As of 2023, there are approximately 3.09 billion active video gamers worldwide. This staggering figure is due to numerous factors, including the extensive variety of games appealing to a wide range of people. Not only that but considering the gaming sector is worth a staggering $372 billion, modern-day gaming is continuously improving, becoming more innovative and immersive. 

Gaming was once considered a niche hobby for tech nerds and children; however, it has now developed into an inclusive pastime, appealing to a remarkably broad audience. Here are the pros and cons of getting into gaming. 

Pro – It’s Fun

Arguably the whole point of casual gaming is the enjoyability factor. Gaming is designed to be fun. Video games were first introduced in the early 1950s for academic and promotional purposes but soon developed into an innovative form of entertainment. By the early 1980s, the arcade industry in the US alone generated over $5 billion of revenue annually. Over the years, the increasing availability of video games thanks to home consoles has solidified this pastime as a highly popular form of amusement. Due to the wide range of genres, you’re guaranteed to find a title you like. 

Con – Cost

The cost involved in gaming is the main factor that puts a lot of potential gamers off. While there are many methods of saving money on your gaming hobby, such as buying second-hand consoles and purchasing games once they go on sale, you’ll still have to fork out a considerable amount. A typical pre-built gaming PC can cost anywhere from £500 to upwards of £2,000, so it’s easy to see why gaming systems are considered a significant investment. That said, gaming PCs generally turn out to be cheaper than consoles in the long run due to their upgradability. 

Pro – Improved Cognitive Functioning

Gaming can be tremendously beneficial in terms of cognitive functioning for all ages, with positive effects such as an enhanced attention span and an increased memory capacity. Numerous studies have shown that many gamers display improved reaction times, mental flexibility and spatial awareness compared to non-gamers. While many parents strive to limit screen time for their children, the developmental advantages of gaming are hard to ignore. Contrary to popular belief, gaming in moderation could help your child develop educationally, socially, and physically.

Con – Risk Of Addiction

Psychological addiction can occur with any substance or activity, and video game addiction can be profoundly damaging. The act of gaming releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s reward system. Once your brain associates this dopamine release with a specific activity, the craving for more can be challenging to ignore. While most gamers enjoy their hobby in healthy moderation, recognising the signs of potential addiction is crucial. For example, if you experience anxiety and irritability when you’re away from your system, it may be worth seeking professional help.

Pro – Improve Your Technical Skills

Gaming PCs require regular enhancements to ensure peak performance. Improvements like motherboard upgrades and adding extra RAM are part and parcel of PC gaming. Although you may not realise it, upgrading your PC vastly improves your technical expertise. Learning how to hand-select high-quality, compatible gaming components and install software are acquired skills that may be transferable to numerous career paths. For instance, once you’ve mastered the necessary technical skills for building a gaming PC, you could consider pursuing a career in programming or software development. 

Con – Frustration

As enjoyable as gaming can be, it can also be profoundly frustrating. While some gamers enjoy tricky levels and fan-made challenges, sometimes, it feels as though your best simply isn’t good enough. Longing for the gratification of success can often lead to a heightened sense of frustration, disappointment and even anger when your attempts continuously fall flat. If you become overly irritated, take a breather before making any further attempts. It may also be worth tweaking your game settings and playing on an easier mode for the time being. 

Pro – Sociability

Gaming was once considered a hobby for loners and introverts. These days that couldn’t be further from the truth, as stated in this article. The astonishing number of multiplayer games means gaming is now an exceptionally social activity. Gamers can play multiplayer or co-op with friends and family members or even internet strangers. That said, it is vital minors understand the importance of internet safety. If you have children, continuously monitor their internet use and ensure they play alongside trusted individuals their own age.