In today’s video gaming news, learn more about a study of over 2,000 children found that those who reported playing video games for at least three hours per day did better on tests of cognitive skills including impulse control and working memory than those who had never played video games. Meanwhile, Hellena Taylor, the former voice actor for Bayonetta, has renewed the argument about her departure from the game, confirming news claims that she was promised substantially more than the $4,000 she initially stated. Lastly, In a new video game, a Modern Warfare 2 player compares a level from the game’s single-player campaign to the real-world area on which it is based.
Video Games May Improve Children’s Cognition
Original Source: Video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children
A study of over 2,000 children indicated that those who played video games for three hours per day or more had stronger impulse control and working memory than those who had never played video games. Published today in JAMA Network Open, this study reviewed data from the ongoing Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which is financed by NIDA and other NIH entities.
This study adds to our understanding of video game and brain development, stated NIDA Director Nora Volkow, M.D. Several studies link video gaming to behavior and mental health issues. This study implies that this popular pastime may have cognitive benefits that warrant further study.
Several research have examined the link between video gaming and cognitive behavior, although the neurobiological underpinnings are unclear. Few neuroimaging studies have addressed this problem, and sample sizes were tiny, with less than 80 people.
To fill this research vacuum, University of Vermont, Burlington experts evaluated ABCD Study data from 9 and 10 year olds. The researchers analyzed survey, cognitive, and brain imaging data from 2,000 study participants. They divided the children into two groups: those who played no video games and those who played three hours per day or more. This level exceeds the American Academy of Pediatrics screen time standards, which limit videogame usage to one to two hours per day for older children. For each group, the researchers assessed the children’s abilities to regulate impulsive behavior and recall information, as well as their brain activity during the tasks.
Researchers found that youngsters who played video games three or more hours per day were faster and more accurate on both cognitive tasks than those who never played. The disparities in cognitive function were mirrored by changes in brain activity. Functional MRI brain imaging demonstrated that youngsters who played video games for three hours per day had increased brain activity in attention and memory regions than those who never played. Those that played at least three hours of videogames every day had increased brain activity in frontal brain regions linked with cognitively demanding tasks and less in vision-related brain regions.
Researchers believe that training impulse control and memory while playing videogames, which can be cognitively challenging, may lead to higher performance on related activities. The relatively low visual activity among youngsters who play video games may suggest that this part of the brain becomes more efficient at visual processing with repeated practice.
This study found no link between video gaming and depression, violence, or aggressive conduct, contrary to past research. Though children who played video games for three or more hours per day had higher mental health and behavioral concerns than those who didn’t, the researchers concluded this relationship wasn’t statistically significant, meaning they couldn’t say if it was a true association or chance. They highlight this will be a crucial measure to track as youngsters grow.
Further, the researchers note that this cross-sectional study does not allow for cause-and-effect studies and that children who are proficient at certain cognitive tasks may choose to play video games. The authors stress that their findings do not indicate children should spend limitless time on computers, phones, or TVs, and that the outcomes likely depend on the activities children engage in. They anticipate that the genre of video games, such as action-adventure, puzzle solving, sports, or shooting games, may have varied effects on neurocognitive development. However, the study did not test this degree of specificity.
“While we can’t say if playing video games consistently caused higher neurocognitive performance, it’s a promising discovery,” said Bader Chaarani, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont and the study’s lead author. Many parents are concerned about the impacts of video games on their children’s health and development. As these games continue to expand among young people, we must better understand both the positive and bad consequences they may have.
Through the ABCD Study, researchers may analyze the same children over time until early adulthood to investigate if video gaming affects cognitive ability, brain activity, behavior, and mental health. The longitudinal study design and comprehensive data set will help them account for other aspects in the children’s families and surroundings that may influence their cognitive and behavioral development, such as exercise, sleep quality, and other effects.
The ABCD Study, the largest of its type in the US, follows 12,000 teens as they become young adults. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to examine brain anatomy and activity, and psychological, environmental, and cognitive data are collected. The project aims to understand brain, cognitive, and social-emotional development to inform interventions to improve a young person’s life trajectory.
Bayonetta Actress Was Promised More for Third Game
Original Source: Bayonetta actor confirms she was offered more than first implied for third game
Taylor, who was replaced as Bayonetta in the Switch sequel by Jennifer Hale, criticized developer PlatinumGames and urged on fans to boycott Bayonetta 3.
