Action Video Games

Considerable excitement has been generated by recent studies showing that video gaming alters fundamental aspects of attention. We tested the claim that people who frequently play action video games (video game players (VGPs)) have a greater capacity of attention than those who rarely play video games (non‐video game players (NVGPs)). We first attempted to replicate previous findings by comparing VGPs and NVGPs on a flanker compatibility task (Experiment 1). In contrast with previous studies, VGPs did not demonstrate greater intrusion from distractors, calling into question the reliability of previous findings. In Experiment 2, we manipulated the eccentricity of flankers in an Eriksen flanker task to examine the extent to which VGPs and NVGPs processed irrelevant peripheral stimuli. No attentional differences emerged in the conditions tested, with both groups displaying compatibility effects at all eccentricities. Together these results raise doubts that video game playing increases attentional capacity.

Active video games that require whole body movement to play the game may be an innovative health promotion tool to substitute sedentary pastime with more active time and may therefore contribute to children's health. To inform strategies aimed at reducing sedentary behavior by replacing non-active by active gaming, opinions about active and non-active video games are explored among 8- to 12-year-old children and their parents. Six qualitative, semi-structured focus groups were held with 8- to 12-year-old children (n = 46) and four with their parents (n = 19) at three different primary schools in The Netherlands. The focus groups with children discussed game preferences, gaming context and perceived game-related parenting. The focus groups with parents addressed considerations in purchasing video games, perceived positive and negative consequences of gaming, and game-related parenting. Both children and their parents were very positive about active video games and preferred active games over non-active games. Active video games were considered more social than non-active video games, and active games were played more often together with friends and family than non-active video games. Parenting practices did not differ for active and non-active video games, although some parents were less strict regarding active games. Two conditions for practical implementation were met: children enjoyed active video games, and parents were willing to buy active video games. Active video games were preferred to non-active video games, illustrating that using active video games is a promising health promotion tool to reduce sedentary pastime in youth.

Video game experience and its influence on visual attention parameters: An investigation using the framework of the Theory of Visual Attention (TVA)

Based on the previous researches, Flanker compatibility effect paradigm was applied to explore the degree where people process the visual information presented on to-be-ignored locations. In present study, this paradigm was used to investigate attention distribution of Video Game Players (VGPs) and Non Video Game Players (NVGPs). The results suggested, under low perceptual load, VGPs tried to focus their attention on the task at-hand whereas the NVGPs tried to explore the adjacent locations with the left-over resources from the research task; however, under high perceptual load, the players would process the visual information at the adjacent locations of the target with the left-over resources, because they had comparatively greater attention capability, whereas the non-players focused their attention on the target locations to finish the search task. To conclude, the present study suggested that action video game play could not only enhance the attention capacity but also cause a different way of attention distribution in different perceptual load situations.

