Chapter 1

Introduction
Video games are a popular pastime in society; in 2020, there were 2.7 billion gamers worldwide,
up more than 6% from the year before (Newzoo, 2020). This raises the question of whether
playing video games can have beneficial or negative impacts. The majority of research on video
games has been on their detrimental impacts. Notably, video games have come under fire for
encouraging aggression and violence (Anderson & Warburton, 2012). They have occasionally
been demonstrated to have a detrimental correlation with adjustment and well-being
(Wenzel et al., 2009), even though some of these findings have been refuted in scholarly contexts
(e.g., Drummond et al., 2018). Over the past ten years, more research has been conducted on the
advantages of video games, highlighting their beneficial effects in the social, emotional,
motivational, and cognitive domains (Granic et al., 2014).

Video Games:
Playing video games is a relatively common pastime among adults (Pew Research Center, 2018).
Between 2011 and 2017, the amount of time spent playing video games climbed gradually from
5.1 to 6.5 hours per week (The Nielsen Company, 2017). While there are established advantages
to video gaming, like increased working memory, multitasking, and focus, excessive use of the
game can have negative effects. Overgamers who play video games for the most of the day run
the risk of exhibiting poorer social skills, peer conflict, and inferior educational and professional
performance (Mihara and Higuchi, 2017).
The definition of a video game is "a game which we play thanks to an audiovisual apparatus and
which can be based on a story (Esposito, 2005).
Interactive electronic games with the primary goal of entertaining players are referred to as video
games. Players can access 2D or 3D virtual environments through video games, subject to rules
and restrictions that differ from one game to the next. Like any other media format, video games
may be divided into many kinds. This classification is based on a number of characteristics,
including gameplay and interaction. Each video game has unique features that set some apart
from others and contribute to its popularity. Video games of numerous genres, including action,
adventure, combat, platform, racing, role-playing, shooter, simulation, sports, and strategy, are
enjoyed all over the world (M. J. P. Wolf, 2000).
Video games are intricate, interactive digital entertainment items that give players immersive
experiences by fusing text, sound, and visual components (Wolf, 2001).Usually played on
electronic devices like computers, consoles, or smartphones, they frequently have competitive
gameplay, difficult puzzles, and captivating stories (Bogost, 2006).It is possible to broaden the
definition of video games to include their dynamic and interactive elements, which necessitate
player involvement in order to advance (ISSVG, 2020). Action, adventure, role-playing, strategy,
and sports games are only a few of the genres into which video games can be divided; each has
its own gaming mechanics and experiences (ESA, 2020).
Video games are an important topic of research since studies have indicated that they can
significantly affect players’ cognitive, social, and emotional development (Gackenbach, 2008).
Video games are becoming more recognised as a unique kind of media and entertainment, as
seen by the emergence of new professions like game studies, game design, and game
development as a result of the study of video games (Juul, 2005). Additionally, video games
have been acknowledged for their possible therapeutic advantages, which include lowering
anxiety and stress, boosting creativity, and improving cognitive function (Hamari et al., 2014).
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