Why Gamers Need To Take Care Of Their Precious Video Games

Video games have become much more than just a way to pass the time. For some, video games are a way to relieve their stress, while others use them to let their imagination run wild. For a number of gamers, they offer a new way to earn a living.

That said, people need to take care of their precious video games for a few reasons:

It’s good for mental health

A study from Oxford University has found that playing video games is good for one’s mental health, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study looked into actual play data on two games, namely “ Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” Researchers asked 3,274 players to complete a survey designed to measure well-being, playing habits and motivational data.

The results were then combined with behavioral data collected by the video game companies behind the games.

The study yielded interesting results:

• First, it found that while actual playing time was short, it had “significant positive” effect on players’ well-being.
• Second, the player’s subjective experiences during play contributed largely to the positive effect of video games on their well-being.
• Third, those enjoying the games had better well-being.
• Fourth, the findings align with previous studies indicating that for those whose psychological needs aren’t met in the real world, playing games might have a negative impact on them as well.

“Our findings show video games aren’t necessarily bad for your health; there are other psychological factors which have a significant effect on a persons’ well-being. In fact, play can be an activity that relates positively to people’s mental health – and regulating video games could withhold those benefits from players,” Professor Andrew Przybylski, lead-author of the study and director of research at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, said.

It’s good for the wallet – at times

While some games can cost a lot of money, it’s a fact that those who love to collect video game-related items, such as video game cartridges, will be able to cash in on them as well.

A rare copy of “Super Mario Bros. 3” for the Nintendo Entertainment System recently sold for $156,000 – the highest amount ever paid for a video game cartridge. Heritage Auctions noted that this cartridge is a very rare find, something that collectors have been on the lookout for a long time.

This comes a few months after a “Super Mario Bros.” cartridge was sold for $114,000.