Video games that foster creative freedom can increase creativity under certain conditions, according to new research. The experimental study compared the effect of playing Minecraft, with or without instruction, to watching a TV show or playing a race car video game. Those given the freedom to play Minecraft without instruction were most creative. Video games…

A new study suggests that a number of practices in video games, such as token wagering, real-money gaming, and social casino spending, are significantly linked to problem gambling. Building on previous research by the same author, which exposed a link between problem gambling and video game loot boxes, the new study suggests that a number…

A recent six-year study, the longest study ever done on video game addiction, found that about 90% of gamers do not play in a way that is harmful or causes negative long-term consequences. A significant minority, though, can become truly addicted to video games and as a result can suffer mentally, socially and behaviorally. A…

A new article shows people perform better in VR exercise games when they compete against a realistic avatar of themselves. «Idealised avatars increase wishful identification but seem to impact physical performance negatively,» said Dr Christof Lutteroth, who led the research from the University’s Department of Computer Science. The Bath study explores the effects of two…

A storyline with emotionally evocative details can reduce virtual reality cybersickness for some people, according to a new study. Researchers found that storylines that provide context and details can help users feel immersed in VR experiences and can reduce feelings of nausea, disorientation and eye strain, depending on a user’s gaming experience. Researchers from the…

Geographers are stepping into the virtual world of computer games to develop exciting new ways of assessing landscapes. Researchers have spent years analyzing geographical landscapes and determining what features people from different countries find most appealing. In a bid to engage younger audiences the team created a series of videos depicting dynamic fly-throughs of virtual…

Using a virtual reality simulation to show how flu spreads and its impact on others could be a way to encourage more people to get a flu vaccination, according to a new study. «When it comes to health issues, including flu, virtual reality holds promise because it can help people see the possible effects of…

Boys who regularly play video games at age 11 are less likely to develop depressive symptoms three years later, finds a new study. The study, published in Psychological Medicine, also found that girls who spend more time on social media appear to develop more depressive symptoms. Taken together, the findings demonstrate how different types of…

Since the 2019/20 season, controversial referee calls in the English Premier League may be technically reviewed and, if deemed necessary, corrected. Using a Twitter analysis of 129 games in the English Premier League, a research team has now determined how decisions made by video referees affect the mood of the fans. For its 2019/20 season,…

A new study of more than 1,200 individuals found that time spent with digital technology during adolescence has little impact on long-term use, suggesting that worries about widespread tech addiction may be overblown. Parental limits on youth tech use had no lasting impact on use in adulthood. Kids growing up in the mobile internet era…