When people think of games, they usually think of things like Playstation, XBOX, PC gaming, and that kind of stuff. They might even think of games on their tablet or smartphone–games that require some kind of screen and control scheme. These games are usually really fun, but they’re also quite involved. They usually have stories, violence, or require some dexterity to use the controller.
However, there are loads of other games that don’t require any kind of expensive device or dedicated controller, and they can even offer some healthy benefits for your mind. Let’s delve into the world of word games, why they’re so great, and why you should play them more often.
What are word games?
Word games are any type of game or activity that usually involves combining letters or words, or identifying them using clues. Think of games like Scrabble or the more recent Wordle. These games are usually about logic, and they often favor people who have a large vocabulary. Other examples of word games include crosswords, word searches, anagrams, and the ever-popular board game Codenames.
Why word games are so great
Word games are amazing because they provide a number of different benefits, but they also stimulate you in many different ways. For example, it’s a great way to learn more words and expand your vocabulary, making it a fantastic learning tool for people of all ages. It’s also a good way to improve your mental agility, as many word games require you to switch between different lines of thought and logic to find new solutions.
Some people enjoy word games because it improves their focus and concentration. Doing a crossword often requires you to pay close attention to detail and recall a lot of different memories based on the hints given. This fosters your ability to focus for longer periods of time, and this can improve various different facets of your life.
One of the cool things about word games is how you’ll gradually increase your vocabulary without even realizing it. As you play word games, you’ll start to score higher because you’re thinking of bigger and less common words, or you’ll learn about new words that you never knew before. Of course, this requires a tiny bit of research on your part to learn what those strange new words mean, but it’s a process of discovery and learning mixed into a game–and that’s part of what makes word games so fun.
Lastly, word games are also a form of stress relief because they’re for enjoyment and relaxation. It’s easy to open up a browser or smartphone app to play a word game for a bit, especially when you’re feeling stressed out.
How to get into word games
Whether you’re searching for a new game for your kids or just something fun to play while you’re commuting to work, word games are easy to get into.
We recommend starting with some simple word games that you can find online. These require no investment, and they can be played on virtually any device that you have. Many word games are simple in nature, so they don’t require a download or the purchase of anything.
This also makes word games really convenient to play. From small downloadable apps that are free to in-browser online titles, there are so many different word games that you can play with basically zero investment. They’re all unique and interesting, and you can find word games that appeal to your level of vocabulary.
Another option is to make your own word games. There are online crossword generators that you can use to make puzzles for yourself or your kids, and you can even try to make your own word games based on the rules of games you’ve played before. This is a fantastic way to get creative, and you can tailor a word game to the vocabulary level of the people that you’re playing with.
Word games are underrated
There are few games that offer the same level of convenience and brain-teasing that word games do. They’re fantastic for improving your vocabulary, they help reduce stress, improve concentration, and can boost practical skills such as problem-solving. While they might not offer the excitement and engagement of regular video games on a console or PC, they’re still a lot of fun and can give you a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
So the next time you want to play a game, why not consider a quick word search or a round of Wordle?