For years, video games have often been criticized for their potential downsides—sleep issues, mood disturbances, social isolation, or risks such as photosensitive epilepsy. Yet new research continues to challenge this narrative, showing that gaming, when practiced in moderation, can enhance cognitive abilities like attention and problem-solving and even support social interaction.

A new Italian study goes a step further, revealing a strong connection between video gaming and improved academic learning. The research, led by Marcello Sarini, a computer science scholar in the Department of Psychology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, appears in the international journal Information under the title “Video Games in Schools: Putting Flow State in Context.”

The findings suggest that introducing video games into classroom activities can promote a state of “environmental flow,” creating a learning atmosphere that is both engaging and emotionally positive. “The benefits of gaming in education stem from what psychology defines as the flow state—an intrinsically rewarding experience that fosters deep concentration and emotional well-being,” Sarini explains.

According to the research, students exposed to structured game-based activities solved exercises more quickly and participated more willingly. Sarini believes these insights could help educators in the future: “Teachers may be able to shape gaming experiences to support specific educational goals, adjusting them moment by moment to match the type of learning they want to facilitate.”