Puzzle Games and How They Benefit Your Brain

Byron_Clarke

Puzzle games are rewarding for gamers, as they can be both challenging and satisfying to play. Many gamers enjoy the feeling of triumph that comes with solving a complex puzzle. As an added benefit, this genre of gaming also aids in brain development and training. So, if you're looking for something that will make you think, then a puzzle game may be the perfect choice for you.

What is a puzzle video game? 

The puzzle game genre is a game type that focuses on puzzle solving while challenging the player to think critically. These games often require the player to use logic and problem-solving skills to complete tasks or progress through levels. Puzzle games test pattern recognition and are based on visual perception, wordplay, or a combination. 

Although puzzle games such as Bejeweled and Portal can certainly stand on their own, puzzle elements are also found across a variety of genres, including action, adventure, role-playing, and strategy games. These games use puzzles for added variety and challenges for players. Some well-known franchises that rely on puzzles include The Legend of Zelda and Myst.

The history and evolution of puzzle games

Puzzle games aren't new. From simple games that tease the mind to more advanced mathematically driven challenges, these games have always been popular throughout history. However, with the advancement of computing technology, these games made a shift and started to be played electronically.  

Puzzle games as we know them have been around since the early 1980s, with early titles such as Space Panic and Blockbuster. As the decade rolled on, the genre saw a spike in interest when massive hits such as Tetris and Minesweeper were introduced. These games popularized the genre and brought them to a wider audience. Although primitive compared to today's games, they opened up a whole new world for puzzle enthusiasts.

Puzzle games continued to evolve over the years, with new mechanics and gameplay elements being introduced to each new generation. The 1990s saw a big change in the genre, as games such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Myst included puzzle elements in other game styles. These game mechanics allowed for more open-ended and exploration-focused gameplay, which is still popular today.

The 2000s brought us classics such as Portal, which took the genre in a new direction by incorporating elements similar to those found in first-person shooters. This game proved that puzzle-focused games could be more than just mental challenges, but also engaging and exciting experiences. In recent years, the genre has seen a bit of a resurgence with titles such as Monument Valley, The Room VR: A Dark Matter, and Portal: Companion Collection. These games have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with puzzle games and have shown that the genre is still relevant and evolving. 

How puzzle games help brain development and training

Puzzle games are a great way to reduce stress and relax. They are also a great way to give your brain a workout. They help keep your brain healthy and active while improving problem-solving skills and memory. Likewise, they help sharpen the mind in the same way games such as Sudoku and crosswords do, while providing a stimulating and challenging environment. Specifically, there are a few areas of development in which puzzle games shine. 

• Pattern recognition: As a key cognitive skill that helps players make sense of the world, games help train the ability to identify patterns. This is important for solving puzzles because it allows players to see relationships between pieces of information that they otherwise may not be able to see.  
• Sequence solving: As the ability to solve puzzles by identifying the correct order of steps, sequence solving is an important skill for many real-world tasks, such as cooking or assembling furniture. It is important for puzzle games because it is necessary to figure out the correct order of steps needed to solve the puzzle. 
• Logic: Puzzle games require a player to make sense of reason abstractly. This is a key cognitive skill that helps solve problems and make decisions. It is important for puzzle games because it allows players to see relationships between pieces of information that they otherwise would not be able to see. 
• Spatial recognition: Identifying spatial relationships between objects is essential in puzzle games and life, as it allows players to see the relationships between pieces of information. 
• Memory: To solve puzzles, players need to be able to remember which pieces go where. Training the ability to remember information is as important for daily tasks as it is to complete a game. 
• Word completion: An important skill as it allows players to understand the correct order of steps needed to solve a puzzle. As the ability to complete words by filling in missing letters, it is a key skill for many real-world tasks, such as reading and writing.  

15 puzzle games you need to try

Although there are hundreds if not more puzzle games out there, there are a few that are worth a try. While games like Tetris have aged well, players generally are looking for a little more. These games have a little bit of everything. 

• Portal 
• Portal 2 
• The Witness 
• She Remembered Caterpillars 
• Monument Valley 
• The Talos Principle 
• Opus Magnum 
• Gorogoa 
• Fez 
• The House Of Da Vinci 
• Baba is You 
• Human: Fall Flat 
• Besiege 
• The Turing Test 
• Myst 2021 

What is the future of puzzle games?

With the ever-growing popularity of video games, it's no surprise that the genre of puzzle games is also on the rise. But what does the future hold for these types of games?

One trend that is already starting to emerge is the use of VR (virtual reality) technology. VR allows players to immerse themselves in the game and even use their hands to move pieces. This provides a unique and challenging gaming experience, especially for puzzle games.

Another area that is starting to gain traction is the use of AI (artificial intelligence). AI can be used to create more realistic and challenging gameplay, as well as to generate new puzzles for players to solve.

Mobile games are also becoming increasingly popular. Puzzle games are great on the go, and they will likely continue to be developed for this platform. There is also a trend towards free-to-play games, which allow players to download and play the game without having to pay any upfront fees, further increasing the reach of the genre.

We can only imagine what other innovations will come about in the years to come with further advances in VR, AI, the rise of augmented reality, and the metaverse. The one thing we can count on, however, is that people will continue to demand both physical and electronic puzzle games, and the puzzle game genre is here to stay.

*The opinions reflected in this article are the sole opinions of the author and do not reflect any official positions or claims by Acer Inc.

 About Byron Clarke: Byron is a contributing writer for Acer Corner. As a freelance copy and content writer, he writes about business, technology, and gaming. He is passionate about reading, writing, and teaching. Most days, he spends his time helping marketing teams find creative ways to reach audiences and small businesses find strategic advantages.