New study shows gaming can improve driving skills in real life

Research indicates that video games like Call of Duty and Mario Kart may actually improve skills useful for driving, going beyond simple entertainment.

I recently read about a really interesting study! Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University looked at a bunch of different studies – thirteen, actually – and found a link between gaming and how well people do when driving. Apparently, if you’re a gamer, especially if you play fast-paced games like action or racing titles, you tend to be better at tasks that relate to driving. It’s cool to see some evidence that all those hours gaming might actually be helping with real-world skills!

This covers abilities such as staying centered in your lane, spotting potential dangers, and staying focused even when stressed. Overall, data shows that people who play video games tended to do better than non-gamers on driving simulations, demonstrating a clear advantage in these test settings.

Gamers get a buff when it comes to driving

Video games aren’t just for experienced players! Research shows that even 8 to 10 hours of playing driving or action games can actually improve performance on tasks like simulator tests and real-world driving.

The reason is that games can actually train your brain. Fast-action games, such as Call of Duty and Battlefield, require players to react quickly, scan their surroundings, and handle multiple things at once. This builds up the same mental skills used for driving, like attention and making quick decisions.

Scientists believe this relates to the ability to apply skills learned in one area to new situations. But it’s important to note that being good at video games doesn’t automatically make someone a better or safer driver.

While most research has been done using simulations, it’s surprisingly possible that playing Mario Kart could actually improve your driving skills – beyond just being a fun way to compete with loved ones.

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2026-03-27 17:50