A video game is an organized set of action, usually undertaken as a form of entertainment or recreation, and occasionally used as a teaching tool. A game is different from homework, which are typically carried out only for profit, and from literature, that is often more of an expressive or aesthetic component of political or artistic aspects. All forms of games have a purpose, although the object of a game may be different in each domain. As a sociological phenomenon, games can contribute to societal development by increasing the range of available opportunities and reducing the power of force, while simultaneously enhancing interpersonal skills and facilitating communication.
The term “games” itself is vague, since any set of rules that a set of participants will follow will be considered a game. However, many disciplines and industries lump games together under the heading of “activity”. This includes sport, theatre, computer games, video games, puzzles, board games, card games and musical instruments. Children tend to associate all these activities with certain qualities such as intelligence, strategy, action and creativity. Some might argue that these qualities are inherent in human beings, since most people require a certain amount of imagination to generate ideas, while some others argue that games are merely a modern phenomenon that has started with the rise of mass-marketing and commercialization.
Many experts agree that games stimulate several areas of the brain, allowing it to adapt better to the demands of learning new tasks and acquiring knowledge. This allows children to develop faster and better, as compared to their peers. Playing a game provides a sort of outlet through which children can learn and experience life outside the classroom. It is an opportunity for them to make their own judgments and express themselves through play.
A significant number of studies have shown that games help children improve their problem solving skills and their logic. They also help children acquire the abstract thinking that is required for success in school and society. The best games are those that allow children to think creatively, independently, rather than just react to stimuli. They should be challenging and intellectually stimulating.
Parents and teachers should always encourage children to play games that they enjoy playing. In fact, many experts advise against forcing children to play games that they find uncomfortable or not the ones that they want to play. Games should instead be played whenever a child feels like engaging in an activity. Games should not be forced but played whenever the child is ready. This will give children a chance to develop at their own pace.
When choosing games for children, parents and teachers should consider whether or not the game will help them develop certain skills. For example, a game that requires children to slam items into each other to make a particular shape may not be very helpful for developing leadership skills. On the other hand, a game where the child must move a particular object within a specific period of time may be helpful in developing the concept of time management. Choosing games that are appropriate for a particular age group and that have appropriate levels of difficulty will ensure that the right games will be played, thereby benefiting the child. The benefits of games will be even more beneficial if they are chosen and played correctly.