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Playing Fast-Paced Shooters Aids Cognition and Vision, Study Finds

by Caleb Johnson on May 30, 2010 at 01:01 PM

First-person shooter
Mom and Dad might consider it a stretch, but researchers claim that you can actually sharpen your mind and vision by playing video games. According to an AP report, researchers at educational symposium Games for Learning have claimed that people who play first-person shooters have better vision, attention and cognition. Daphne Bavelier, a University of Rochester professor who led the research, studied gamers who play games like the 'Medal of Honor' franchise. She claims that these games, and other fast-paced shooters like 'Unreal Tournament,' can improve peripheral vision and the ability to see in dim light. Not only that, but Bavelier also claims that first-person shooters could be used to treat people with lazy eye.

Lately, it seems like we can't turn our heads without hearing about video games' better (and healthier) rep. We're not complaining, but Bavelier's research does sound a little unbelievable. Nevertheless, next time somebody complains that you're logging too many hours blasting Nazi soldiers, zombies or aliens, tell them you're just keeping your eyes in shape. [From: AP/New York Daily News]

Tags: eyesight, firstpersonshooter, fps, games for learning, GamesForLearning, health, learning, medal of honor, MedalOfHonor, research, study, top, unreal tournament, UnrealTournament, VideoGames

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