10 Surprising Ways Video Games Are Actually Good For You

9. Increase Brain Volume

Do people always tell you that your head is too big for your shoulders? Maybe you're playing too many video games. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development found evidence to suggest that regular video game activity can actually increase the volume of several brain regions over a sustained period of time. Lucky participants were asked to play Super Mario 64 for 30 minutes every day over a two-month period. MRI scans were used to measure the volume of each players brain and were then compared to a control group who didn't play any video games. Significant increases in brain volume were found in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, right hippocampal formation and the bilateral cerebellum. These three areas are often associated with spatial navigation, memory formation, strategic planning and fine motor skills, all key attributes required in video game playing. The lesson here kids is that playing video games will make you smarter, improving your chances at world domination. Interestingly, the changes in brain volume were more significant in the participants who openly expressed the most desire to play the game, so you've really got to dedicate yourself to some hardcore gaming if you're going to rule effectively over humanity one day.