Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a double-edged sword in the world of video games. On one hand, the fast-paced, stimulating nature of many games can be incredibly captivating for ADHD brains. On the other hand, some game types can exacerbate focus issues and lead to unhealthy gaming habits.
So, how does an ADHD gamer navigate this pixelated landscape? Let’s dive into the different types of video games and their potential impact on ADHD learners, exploring both the positives and negatives, and ultimately suggesting some good and not-so-good matches.
Keep in mind that the information provided may not resonate with every adult with ADHD. Our experiences and preferences differ, so you might have different opinions on the mentioned games. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
1. Strategic Games:
Positives:
- Challenge and planning: Strategic games like Civilization or StarCraft require meticulous planning, resource management, and critical thinking, skills that can translate well to other areas of life for ADHD learners.
- Problem-solving: Figuring out how to outsmart your opponent or overcome obstacles can be incredibly rewarding and boost cognitive flexibility.
- Long-term engagement: The extended playtime and intricate storylines of many strategy games can keep ADHD minds focused for hours.
Negatives:
- Frustration and rage quits: Losing a hard-fought battle or a poorly timed strategic blunder can be incredibly frustrating for players with ADHD, leading to impulsive rage quits.
- Time sinks: The addictive nature of strategizing and optimizing can lead to neglecting other responsibilities.
- Competitive pressure: Multiplayer strategy games can be highly competitive, potentially exacerbating anxiety and pressure for ADHD players.
Examples of good strategic games for ADHD:
Turn-based strategy like Into the Breach or Slay the Spire, puzzle-based strategy like Portal or Braid.
Examples of strategic games to avoid:
Highly competitive real-time strategy games like League of Legends.
2. Role-Playing Games (RPGs):
Positives:
- Immersion and escapism: Richly detailed worlds and engaging storylines can provide a welcome escape from everyday challenges for ADHD minds.
- Exploration and discovery: Uncovering hidden areas, completing side quests, and customizing your character can be incredibly rewarding and encourage curiosity.
- Social interaction: Online RPGs offer opportunities to connect and collaborate with other players, fostering valuable social skills.
Negatives:
- Grinding and repetitive tasks: Some RPGs involve repetitive tasks like farming for experience points or grinding for loot, which can be tedious and unappealing for ADHD players.
- Time commitment: Open-world RPGs can be massive and time-consuming, potentially interfering with other responsibilities.
- Decision fatigue: The constant stream of choices and consequences can be overwhelming for players with ADHD, leading to decision fatigue and frustration.
Examples of good RPGs for ADHD:
Story-driven single-player RPGs like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or Disco Elysium, action RPGs with fast-paced gameplay like Hades or Diablo III.
Examples of RPGs to avoid: Open-world RPGs with excessive grinding or repetitive tasks like Skyrim or Fallout 4.
3. First-Person Shooters (FPS):
Positives:
- Action and excitement: The fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action of FPS games can be immensely stimulating for ADHD minds.
- Quick decision-making: Reacting quickly and strategizing on the fly can be a fun challenge and improve cognitive agility.
- Social interaction: Multiplayer FPS games offer intense competitive experiences and opportunities to connect with other players.
Negatives:
- Overstimulation and anxiety: The constant action and sensory overload of some FPS games can be overwhelming for players with ADHD, leading to anxiety or hyperactivity.
- Negative social interactions: The competitive nature of multiplayer FPS games can breed toxicity and negativity, leading to frustration and unhealthy online behavior.
- Addiction and impulsivity: The quick dopamine hits from winning matches and the “just one more game” mentality can be particularly addictive for players with ADHD.
Examples of good FPS games for ADHD:
Story-driven single-player FPS games like Titanfall 2 or Wolfenstein: The New Order, cooperative FPS games like Overwatch or Left 4 Dead 2.
Examples of FPS games to avoid:
Highly competitive multiplayer FPS games like Call of Duty or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Remember: This is just a general guide, and every ADHD learner is unique. The best way to find the perfect games is to experiment and see what works for you. Pay attention to how different games make you feel, and prioritize games that offer enjoyment, challenge, and a sense of accomplishment without triggering negative symptoms.
Happy gaming! And remember, take breaks, stay hydrated,
