Adults who play physics based puzzle games have better mental flexibility than those who play other types of games, a new study finds.
The study was conducted by scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) who tested four different mobile platform games - Modern Combat, Fruit Ninja, StarFront Collision and Cut the Rope. Following this, 52 non gamers were asked to play any of the games for one hour daily for five days a week. This was done for four weeks, totally to 20 hours.
Researchers recorded measurements like how fast the players can switch tasks, how fast they adapt to new situations and how well they focus on information while blocking out distractions. Researchers found that those who played the physics-based puzzle game "Cut the rope" showed significant improvement on executive function tasks while no significant improvements were observed in those playing the other three games. Executive functions are those that allow individuals to make on-the-spot decisions in sudden changing environments.
"This finding is important because previously, no video games have demonstrated this type of broad improvement to executive functions, which are important for general intelligence, dealing with new situations and managing multitasking," lead author Prof Michael Patterson said in a press statement. "This indicates that while some games may help to improve mental abilities, not all games give you the same effect. To improve the specific ability you are looking for, you need to play the right game."
The individuals who played "Cut The Ropes" could switch between tasks 33 per cent faster, were 30 per cent faster in adapting to new situations, and 60 per cent better in blocking out distractions and focusing on the tasks at hand than before training.
The game's unique puzzle design played a huge role in this. Strategies used in earlier levels were not applicable in later levels, driving players to think on their feet and device new strategies that will work.
"This result could have implications in many areas such as educational, occupational and rehabilitative settings," Prof Patterson said. "In future, with more studies, we will be able to know what type of games improves specific abilities, and prescribe games that will benefit people aside from just being entertainment."
Researchers plan to conduct studies in the future that will look into whether there is any improvement from playing such games in experienced adult gamers and how much improvement one can make through playing games.
The study will be published in the academic journal, Computers in Human Behavior.
