Shooters good for your eyesight!

[Hugo Artenis Rune]

Well, that's what these guys are saying anyway:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16857-shoot-em-up-video-games-are-good-for-your-eyesight.html

I can't really comment if this is true or not - except that I'm 33 years old, got my first computer (48K Spectrum!) when I was, ooh, 8? And have been playing games ever since. I'm also a programmer so spend about 10 hours a day staring at screens - and yet my eyesight is 20-20 (according to a recent eye test).

We all know that games make you sexy and clever - but do they actually help *you* - yes, you, see in the dark?

 

[Berithil]

That's intersting. YAY! a new excuse to play first person shooters (my mom does not like those games)

 

[EeveeElectro]

I think it depends on the person.
I've been playing shooters for years and have 20/20 vision, yet my boyfriend needs glasses.

 

[SmilingKitsune]

I have heard that certain games can improve reaction time among other things.

 

[AdjectiveAnimal]

Wow, and I have terrible vision.
EDIT:

Games have never hurt my vision, though my eyesights crap anyway thanks to my genetics, still once I hit 21 its lasers away

Same here.

 

[Zykon TheLich]

So FPS's are training a a generation of merciless killers and arming them with exceptional eyesight so they can gun down their victims with improved accuracy? We are doomed.

 

[Lord George]

Games have never hurt my vision, though my eyesights crap anyway thanks to my genetics, still once I hit 21 its lasers away

 

[Hugo Artenis Rune]

Dunno why, but games seem to have made me more observant. I reckon it's 'cos I'm looking for gold!

And have you found any?

 

[Fenring]

Well it does help me notice small things I normally wouldn't see, sadly it doesn't help me when I'm looking for specific Legos.

 

[HazukiHawkins]

My eyesight isn't great, but my night vision is actually pretty good, I think.

 

[Hugo Artenis Rune]

Well it does help me notice small things I normally wouldn't see, sadly it doesn't help me when I'm looking for specific Legos.

Yes - I'd agree with that. I'm rubbish at finding legos too.

Also: I've never ONCE found a crate containing ammunition, anywhere. Ditto little medical packs that magically restore me to pre-hangover condition. Hmmmm, maybe that article in new scientist is crap.

 

[Aqualung]

I think this is true, video games have made me more observant. I can scan a room in a matter of seconds to find what I'm looking for (which is good considering how messy my room is.)

 

[FinalGamer]

Thank you New Scientist! I used to read these a lot when younger and arrogant.

 

[wewontdie11]

Nah not me. I've played games since the SNES and I'm as perceptive as Helen Keller.

 

[Pericol]

intresting read, too bad they didnt explain why shooters improve eyesight.

 

[terminator320]

I've played quite a few shooters but I have bad eyesight although that is probobly genetics so maybe if I didn't play shooters my sight would be even worse.

 

[Tonimata]

Guess everyone will be playing FPS now. So many more noobs to HEADSHOT!

 

[Space Spoons]

I dunno. Seems like the kind of thing you could file under the same category as "RPG's improve math scores", "action adventure/puzzle games improve problem solving" and "racing games improve driver awareness".