Blowing away enemy soldiers and aliens may be good for the brain, as researchers have found that fast-paced video games improve a player's learning ability.
People who play action video games such as Activision Blizzard's Call of Duty are better able to multitask, perform cognitive tasks such as rotating objects in their minds, and focus and retain information than non-players, according to Daphne Bavelier, a researcher in brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester in New York.
They also have better vision. The reason is the games help people learn, even those who don't play regularly.
"People who play action video games get better much faster," said Bavelier.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains the benefits that stem from faster learning. Insights may be used to improve education or to help people with brain injuries.