonly spoken myths about video games is that they offer little value to the life of a player. Now, imagine how someone who cannot walk feels about the immersion of a VR game. But there are also other benefits beyond short-term entertainment. Games like Solitaire and Minesweeper are intellectual games. Intellectual games, including franchises like Civilization and other strategy games, have long-term brain health benefits, just like Sudoku.

Video Game Myths and Violence Concerns

There is an ongoing and irrational debate over whether video games cause violence. The short answer is no, they do not. An estimated 90% of teen boys in the US play video games such as GTA Online. If games caused violence, we would have streets filled with maniacs! There have been some publicized cases where a violent person just happened to be a gamer. But in these cases, the perpetrators were compelled by other reasons, such as mental health disorders.

You Become Socially Isolated

Another top misconception is that games are loners with societal issues. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of today’s AAA games are designed to be social, and communities are filled with gamers who will tell you that being part of said communities changed and/or saved their lives. Online games such as Destiny 2, The Elder Scrolls, and even The Sims 4 provide social interactions, ways to play together, and even spaces for mental health discussion.

Gender when it Comes to Video Game Myths

Yes, the majority of gamers are male. But around 40 percent of women and girls play video games. It varies from country to country, but this is the general figure. However, some games are more appealing to a female audience, but girls also play games you may not expect:

  • The Sims 4 and the wider The Sims series are the top AAA titles played by girls.
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a core female player base.
  • The Legend of Zelda has a wide appeal, especially to female gamers.
  • Horizon Zero Dawn appeals to women with its strong female lead character.
  • Women and girls enjoy competitive online games like Overwatch and Fortnite.

Games with a strong female lead character often attract a higher female audience than usual. But most girls and women prefer what are known as “cozy games” such as The Sims to beat burnout and boredom. But girls are just as competitive as boys and rank high in online gaming.

They Are for Entertainment Only

Video games are primarily designed as entertainment. But this isn’t always the case. There are countless examples of games designed to help people. This ranges from social engagement to education. Some games also encourage favorable traits such as kindness. Kind Words is a perfect example, where you can write letters of support to people in crisis. Games can also be used as tools for good. Livestreamers often run charity events where people donate money.

A Lack of Creative Expression

It’s pretty funny that some people believe video games are lacking in creative expression when they are the embodiment of such. Video games are highly expressive with fantastical stories, engaging new worlds, and some of the best music you will ever hear. There are also relaxing games filled with creativity. About 66% of the world’s gamers, 2.04 billion people, play games to unwind. Games such as Journey, Cuphead, and even Cities Skylines are highly creative.

Video Game Myths About Addiction

There has been some debate about video game addiction over the past few years. Yes, games can be addictive, but they aren’t addictive by nature. In the same way, not everyone who drinks beer is an alcoholic; not all gamers are addicts to digital worlds. The issue is that a very small percentage of people who play games can become addicted, just like any other medium or pastime that provides you with a reward of serotonin and dopamine, including exercising!

Summary

Games having no other benefit than entertainment are among the most common video game myths. It is also a myth  that only boys play video games when just under half of the audience is female. Some people can be addicted to games, but not every gamer is a hopeless addict.