Playing games is good for you - w00t!

A recent report by the Home Office in the UK has revealed something that I am sure we've all been aware of for some time - computer games make you smarter. Yes, it's true, statistically if you've playing games for five years there's a high chance

A recent report by the Home Office in the UK has revealed something that I am sure we've all been aware of for some time - computer games make you smarter. Yes, it's true, statistically if you've playing games for five years there's a high chance that you are smarter, have better qualifications, and are enjoying a better job than those less game-inclined. Take that all you no-good Gym teachers!

The research review, which looks at over 20 comprehensive surveys and tests, also finds that while games do lead to short term increases in aggression levels, those increases are in line with those that people get from watching or playing sport.

Some other interesting findings from the review include the fact that, in Britain at least, the average gamer is 28 years old, and 40 per cent of console gamers are under 18. Two thirds of children polled prefer multiplayer games to single-player titles, another interesting figure that points to games as a positive influence.

Interestingly, the UK report came out a day after newly appointed US Attorney General, John Ashcroft, denounced computer games for contributing to an 'ethic of violence'. Someone's got to be wrong, and I think I know who.