Introduction The relationship between symptoms of attentiondefi cit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the playing of video games is not well understood. The American Medical Association and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have refl ected this ambi valence in recommendations and press releases [1,2]. Because video games are among the most popular pastimes of children and teenagers and ADHD is one of the most common childhood psychiatric diagnoses, pediatricians, family practice physicians, and child psychiatrists commonly encounter children with ADHD who play video games regularly. How are we to advise them and their families? Research historically has focused on the negative consequences of playing video games; however, recent studies are illuminating the possible benefi ts. It was argued in one publication that children with ADHD may be using video games as a form of self-medication [3]. Video games may boost self-esteem in a population of children who derive little of it from their schoolwork or family life [4]. Additional research has shown that for boys with ADHD, interactive games can improve classroom learning and social relationships [5]. Evidence indicates that the presence of a computer in the home of a preschool child can improve school readiness and cognitive development regardless of the frequency of access to or ownership of child electronic games or video games in the household, the socioeconomic status of the family, or the developmental stage of the child [6]. Lastly, some evidence suggests that action video games may briefl y improve certain cognitive functions [7]. The issue of the relationship between aggression and video game play is important but complicated by various studies suggesting that exposure to video game violence can increase, reduce, or have no infl uence on aggressive behavior. This relationship was examined in 13 studies published between 1984 and 1996. These different studies showed that playing video games can result in increased aggression, no aggression, or an increased calming effect [8]. A more recent review of the literature found an association between violent video games and short-term aggressive behavior; however, due to study limitations, the authors found it diffi cult to establish a causal effect between playing video games and long-term aggressive behaviors [9]. Some correlation seems to exist between the neurotransmission characteristics of people who play video games and people with ADHD, but this correlation also remains unclear. The dopamine hypothesis of ADHD implicates variants in dopamine receptor subtypes and dopamine transmission in the pathology of ADHD. Decreased dopamine release in the corticostriatal pathway has been observed in individuals with ADHD [10,11]. Some evidence indicates that video game play is associated with dopamine release and low-function D2-receptor polymorphism [12,13]. I believe that at the current state of research, it is premature to advise families to eliminate video games from the lives of children with ADHD, at least until the negative and potentially benefi cial effects of playing video games (colloquially known as gaming) are better characterized. The following is a summary of recent research fi ndings on the psychiatric and behavioral effects of video games on children with ADHD. I hope that this summary better prepares clinicians when they discuss video games with families. This commentary does not address ergonomic or physical problems associated with video games, a topic that has been reviewed elsewhere [14].

Active video games (AVGs) are increasingly recognized as a viable alternative to traditional physical activities, with growing evidence supporting their benefits for physical and mental health. This systematic review examines whether AVG interventions, compared with traditional exercise and video games, can enhance immediate affective responses (AR) and improve mental health symptoms (MHS). A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. We searched multiple electronic databases to identify studies investigating the effects of AVGs on AR and MHS in young adults. Data were extracted using a pre-designed form for synthesis. This review included 20 RCTs (n = 1,100). Most studies (14/18) on AR found AVGs superior to control conditions in at least one measure, such as enjoyment, self-efficacy, or situational interest, though results for some outcomes were non-significant. Two studies reported null findings and two reported negative effects for AVGs. In contrast, evidence for improving MHS was limited and inconsistent, with only one out of four studies showing a significant positive effect. Preliminary findings support a cautious optimism regarding AVGs’ ability to improve AR in young adults, with enjoyment being a key mechanism. However, evidence is currently insufficient to confirm efficacy for MHS. Strengthening this evidence base necessitates future studies that are more rigorous, target specific populations, and differentiate between AVG types. This systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO, ID: CRD42024572153.

A growing body of literature has investigated the effects of playing video games on brain function and behavior. One key takeaway from this literature has been that not all entertainment video games are created equal with respect to their effects on cognitive functioning. The majority of the research to date has contrasted the cognitive impact of playing first- or third-person shooter games (together dubbed "action video games") against the effects of playing other game types. Indeed, when the research began in the late 1990s, action video games placed a load upon the perceptual, attentional, and cognitive systems in a manner not seen in other video games. However, the video game industry has shifted dramatically over the intervening years. In particular, first- and third-person shooter games are no longer unique in the extent to which they load upon cognitive abilities. Instead, a host of other game genres appear to place similar degrees of load upon these systems. This state of affairs calls for a paradigm shift in the way that the cognitive neuroscience field examines the impact of video game play on cognitive skills and their neural mediators-a shift that is only just now slowly occurring.

