In our digital age, there is nothing more gratifying than real-world interaction with real people and objects. Sometimes, or often, we need an escape from reality. Even as adults, we seek time to play, to take time off from work, and to engage in a relaxing activity. For those of us who are gamers but want to spend time doing something productive, we now have VR games like Farming Simulator for instance.
This phenomenal virtual reality game, which is now out on Quest, brings together the worlds of reality and gaming for people who want to feel like they are working on something and being productive – even while relaxing. Players can farm, breed livestock, grow crops, and sell assets created from farming.
The game, according to UploadVR, also involves “using virtual recreations of machinery from official agricultural manufacturers like Case IH, CLAAS, Fendt, John Deere, which require regular maintenance, repairs, and even power washing.”
In other words, users aren’t just tasked with farming; the VR experience allows users to care for the equipment as well, such as washing off dirt and grime – a quite routine task for anyone who has ever worked on a farm.
And there are positive and negative psychological aspects to playing such games, depending on the user.
With three billion gamers worldwide, many people ask, “Is gaming a waste of my time?”
Of course, there are many viewpoints and opinions on gaming as adults. Many experts believe gaming could potentially be harmful for several reasons. People become addicted, gaming can be stressful if it’s competitive, some gamers neglect their physical and mental health, relationships can suffer, and some gamers even become hostile because of toxic online communities.
Is gaming a waste of time? For those suffering from the above symptoms, it would seem so.
But there is something to be said about adults who play healthy, productive games like Farming Simulator. Research shows that productive
video games, such as simulation, strategy, and management games, encourage complex decision-making and problem-solving.
Productive games are known to boost creativity and decision-making. They can also help reduce stress and enhance emotional resilience. As we can see, not all video games are created equal, and excessive or unhealthy gaming will likely have downsides.
However, when chosen wisely and played responsibly, productive video games are powerful tools for mental stimulation, skill-building, and emotional well-being.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Existing literature on gaming has been inconsistent and has often focused on aggression.
However, over the last five to ten years, increasing attention has been given to the possibility of games improving health and well-being.”
There are other excellent VR games, of course, besides Farming Simulator, and users looking for productive and healthy fun should explore which game works for them. Ultimately, gaming can help people relax and boost mental health as long as it does not have adverse side effects or become an unhealthy addiction.
The next time someone dismisses video games as a waste of time, remind them that the right games can train the mind, boost productivity, and even improve mental health—all while being incredibly fun.
