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Orlando & The Freakshow

Study Shows Video Games Improve Mental Health

Author Richie Ortiz
Gamers playing in one room.

When I was a kid, my parents constantly told me about the “negative effects” of video games. I’m sure I’m not the only one that has heard it either. That game is going to ruin your sight. You’re going to mess up the TV. Playing video games is bad for your health. Well, I’m happy to inform everyone that we were lied to! I’m not sure about the sight and TV, but science has proven games do affect your health. However, not in the way you think. A new study shows video games actually improve mental health.

How Video Games Benefit Mental Health

The study was done by Dr. Hiroyuki Egami, an Assistant Professor at Nihon University. While everyone was couped up in their homes, Dr. Egami and a research team capitalized on a unique situation during the pandemic. Since popular gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 were scarce in Japan, leading retailers had to use lotteries to decide who could buy these in-demand devices. This allowed researchers to compare the mental health of lottery winners who obtained new consoles to those who didn’t.

The study analyzed survey data from nearly 100,000 Japanese participants ranging from ages 10 to 69, collected between December 2020 and March 2022. Of these participants, just over 8000 had entered console lotteries. The data showed those who won and obtained a new gaming console showed significant improvements in mental health compared to those who didn’t. More notably, the study found that increased gaming time was linked to better mental health outcomes, though the benefits plateaued for those gaming more than three hours daily. Researchers propose that gaming’s positive effects could stem from providing a sense of achievement, fostering social connections, and offering an engaging form of escapism during challenging times.

So the next time your parents want to lecture you about how bad video games are, let them know about this study. If you don’t have that kind of time, just let them know how video games offer stress relief and mood management for many players. The next time your girlfriend gets mad when she hears that beep turning the game on, inform her that gaming is essential for finding the right balance and improving your overall well-being. After all, science did prove it.

To read more about the study, go to StudyFinds.org or Nature Human Behaviour.

Rich grew up in the Bronx, NY but moved to Tampa in 2006 to attend the University of Tampa. Even though he completed 4 years at the University for Sports Management, Ortiz realized his true passion for radio after taking a couple of classes to fulfill his communications minor and volunteering at UT's WUTT radio station as a sports director. Rich also worked at several clubs in Tampa as a host/promoter where he would meet and work alongside Davy Rolando, who would be the one who would help him get a job at WiLD 94.1. From there, Rich worked his way up from Promotions assistant to promotions coordinator, to eventually full-time on-air. Rich loves to write about his favorite Tampa food spots, concert reviews, and the WiLDest Florida man/woman stories.

7 Arcade Bars In Tampa Bay That Will Make You Feel Like A Kid

Why go out to a brewery just to sip and stare at your phone? Arcade bars are the newest business trend that’s invading Tampa Bay. It is exactly what it sounds like, they combine the love for alcohol and classic arcade games that makes you so nostalgic. These bars aren’t filled with just your classic dive bar games like pool or darts, they bring in classic arcade games like Pacman, Donkey Kong, and Mangala. Save your quarters and get ready to jump back in time and feel like a kid again, but with beer!

Spice it up by visiting any of these arcade bars on our list to maximize your night out! These spots are located all around the Tampa Bay area! So it doesn’t matter what side of the bridge you’re on, there’s classic fun to be had everywhere. Grab your quarters and get playing. Many places on our list have themed nights and discounted playing hours, so check their social media or website to see if they’re rockin’ any awesome deals. What are some of your favorite classic arcade games? We personally rock Pacman and some bubble hockey!

Here are 7 arcade bars in the Tampa Bay area that will make you feel like a kid

  • Lowry Parcade

    Located in Seminole Heights by ZooTampa is one of Tampa’s best hidden gems. Lowry Parcade seems to be the first of it’s kind in the bay area and lit the success for other similar business to appear. Monday’s is the day to go, they have unlimited credits on arcade and pinball with just a $5 cover.

  • The Potion Portal

    This hidden gem in St. Pete is a fun hub with all types of games and craft beers. Follow them on Instagram to see whenever they’re doing a Free Play Friday!

     

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    A post shared by The Potion Portal (@thepotionportal)

  • Gen X

    Ok, Gen X isn’t technically labeled an “arcade bar,” but we think it counts! They have some classic arcade games like skee-ball and Pacman, they also have a Lightning edition of bubble hockey and plenty of 80’s and 90’s board games to play all night

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    A post shared by GenX Tavern (@genxtampa)

  • Right Around The Corner

    You might have seen Right Around The Corner if you frequent Central Ave a lot. This arcade and brewery has been in St. Pete since 2016, they pride themselves on picking the best brews from around the world. BONUS: If you leave a review on Yelp, they give you 10% off your check

  • Parks And Rec (St. Pete)

    Parks and Rec is definitely for the Millennial crowd, but it’s still a fun spot regardless. Not only do they have the walls lined up with arcade games, but they have giant bucket beer pong outside. Not our typical beer pong, this version is played with trash cans and soccer balls instead of ping pong balls. The Tampa location recently closed its doors, so all we have left is the St. Pete location.

     

     

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    A post shared by Park & Rec (@parkrecdtsp)

  • Reboot

    Reboot in Dunedin has it all. Racing games, pinball galore and even bubble hockey! Reboot is Dunedin’s very first virtual reality arcade bar and Tampa Bay’s only bar exclusively devoted to modern console gaming. They have a U-shaped bar lined with TV’s and multiple gaming consoles to choose from.

     

     

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    A post shared by Reboot Arcade & Bar (@rebootdunedin)

  • GameTime

    This spot is great for the whole family. With a full kitchen and so many games to choose from there’s endless options for fun! They have over 60’s TV’s which makes it a great spot for football Sunday’s.

     

     

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    A post shared by GameTime (@gametime_fl)

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Author Richie Ortiz
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