Neuro-signaling techniques in video gaming endorsements: a cognitive and neural dynamics approach

Technological advancements have significantly transformed the gaming industry, shifting from computer to mobile games. According to a global games market report, the gaming market was projected to reach $180.1 billion by 2021. Consequently, time and money invested in mobile games have risen significantly. The gaming strategy plays a vital role in enhancing conceptual thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive skills. However, comprehensive studies comparing neural dynamics and cognitive skills while playing different types of games using electroencephalography (EEG) signals are still lacking. This study investigates the cognitive and neural effects of action and puzzle video games on brain activity, focusing on memory processing, cognitive load, and alterations in brain rhythms.

Eighteen healthy adults, aged 17 to 36 years, participated in the experiment, engaging with two distinct games-Modern Warfare 2 (action genre) and Sudoku (puzzle genre). EEG data were recorded using a 14-channel Emotiv EPOC headset, capturing brain signals before, during, and after gameplay. Cognitive performance was assessed using PSYTASK software before and after gameplay to evaluate changes in attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. EEG signals underwent pre-processing, followed by wavelet transform decomposition to extract frequency band energy (delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma) and EEG band ratios. Functional connectivity analysis mapped network-level brain dynamics during gameplay. Statistical analyses between gameplay conditions were performed using paired samples t-tests on EEG features, and a one-way repeated measures ANOVA assessed differences in these parameters across three gameplay conditions (before, during, and after) at 14 electrode locations, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Modern Warfare 2 gameplay triggered elevated beta and gamma activity, indicating heightened attention, sensory-motor coordination, and real-time decision-making, while Sudoku gameplay increased theta and alpha activity, reflecting greater working memory load, logical reasoning, and cognitive processing. Functional connectivity patterns demonstrated broader network activation during action gameplay, contrasting with more localized activation during puzzle gameplay.

These findings suggest that action games enhance attention, motor coordination, and executive function, while puzzle games primarily strengthen working memory and cognitive flexibility. This indicates that video games can be effectively used as tools for improving thinking skills in therapy and education.