Opinion: Which is better – Sports or Video Games?

Have you ever played sports or video games? Many people, especially adults, think that video games are a waste of time and sports are better, but I have proof that shows otherwise. I think that video games are more beneficial than sports because video games can improve your mental capabilities, they don’t require much physical ability, and sports aren’t the only way to stay in shape or have a professional career.

The first reason why I believe video games are more beneficial than sports is because they can help your mental capabilities. Video games have the ability to improve certain parts and abilities of the brain. For example, playing video games has been shown to increase players’ ability to distinguish subtle differences in shades of gray, a phenomenon known as visual contrast sensitivity. According to an article by a student in Concordia University in 2017, “Playing video games has been found to enhance hand eye coordination, lengthen attention spans and improve both working memory and rapid-decision making.”

The next reason why I believe video games are more beneficial than sports is because they don’t require as much physical ability as sports. In video games, all you need to do is push some buttons and know how the game works. Sports on the other hand, require a lot of physical training and physical ability, which many people simply can’t or don’t want to do. An expert named, Dr. Marinka Lindholm, said that “There is a strong chance that an athlete will face a sport-ending injury or simply burn out.”

The last reason I believe video games are more beneficial than sports is because sports aren’t the only way to get fit or have a professional career. There are other ways to stay in shape such as exercise, going to the gym and go on a walk. If you like to play sports, there are sports video games. Many people think video games can’t be a career but there are tournaments such as Esports and the Evolution Championship that can win players from $1,000 to $50,000 as the winner of the tournaments. Jang ‘MC’ Ming Chul, a professional gamer, has made $452,926.25 from 78 tournaments by playing “StarCraft 2,” according to businessinsider.com.

In conclusion, video games can be better than sports. First, video games can improve a players’ mental capabilities. Second, video games don’t require as much physical ability as sports. Lastly, sports aren’t the only way to be fit or make money. If you haven’t tried video games or given them a chance, you should buy a gaming console, pick up a controller and start playing!