Increased risk for overweight/obesity has been linked to excess time in front of the television/computer. Given that video games are such a popular form of entertainment for today's youth, an alternative approach to increasing activity is to promote video games that require physical activity to play. To determine the exercise value of these games, it is essential to determine if children will play them for a duration that is associated with significant energy expenditure. PURPOSE: This pilot study assessed whether children 7-14 years of age, classified by CDC guidelines at the 85th percentile or above for their age and gender, differed in energy expenditure (Kcals), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and oxygen consumption (VO2), when they were riding a stationary bike alone versus when they were riding a stationary bike attached to an active video game. METHODS: The sample included 17 males and females 7-14 years of age (mean =10.1 + 1.9 years). All participants had a Body Mass Index (BMI) that put them at the 85th percentile or above (mean = 30.7 + 9.0 kg/m2). The subjects attended a familiarization session to learn how to play the video games and have the protocol explained to them; they then attended two further sessions, one with the video games (VG), and one without (WOVG). These games required the subjects to pedal harder to make their video cars go faster in various car races. Paired sample t-tests were used to determine whether the sample differed between VG and WOVG conditions. RESULTS: The sample had higher exercise VO2, maximum heart rate (MHR), VO2 max., and Kcals burned per minute (p < 0.05) when using the video game (Table 1). No significant difference existed between exercise bouts in RPE or Kcals used per total time.Table 1: Descriptive statistics for selected variables with (VG) and without (WOVG) active video game.CONCLUSION: Study subjects who rode the stationary bikes with active video games burned more calories per minute, worked harder per unit time, and had higher maximum HR. Thus, it appears these games provide a viable alternative for keeping overweight children active for a long enough session to expend significant energy. Table 1 Descriptive statistics for selected variables with (VG) and without (WOVG) active video game. We would like to thank the XRtainment Zone for their support in use of their facilities. This project was funded in part by NIH grant #GM073842.

Action video gaming can promote neural plasticity. Short-term monocular patching drives neural plasticity in the visual system of human adults. For instance, short-term monocular patching of 0.5–5 h briefly enhances the patched eye’s contribution in binocular vision (i.e., short-term ocular dominance plasticity). In this study, we investigate whether action video gaming can influence this plasticity in adults with normal vision. We measured participants’ eye dominance using a binocular phase combination task before and after 2.5 h of monocular patching. Participants were asked to play action video games, watch action video game movies, or play non-action video games during the period of monocular patching. We found that participants’ change of ocular dominance after monocular patching was not significantly different either for playing action video games versus watching action video game movies (Comparison 1) or for playing action video games versus playing non-action video games (Comparison 2). These results suggest that action video gaming does not either boost or eliminate short-term ocular dominance plasticity, and that the neural site for this type of plasticity might be in the early visual pathway.

Video games are increasingly used in vision science and clinical interventions, particularly in the treatment of amblyopia. Among them, action video games have shown promise in enhancing visual functions such as attention, spatial resolution, and contrast sensitivity. However, the classification of games in current studies typically relies on broad commercial genre labels, which lack functional specificity and fail to capture the perceptual, cognitive, and motor demands relevant to therapeutic use. This imprecision can lead to suboptimal game selection and limit comparability across studies. To address this gap, we developed a data-driven framework to classify commercial video games based on functional load profiles. Twelve experts evaluated seven games across nine dimensions derived from prior literature on action video games, including Perceptual Load, motor demands, Working Memory, and attentional control. We applied Multidimensional Scaling and K-means clustering to group games based on similarity ratings, and validated the structure using Principal Component Analysis. Three distinct clusters emerged: (1) Action video games with high motor and Perceptual Load (e.g., Call of Duty, Unreal Tournament); (2) puzzle and arcade games with moderate visuomotor and cognitive engagement (e.g., Tetris, Pac-Man); and (3) low-demand simulation games (The Sims). Notably, Tetris reflected moderate visuomotor but higher cognitive demands, confirming its hybrid profile. This multidimensional classification provides a reliable and objective tool to guide therapeutic video game selection and development, offering a valuable alternative to the subjective genre-based selection of video games in both research and clinical applications.

Evidence shows inactivity and obesity are a substantial global burden, economically and physiologically. Sedentary screen time strongly contributes to this burden. Sedentary screen time is often achieved through video game play. Active video games (AVGs) tried to solve the screen time problem. AVGs work, having small to moderate positive effects on activity levels and body composition changes. However, they perform consistently poorly on the commercial market. This represents a paradox: AVGs work pragmatically, yet underperform commercially, limiting their impact practically. The purpose of this study was to explore this paradox with the aim of understanding how AVGs compare to non-active video games (NAVGs), based on gameplay experience. Findings revealed that AVGs have a significant negative comparison to NAVGs. Qualitative exploration highlighted several important considerations; gamer motivation, the lack of quality and variety in AVGs, the stereotype in AVGs, and the practical limitations of the hardware that supports AVGs. Perception of an augmented reality platform, a potential solution to the issues, was found to be positive.