The voice actor said she was offered $4,000 to finish the whole game, which she called “immortal” and “insulting”.
Bloomberg and VGC sources later said Platinum had proposed a $15,000 package, which is within SAG/AFTRA union regulations. Taylor acknowledged this amount on Monday but said “strong journalists” were trying to destroy her.
Taylor told VGC earlier this month she was never promised more than $4,000. She called accusations she could’ve earned $15,000 “a falsehood and a joke.”
Monday’s tweet reads: “Some people are labeling me a liar and golddigger. I must defend my industry reputation.
As I said in video thread part 3. I told them their offer was low. It was 10k total. This 450 million dollar franchise (not counting merchandise.) I asked Hideki Kamiya what I was worth in Japanese.
I figured a creative would understand. He said he valued my contribution to the game and that people wanted me to voice it. I got an extra [5,000]! I didn’t voice the game.”
The voice performer later revealed that she was offered “a flat rate to voice some lines for $4,000” (Bloomberg claimed this was for a cameo role in Bayonetta 3).
“Lies like $4,000 for 5 sessions are fabrications,” she said. “There were no ‘long talks.'” I’ve also heard ludicrous lies, like that I requested for $250,000 Team player. I only wanted a fair compensation based on my worth to the game.
“I got paid £3000 for the first game.” More for second. I wanted to be her. I’ve promoted this game on Twitter since 2011.
This seems to confirm VGC’s accusation that Taylor was paid less for Bayonetta 2 than the $15,000 offered for the third game.
Taylor said she “remained interested in the game” by responding fan letters and signing autographs. She admitted charging for signatures at a game conference but said the money went to charity.
People are trying to discredit what I say, she said. The industry has strong journalists. They’re saving an asset. Don’t buy it!
Taylor’s original video has been viewed about 10 million times, and he received support from players and fellow voice actors who have long complained of being underpaid.
The videos led to harassment of Platinum developers and Hale.
Last week, Platinum acknowledged the actor’s charges with a statement supporting new Bayonetta voice actor Jennifer Hale. Hale made a statement hoping “everyone concerned can resolve their concerns amicably and respectfully.”
Modern Warfare 2’s Amsterdam Level Vs. Real Life
Original Source: Modern Warfare 2 Amsterdam level compared to real life in new video
The mission, part of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2’s early access campaign, is hailed for its accurate portrayal of Amsterdam.
A gamer has now filmed himself in the same region of the Dutch city. Modern Warfare 2 captures not only the city’s main framework but also most of its buildings.
Call of Duty has featured real-world settings in their games before, but this may be the best example.
Small features like alcohol-prohibited signage and shopfront colors are replicated. All names and signage are likely modified for copyright reasons.
Modern Warfare 2019’s “Piccadilly” map reproduced Piccadilly Circus, noted for its advertising board. The place suddenly became a tourist destination for TikTok users who pointed out areas in the real world known for “campers” in Modern Warfare’s multiplayer mode.
Modern Warfare 2’s first season of live content launches on November 16 with Warzone 2.0 and DMZ mode.
This includes three-player raids in Spec Ops.
Modern Warfare 2’s release date is October 28, although the campaign is available now for digital pre-orders.
The game’s release will be followed by a pre-season where players can level up to obtain weapons, attachments, base Loadout goods, and the Special Ops tier system.
Summary of Today’s Computer Gaming News
Overall, a study of over 2,000 children indicated that those who played video games for three hours per day or more fared better on cognitive skills assessments including impulse control and working memory. Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said, “This study contributes to our growing understanding of the links between video game play and brain development.” “Numerous research have found a correlation between video gaming and behavioral and mental health issues. This study implies that there may be cognitive benefits linked with this popular sport that need further study.”
On the other hand, Taylor, who has been replaced as Bayonetta in the upcoming Switch sequel by veteran Jennifer Hale, criticized developer PlatinumGames and urged fans to boycott Bayonetta 3 in a series of social media videos uploaded this month. The voice actress claimed she received a “last offer to finish the entire game” for $4,000 USD, which she described as “immortal” and “insulting.”
Finally, the mission, which debuted last week as part of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s early access campaign, has been acclaimed for its realistic depiction of Amsterdam. A player has now recorded himself traversing the same section of the Dutch city. Modern Warfare 2 accurately depicts not only the city’s general layout but also the majority of its buildings, as shown below.
