Research Finds Games Beneficial for Kids

The Institute of Education at London University released a report – three years in the making – that found game simulations and game development can be beneficial to children when taught in a school environment.

The university also launched a program to create practical applications around the research.

The aim of this project is to develop a pre-competitive prototype software environment for the authoring of computer games by young people, and research its design, uses and benefits.

For what it's worth, my friend just found out that his oldest child – a first grader – reads on a third grade level, helped in no small part I would imagine by his fascination with Nintendo GameCube games such as Animal Crossing, which require fundamental reading skills.

The new report is obviously being touted by the game industry as more evidence that games aren't the malignant tumor on the brain of society which turns innocent kids into violent teens.

"This report is further evidence, if it were needed, about the excellence and imagination that thrives in gaming," Roger Bennett, director general of Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, said in a written release. "They have much to offer to the education of our children and they have much to offer as a career."