In recent years, with the coming of age of a new generation of social activists raised on video games and the release of new tools that make video game development easier for individuals and small groups, many activists have begun to release video games designed to further their cause. However, there is little evidence as to the effectiveness of video games in changing attitudes. The video game, Homeless: It’s No Game was developed to determine whether people could be persuaded to become more sympathetic to the plight of the homeless by playing the role of a homeless woman in a video game and whether this persuasive effect could be measured. Volunteers were recruited to answer a survey of attitudes towards the homeless and were then assigned to either play the game, read a short story about homelessness, or to be part of a control group, after which the survey was re-administered. Results were mixed, with some indicators showing an increase in sympathy towards the homeless and others showing no significant effect. There were also some indications that playing the video game led to a strengthened belief in the effectiveness of video games in raising awareness of social issues. The results indicate that games can help reinforce a social activist message, especially if their audiences consider them realistic.

Currently, few studies focus on analysing the degree of the Player eXperience (PX) in video games. Video games have now become interactive entertainment systems with a high economic impact on society; these are interactive systems characterised by their subjectivity, which differ from other systems in that their main objective is to entertain and amuse the user (player). This work discusses the analysis and evaluation of the User eXperience (UX) in interactive entertainment systems, exploring how usability, given its definition, objectives and the fact it is one of the main dimensions of UX, is not sufficient to characterise the PX, giving rise to a new concept: Playability. In this paper, we present a framework for the analysis and evaluation of the UX in video games. The results show the need and importance of a framework to help us understand and measure the experience that players feel using these types of interactive systems, in order to improve the experience during play time. The proposed framework characterises the experience using attributes to identify and properties to measure UX. It thus provides a multifaceted analysis mechanism to assess the impact of the gaming experience and its relationship with the elements of a video game. We therefore present a system to represent UX based on this framework, with the aim of ensuring and measuring a satisfactory experience of the entertainment system. Finally, we discuss a practical experiment in which an evaluation of the playability of a commercial video game was carried out using the methods proposed in this work.

A growing body of literature demonstrates that playing action video games (AVGs) can improve attentional and cognitive abilities, thereby facilitating better learning skills that are critical to academic foundations. However, there are no evidence-based rules for selecting a game that can lead to attentional improvements. This exploratory study attempted to develop an Action Video Game Characteristics (AVGC) instrument that distinguishes AVGs from other video game genres, and examine individuals' perceptions of specific video games that were used in previous AVG training research using the AVGC instrument.

Playing specific genres of video games (e.g., action video games) has been linked to improvements in cognitive skills mostly related to attentional phenomena. Nonetheless, do video games have features or dimensions in common that impact cognitive improvements beyond the game genre? Here, we argue that the sensorimotor demand-the amount of demand for precise coordination between movement and perception-is a key element in the improvements associated with playing video games. We conducted a two-part study to test this hypothesis: a self-report online gaming instrument development and validation and an in-lab behavioural and electrophysiological study. In the first study, data from 209 participants were used to devise the sensorimotor demand instrument (SMDI). The SMDI was split into three dimensions of video game playing: sensorimotor contingency, immersion and unfocused gaming. Criterion validity related to video gamers' characteristics supported that the SMDI is sensitive to the input device (e.g., keyboard or touchscreens), and the most recent experience gained during gaming sessions while not being sensitive to the game genre. In the second study, data from 20 participants who performed four visual-attentional tasks previously reported in the literature showed that the SMDI's dimensions were associated with behavioural performance measures and the latency and amplitude of event-related potentials (N1, P2 and P3). Despite the challenge of studying the video gamer population, our study remarks on the relevance of sensorimotor demands in the performance of attentional tasks and its potential use as a dimension to characterize the experience of playing video games beyond the game genre.