More and more studies are reporting the benefits of video games. Games like Wii Fit have been reported to have lead people to healthy living. It seems video games also boost thinking skills. The U.S. National Science Foundation is funding a study on whether the elderly benefit from video games in terms of memory and thinking skills.

North Carolina State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology hope that the results of their study will help to develop a video game that increases thinking skills in the aged.

One question being asked in this study is what elements of a video game help in improving cognitive skills. The answer to this question can lead to video game design that benefits the mind. Another question that is to be answered is – what elements of a video game are the most crucial to cognitive improvement.

The available information suggests that social interaction, novelty and attentional demand when present in games improves thinking.

So that was the good news. Yes there is some bad news as well. Another study reveals that video games can lead to gambling. This study conducted by Adelaide University showed that teenagers who played video games were more likely to buy scratchies, play poker or card games.

Although it seems like playing video games does not increase the risk of gambling but people who play a lot of video games probably do not have enough parental supervision and find gambling entertaining. They also do not have too much structured activity.