Can Video Games Support Mental Health

Video games are often seen as a form of entertainment, but new research suggests they could offer much more. Robert Redman, Assistant Professor at the University of Bradford and a former video game developer, believes video games have significant untapped potential. His work explores how games could help with learning, support mental health, and even be used for professional training.

Can Video Games Support Mental Health

Exploring the Digital-Physical Crossover

As part of his PhD research - "Experience Transference: Crossing the digital and physical experience boundary" - Redman conducted a pilot study with members of the University of Bradford’s archery society. The results showed that people who played archery video games before trying the real thing performed better than those who didn’t. Those who practiced archery in real life first also showed slight improvements when they switched to the video game.

Even experienced archers did better in the video game after real-world practice. Redman calls this effect the "digital-physical crossover" and suggests it’s evidence that skills developed in games can carry over into real-world activities.

Can Video Games Support Mental Health

Games and Brain Adaptability

Redman is a strong supporter of gamification - the use of game elements in non-game situations - especially in areas like education and professional development. He believes video games can play a role in improving brain plasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt and learn new things.

“All games involve learning,” Redman explains. “Whether it’s a card game, a board game, or a video game, you have to figure out how it works. That process engages your brain and helps you develop the ability to learn.”

According to Redman, this ability can be applied in classrooms, workplaces, and even in managing cognitive decline as people age. He also believes these skills could help train future CEOs, who need to think strategically, adapt quickly, and manage complex tasks.

Can Video Games Support Mental Health

Motivation, Focus, and Escapism

Redman says video games are engaging because they balance effort and reward. This balance helps players stay focused and feel a sense of achievement when they succeed. He compares it to the satisfaction a child feels when they earn a gold star from a teacher.

“There’s a lot of value in the way games keep us engaged,” he says. “We see it in other areas too - when someone reads a book or watches a movie, they’re immersing themselves in something and stepping out of reality for a while. Video games offer the same kind of experience, with the added benefit of interaction.”

Redman also points out that this sense of immersion helps players develop focus and concentration. These are valuable skills that can transfer to tasks in school, work, and daily life.

Can Video Games Support Mental Health

Thinking Beyond the Game

While Redman’s research focuses on practical uses for video games, he also touches on deeper ideas about reality and digital experience. He reflects on the possibility that reality itself could be a simulation - a thought experiment that highlights how deeply digital technology is becoming a part of human understanding.

“We might never know the full truth about our existence,” he says. “But digital environments like video games are already shaping how we think, learn, and interact with the world.”

Final Thoughts

Robert Redman’s research at the University of Bradford adds to a growing body of work showing the broader benefits of video games. From improving mental health and brain function to helping people learn and train for complex roles, games may have a valuable place in education, healthcare, and professional development. As understanding of these tools continues to evolve, their impact could reach well beyond the screen.