- Experienced players of the video game Counter-Strike have better decision-making skills, research from the University of Sheffield has found
- New study observed longtime, highly skilled players are quicker to make correct decisions and take action
- Research is the first to examine the cognitive impact of gaming from novices through to professional esport players and challenges outdated misconceptions of a hobby enjoyed by more than 3 billion people globally
- Findings could be useful outside of gaming - e.g. to support cognitive care and development in people who work in high pressure environments, such as doctors, nurses, air traffic controllers and financial traders, where fast, accurate decision-making is critical
One of the world's most popular first-person shooter games - Counter-Strike - could help to improve people's cognitive abilities, according to research from the University of Sheffield.
The study, by scientists in the University's School of Psychology, has found that experienced, highly skilled players of the game - which was first released 25 years ago - are faster at decision-making and executing a response. These veterans of the game were also found to be faster at choosing the correct course of action.
The study is the first to look at the impact that video games have on the cognitive abilities of gamers, ranging from complete novices to professional esports players. The scientists partnered with professional esports organisation Endpoint to help examine the impact that games have on highly skilled players.
