Constant distractions, bright visuals and shiny new games are all the rage. But all this comes at a time when attention spans and focus are at an all-time low. Likely due to social media, 8 seconds is the general consensus when it comes to attention spans, resulting in faster paced games, fleeting snippets of video and flashing text to get points across. But, are video games a culprit or can they actually be beneficial? Speed-based games challenge player reflexes and require complete focus. So, do they actually improve mental sharpness, or are they just one more part of the digitally distracting world?
Science, gaming and attention
Video games have often been maligned by parents with kids who played a lot. But recent studies indicate that actually, video games offer many benefits. In fact, multiple studies suggest that playing video games actually improves memory, attention (both selective and divided) and reasoning skills, more so than those who did not play. On top of this, a 2014 study strongly suggested that visual attention was also improved. Not all games have this effect, though. But games that require strategic thinking, problem-solving and fast decision-making typically do. And these are the traits found in Tunnel Rush game.
Why is Tunnel Rush hard?
A fast-paced browser game, Tunnel Rush involves navigating through a rotating 3D tunnel packed with obstacles. Unlike other games, the idea is to move the landscape to progress. The only buttons to do so are the left and right arrows on the keyboard. The difficulty increases quickly with faster speeds, changing patterns, and smaller margins for error. All of this helps to make the game incredibly engaging as players must adapt to the obstacles in real-time. Split-second decisions are the name of the game with little time to think otherwise a crash is imminent. The tunnel format keeps the focus on a vanishing point, training the eyes to remain locked in and on target. As such, the brain of the player is constantly having to assess, adapt, predict and readjust.
Using these skills in real life
So, the skills are being honed, but can they be used outside the game itself? Well, not entirely. Tunnel Rush does increase attention within the game, but the out-of-game benefits will typically depend on each individual and how long they actually play. Evidence does show that consistent high-focus gaming can result in better performance in tasks requiring speedy attention switching, such as driving. But, caution must be exercised here as not all games are beneficial In fact, passive gaming, or playing for hours on end can end up being more harmful as it can disrupt sleep and even cause screen fatigue.
Training for focus… but not too much
For anyone looking to turn a game session into a brain workout, then there are a few tips. Sessions should be limited to just 10–15 minutes, thus avoiding mental fatigue. They can be used as a warm-up to subsequent study or work, quickly shifting the brain into an alert state. Games should be switched up, to ensure different challenges for response times are trained. As such, while they may seem mindless, speed games can, surprisingly, offer a mental workout.
