Exploring the Impact of Gaming on the Brain
Research into the effects of gaming on the brain has historically been divided into two main areas: the potential for fostering aggression and the cognitive benefits it may offer. The aggressive aspect has become less prominent as over ten years of scientific studies have not established a direct link between video games and real-world violence. On the other hand, the benefits of gaming are becoming more recognized. Engaging in complex tasks that require both cognitive and manual skills can be advantageous for mental health, aiding in emotional stability and stress reduction.
However, I find myself fascinated by the concept of the “gamer brain,” which is the natural inclination towards seemingly trivial accomplishments. While the desire to complete a game or master its story can be understood as normal motivational factors, the gamer brain is more elusive. This phenomenon includes repeatedly playing a minor game to beat your high score, exploring hidden corners of a game world, or persisting with a game just to unlock an achievement or defeat a tough boss without lowering the difficulty. This stubbornness or tenacity defines the gamer brain.
It’s unclear whether video games create this stubbornness or if they attract individuals who already possess these traits. However, it’s apparent that many avid gamers exhibit this behavior. It represents a refusal to quit, pushing the boundaries of what a game allows. Extreme examples include mastering incredibly fast tracks in Guitar Hero or participating in events like Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ), where gamers undertake bizarre gaming challenges like playing The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask blindfolded.
The recent AGDQ event and my experience with the game Baby Steps have led me to ponder why we are drawn to these peculiar gaming behaviors. Baby Steps both embraces and mocks the gamer brain through its protagonist, Nate, who is portrayed as a classic gamer unwilling to seek help.
When I spoke with creators Gabe Cuzillo and Bennett Foddy last November, they highlighted how Baby Steps is designed to provoke the player into attempting absurd challenges. For instance, the game teases players with seemingly pointless risks, like climbing a tower despite warnings of nothing being at the top—only to confirm the warning was accurate. This interaction between the game’s design and the player’s impulses creates a shared joke, highlighting the allure of unnecessary difficulty.
One of the most striking moments in Baby Steps occurs when you find glasses that reveal invisible steps leading to an unseen trophy. This scenario, where the protagonist gleefully celebrates an invisible achievement, mirrors how players see themselves in these futile yet satisfying endeavors.
Cuzillo, who voices Nate, believes that the game’s design prompts players to reflect on their motivations and the nature of the rewards in gaming. It questions the player’s identity and values based on their choices within the game.
Though often seen as a predominantly masculine trait, gamer brain is not exclusive to men. Foddy discusses how this behavior might be perceived as toxically masculine within gaming culture, questioning whether persistence is commendable or merely stubborn foolishness.
Baby Steps resonates particularly with those who exhibit traits of the gamer brain, as its humor and challenges are best appreciated by those familiar with the drive to pursue seemingly pointless goals. Yet these endeavors are not truly pointless if they hold personal significance.
Game Recommendations
Last night, I began playing Sword of the Sea, which immediately reminded me of Journey due to its artistic style and gameplay simplicity. Nearly 15 years after Journey’s release, it’s refreshing to find a game that captures its essence, allowing players to glide through desert landscapes and interact minimally while transforming the environment. Despite its brevity and simplicity, it offers a soothing and fulfilling experience, perfect for a relaxing January.
Available on: PS5, PC
Estimated playtime: 2-3 hours
Suggested Reads
- I recently discussed how playing Hollow Knight: Silksong has intertwined with my experiences of chronic pain, giving me a profound connection with the game during a reflective period of my life.
- Lego’s unveiling of its Pokémon series, with its high price tag and mixed reception to the designs, raises questions about the market for expensive collectibles in today’s economic climate.
- Former employees of Rockstar Games, dismissed in what has been claimed as a union-busting move, are now challenging the company legally, supported by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain. A recent decision in Glasgow has denied them interim financial relief during the ongoing case.
Top Gaming Clicks
- Explore the 15 best games for the Xbox Series S/X to play in 2026.
- Discover the top 15 Nintendo Switch 2 games for 2026.
- Revisit the politically charged narrative of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles in its remastered version.
- Take a behind-the-scenes look at Punchdrunk’s new ‘live action video game’ Lander 23 through an exclusive photo feature.
Question Block
Games correspondent Keith Stuart responds to a reader’s query about diversifying their gaming experiences:
David asks how to discover more experimental indie games after deciding to reduce his time on mainstream titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Battlefield.
Congratulations on broadening your gaming horizons! While mainstream games are great, exploring unique indie games can be rewarding. For starters, Itch.io offers a well-curated selection of indie games. Steam’s annual indie festivals and various indie game awards like IndieCade also highlight standout titles. Review sites dedicated to indie games, such as Indie Game Reviewer and Buried Treasure, are useful resources. Additionally, Bluesky provides access to indie communities and developer networks, helping you discover new and intriguing games.
If you have a question or comment for Question Block or anything related to the newsletter, feel free to respond via email.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
