Playing video games provides small but measurable cognitive benefits, according to.research findings published in the journal Acta Psychologica.
Scientists analyzed data from more than 130 studies involving about 14,000 participants to examine how video games affect cognitive abilities. The researchers conducted three meta-analyses that included correlational studies, comparisons between gamers and non-gamers, and clinical trials published between January 2005 and August 2025.
Overall, the analysis found that playing video games was associated with small but statistically significant improvements in cognitive performance. Compared with non-gamers, people who played video games showed the greatest gains in memory, followed by visual attention and spatial reasoning.
The researchers said future studies should include large-scale longitudinal research to better establish whether video games directly cause these cognitive improvements and to assess their long-term effects. They also called for further research to identify which specific game mechanics are most effective at enhancing memory.
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If future studies confirm these findings, the researchers said video games could eventually be incorporated into cognitive training and maintenance programs for older adults.
