We Analyze The Best Games For Analytical Thinkers

As a gamer, you’ve probably had to deal with a fair few people telling you that sitting in front of a screen all day will rot your brain. But, what if we told you studies are starting to suggest that the exact opposite is true?

Admittedly, you’ll still want to take a few breaks away from the screen for the sake of your eyesight if nothing else. However, the most recent studies suggest that gaming could have significant cognitive benefits, including helping to develop analytical skills like problem-solving and multitasking.

These are many of the same skills that you’d develop from a practice like reading, meaning that, in a wild turn of events, you’re basically doing as much good for your brain as a bookworm! Even better, with most games requiring at least some level of problem-solving, you can pretty much tap into these benefits whatever you’re playing. Even games like the Christmas blackjack on 247Blackjack can help you hone those thinking skills!

But, some video games are uniquely suited to analytical thinkers, and playing those is your best option for getting a free gaming pass from everyone in your life. Keep on reading to find out what they are!

# 1 – Civilization

Since its initial launch in 1991 (yes, really!) the Civilization franchise has been making our gaming hearts happy. In fact, there’s a strong argument that this is the best strategy franchise of all time. So, go figure, it’s a pretty good bet for honing those thinking skills.

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Built around the quest to develop a civilization that sees you conquering the world, Civilization is all about planning, and juggling all of the balls at any given time. Considering that you need to think about the internal workings of your society and your standing in the world at large, it also offers great lessons in diplomacy, responsibility, and all of that good brain food!

Even better, with the seventh iteration of Civilization announced at the start of this year, you’ll be able to enter a whole new lesson in Civilization pretty soon!

# 2 – Starcraft

Next, we’re off into space with Starcraft, a science-fiction real-time strategy game that’s been big in the gaming world since the late 90s. But why do we love Starcraft so much? Well, it may have something to do with the chance to play as an alien species looking to dominate all others.

BUT, when anyone asks, it’s also worth bearing in mind that Starcraft was specifically mentioned in those brain-benefits studies that we already mentioned. And guys, scientists love this stuff! The aforementioned study stated that the need for tactics, as well as the building and maintenance of your Starcraft units, could directly enhance ‘brain flexibility’. Which, according to the people in the know, is ‘a cornerstone of human intelligence’.

Consider us sold!

# 3 – Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

First-person shooters are also mentioned in that same study, due to both their need for hand-eye-coordination and their requirement for fast strategy development in high-stress situations. You could argue these benefits for most shooters, but we’re sticking with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Why? Well, do you really need to ask?

Since hitting our screen in 2020, this immersive shooter has sent millions of gamers right into the heart of Cold War espionage and military operations. The gameplay is fast, dynamic, and quite literally dictated by the split-second choices that you make throughout.

What’s more, with the sequel to this great game cited for release next year, there’s never been a better time to get stuck into this world and its brain benefits!

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# 4 – Cyberpunk 2077

From shooters to the open-world role-playing joys of Cyberpunk 2077. Didn’t we tell you that most games fit within the analytical umbrella? When you get down to it, this 2020 release is specifically suited to honing your thinking skills.

In an expansive world where you choose everything from how your character looks to your narrative, and even how you use your resources, players have to think on their feet with this one. Plus, when you’ve made each of those all-important choices, you’ll need to adapt fast to ensure that you keep things moving. All in all, that takes a lot of brain power and, you guessed it, a whole lot of analytical skill!

While it might take some reframing to prove to others that games are great for your brain, delving into analytical options like this could see your gaming time considered mentally sacred before you know it!