How appropriate that, on the day of one of the biggest launches in gaming history, academics publish a report declaring that gaming - and specifically, shoot 'em ups - are good for us!
As you read this, die hard gamers across the globe are sat cross-legged in front of their TVs pwning at Halo:Reach. Their eyes are glued to the screen, their thumbs are starting to suffer from repetitive strain injury and their loved ones are being ignored. But on the positive side, researchers from New York's University of Rochester in the US have confirmed what I have always maintained... games improve the mind. Not only that, but they help us hone our decision making processes and provide us with lightening quick reflexes!
According to an article in today's Independent newspaper, scientists carried out numerous tests to determine the effects of gaming:
The researchers tested dozens of 18- to 25-year-olds who were not ordinarily video-gamers, splitting them into two groups.
The first group were told to play adrenalin-packed action games such as Call of Duty 2 and Unreal Tournament, in which participants dash around online arenas shooting each other.
The second group were given The Sims 2, a more sedate, strategy-based game that mimics the pace of everyday life.
Despite the fact that those subjected to The Sims must have been bored senseless, the study showed that those lucky people playing the faster-paced action titles apparently made decisions 25% quicker than their peers.
There you have it, proof that gaming is good for you! It must be true - scientists say so!