BBC reports that a study in Scotland using school children has proven that Brain Age for the Nintendo DS actually works.
A group of pupils played the game, which included reading tests, problem-solving exercises and memory puzzles, for 20 minutes at the start of their class for nine weeks. A control group continued their lessons in a more traditional manner.
The pupils were tested at the beginning and then the end of the study.
Researchers found that while all groups had improved their scores, the group using the game had improved by a further 50%.
The time taken to complete the tests also dropped by five minutes, from 18.5 minutes to 13.5 minutes. The improvement in the games group was double that of the control group.
The thing that astounds me is that reports like this are actually seen as news. When a game is marketing itself as a brain booster, I sure as hell hope that it actually helps boost your brain. Anything less could only be seen as total fraud.
On a more positive note, I am glad to see that gaming is getting a bit more of a good reputation out in the world and that little handheld games like this do actually offer a fun means for children to boost their learning abilities.
Good job, I say.
Last Updated: September 26, 2008
spl0it
September 26, 2008 at 13:31
There is an argument against this type of thing. My sister and Mother both teacher have the opinion that too have your kids learn more advanced maths and problems solving skills ahead of kids in their age/peer group, leads to them being bored in class and not concentrating.
Fudzy
September 26, 2008 at 13:35
How does this game compare to that brain game on the XBLA?