OPINION
The value of video games during a pandemic By Anna Baker
D
uring the start of the pandemic, people had to find a way to bond and hang out with their friends virtually. Gaming then found its time to shine and proved itself to be useful after years of it being demonized. Gamers have long been stereotyped as being socially awkward shut-ins. They’re often seen as lazy, unhygienic and a whole list of other undesirable attributes. 20 COOGLIFE
// January 2022
From Animal Crossing: New Horizons to Among Us, video games kept many people inside and entertained at the beginning of the pandemic. Now, as Omicron surges, video games can be something to do while we wait for the wave to pass.
In reality, gaming is a perfectly fine hobby to have. In fact, it can actually be very beneficial for people. Studies have shown that video games can improve spatial navigation, memory and reasoning. Video games can also improve multitasking capabilities and problemsolving skills in children. Video games get a bad rap but they can actually be great for people. Most importantly they can be really fun and
this was put to use during the pandemic. Gaming is a hobby that thankfully fits perfectly with being able to isolate in your house. With voice chat apps like Discord, people can chat with each other while playing games online with one another no matter where they are in the world. Among Us was a game that exploded in popularity within gamer circles and nongamer
