Gaming isn’t always considered to be the most productive hobby- however, there are more benefits to playing your console or PC that you might have actually realised. As well as improving hand eye coordination, reducing stress and improving concentration and focus (which gaming in general can provide), there are some particular benefits if driving and racing are your game genres of choice. Here are a few reasons why.
Makes you a better driver
According to Motor Authority, playing racing video games actually do make you a better driver. One of the most difficult things about driving in general is having to make snap decisions- and they have to be right. Get them wrong and you could end up putting yourself or others at risk- taking chances isn’t good but neither is hesitation. Playing driving games can help you to work on your decision making skills, of course, playing a game isn’t like driving for real but it enables you to put that area of your brain to work. Multiplayer games are particularly good for this as you’re forced to make snap decisions to beat your opponent. If you’re a new or not very confident driver, anything you can do elsewhere in your life that boosts your decision making skills could benefit you out on the roads. Although weekly sessions with an instructor builds basic driving skills, daily gaming can refine them.
Could teach you about vehicles and their advantages/ limitations
Developers of car racing games have increasingly offered a more immersive experience for players, one of which being the vehicles themselves. By using digital currency and getting to try out different models, as the player you come to understand what helps and what hinders you, and where to find a balance that suits you. This could help you in the real world to an extent when you’re understanding about and buying your own vehicle. Again, while it might not be directly comparable to driving cars in real life, it helps you to build up an understanding and some knowledge about how different vehicles can handle in different ways.
Saves you money
Of course, nothing is going to replace the thrill of being out on the track, putting the pedal to the metal and really feeling the rush that driving at high speeds can bring. However, it’s not always as easy as just booking a track day. You need a car that’s functioning and running well, you need tyres, fuel, possibly a trailer to take it to and from the track if it’s not road legal or likely to break down. These make it an incredibly expensive hobby and not something most people can afford to do every weekend. Playing a drifting game like Madalin Stunt Cars 2 gives you some of the feel of driving for real but it’s accessible and saves you on a whole lot of costs. It can be a good way to get your fix between track days!
