Video games or computer games enables an individual to play games on a computer using the keyboard, mouse or joystick unlike mobile games where we play games using a touchscreen.

Nowadays, although we have many alternatives to video games, it is still one of the most popular pastime among the youth, it is addictive and many people spend a lot of time playing video games.

It offers a unique gaming experience unlike other platforms because it brings out the competitive spirit and the graphics and storytelling are so realistic that it is easy to forget that this is just a game.

What makes video games so addictive is the different levels available, it starts off easy and as you go higher it becomes difficult, having spent hours completing the various levels, it says level failed, try again.

In some ways, video games are better than watching movies, while playing a game like street fighter for example, you get to select the opponents and decide how you want them to fight instead of sitting passively in front of a screen.

Video games are interesting because the aim is to win, you cannot do that without using your brain, planning and having a strategy in order to achieve your goal.

Another reason why video games are so popular is the ability to interact with others unlike other forms of entertainment, one can express their views while watching television, reading a book or listening to music, these are individual activities that do not involve challenging others and achieve something to prove you are the best.

It is assumed that video games make us negative, this is not the case, playing sports games or strategy games against others can help to develop social skills because you have to communicate and learn how to co-operate with others.

Nowadays, life is so fast paced, it is difficult to remember what we are doing, this is where playing video games can help because we have to be attentive to what we are doing as we go from one level to the next.

Video games teaches us to solve problems because we cannot win without analysing what tactics to use in order to reach the next level, this comes in handy in real life situations.

When we keep doing the same thing repeatedly, we become lazy, playing video games challenge our thinking abilities and brings us out of the comfort zone that we are used to over time.

People tend to focus on the negative effects of video games, the fact is that not all games are about violence, there are games based on puzzle solving, word games and sports games which are educational and a good way to pass the time.

Playing video games helps to make the individual creative, one has to have clarity of thought and be able to visualise what steps are needed in order to win the game.

It is true that playing video games helps us to forget about our problems and keeps our mind alert and we get a feeling of satisfaction because we are doing something that is a fun activity.

In the end, video games are played by everyone, it does have its disadvantages, looking at the big picture, no other form of entertainment can give us the feeling of happiness that playing video games does.