There are people who are very dismissive of games and gamers.

It's a bit counter-intuitive to think about the future in terms of the past. But...I've learned an important trick: to develop foresight, you need to practice hindsight. Technologies, cultures, and climates may change, but our basic human needs and desires - to survive, to care for our families, and to lead happy, purposeful lives - remain the same.' p 5

Scientists have demonstrated that dramatic, positive changes can occur in our lives as a direct result of facing an extreme challenge - whether it's coping with a serious illness, daring to quit smoking, or dealing with depression. Researchers call this 'post-traumatic growth.'

Over time, the games we play can change how we think and what we're capable of. And it's easy to maximize the benefits so the changes are positive.

When we play games, our brains respond differently to stress and obstacles. We're better able to control our attention and ignore distractions.

Game developers know that people have more fun when they're in large groups. They feel more fired up when the challenges are more epic.

We can boost our immune systems by strengthening our social networks and decreasing stress.