Video games are more than just a distraction

I wanted to say something about video games, because a lot of adults act like they’re nothing but a distraction. Honestly, that’s just not true. If anything, gaming has made me more creative.

When you play modern games, you’re constantly figuring stuff out. You’re building things, solving puzzles, making decisions, or trying different strategies until something works. Games like Zelda, Minecraft, Mario Maker, and pretty much any open-world game force you to use your brain way more than people think.

I know tons of people my age who got into art, music, writing, or even coding because of video games. Some kids make levels, build insane structures, or even create their own stories just from inspiration they got while playing. And honestly, talking with friends about how to beat something or build something is way more creative than adults realize.

I get that everything needs balance. But acting like games don’t help your brain at all is just wrong. They’ve helped me think more creatively than most school assignments ever have.

Jackson Parr

Cedar Rapids