The Effect of Playing Puzzle Game

Do you know that by playing games we can improve brain ability? There have been many studies showing that games can affect the brain and also cause changes in certain parts of the brain. These changes can be in the form of increasing some of the abilities of the brain. Even so, the increase in brain ability depends on what type of game we play. One type of game that can improve our brain ability is puzzle games. Playing puzzle games can sharpen brain abilities, such as training concentration and improving memory. 

Concentration can be trained by playing puzzle games. Even though it looks simple, in reality playing puzzle games requires a lot of coordination. When playing a puzzle game, our brains will be compelled to stay focused until the task or problem given can be solved. Of course, this can help improve concentration. This is as mentioned by Byron John Bunt, the game can enhance focus because it eliminates anything that might distract the player, and the result is the player can acquire skills and concepts that will reduce trial and error in solving problems. Moreover, some puzzle games always increase the level of difficulty in each task. So, the player must be able to increase his concentration as the level of difficulty increases.

The brain must always be trained so that memory is maintained. One way to help train the brain so that it sharpens memory is by playing puzzle games. A study identified that the use of games mainly advances lower cognitive skills such as perception and memory. In this case, a puzzle game is a game that advances the player's memory. For example, the Jigsaw Puzzle game requires the player to arrange the pieces of the picture into a whole. This of course requires the memory capabilities of the player, especially short-term memory. As the result, the more often we play it, the more our short-term memory will improve. 

It has become a necessity to train our brains. One way is by playing puzzle games. Playing puzzle games, besides being fun, can also train the brain to focus and improve memory. So, playing games doesn't always have a negative impact. As long as we don't overdo it, we can take any advantages of it. 

References

Byron John Bunt. (2019). Potential benefits of a Puzzle Video Game-Cognitive Enrichment Programme for the development of critical thinking among first year BEd students. North-West University (South Africa) 

Pauline L Baniqued, Hyunkyu Lee, Michelle W Voss, Chandramallika Basak, Joshua D Cosman, Shanna DeSouza, Joan Severson, Timothy A Salthouse, Arthur F Kramer. (2013). Selling points: What cognitive abilities are tapped by casual video games? Acta psychologica 142 (1), 74-86

Walter R Boot, Arthur F Kramer, Daniel J Simons, Monica Fabiani, Gabriele Gratton. (2008). The effects of video game playing on attention, memory, and executive control. Acta psychologica 129 (3), 387-398

Denilson Brilliant T, Rui Nouchi, Ryuta Kawashima. (2019). Does video gaming have impacts on the brain: Evidence from a systematic review. Brain sciences 9 (10), 251

Fayyad Fikri (214110404011)