Video Games: Energy Consumption, Cognitive Demands, and Health Balance

Does playing video games use energy?

Yes, playing video games does consume energy, as all bodily functions require metabolic activity; however, the energy expenditure is generally low, often comparable to other sedentary activities, with notable variations depending on game type and player engagement.

The Basics of Energy Expenditure

Our bodies are constantly expending energy, even at rest. This energy, measured in calories, fuels every physiological process, from maintaining body temperature to brain activity and muscle function.

• What is Energy Expenditure? This refers to the total amount of energy used by the body to perform all its functions. It comprises the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), the energy needed to sustain life at rest; the Thermic Effect of Food (TEF), energy used for digestion; and Activity Energy Expenditure (AEE), the energy used for physical movement and cognitive tasks.
• How Our Bodies Use Energy: The primary energy currency of the body is Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is generated through the breakdown of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins). Even seemingly passive activities like sitting and thinking demand ATP to power neuronal firing, maintain muscle tone, and support organ function.

Video Games and Metabolic Activity

While often categorized as a sedentary activity, video gaming is not entirely devoid of energy expenditure. It engages the body in several subtle but significant ways.

• The Sedentary Baseline: Most forms of video gaming involve sitting, which inherently places them at the lower end of the metabolic activity spectrum. The energy expenditure is typically just above the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), similar to watching television or reading.
• Beyond Basal Metabolic Rate: Brain Activity: The brain is a metabolically demanding organ, accounting for approximately 20% of the body's total energy expenditure at rest. During cognitively demanding tasks, such as playing complex video games that require quick decision-making, problem-solving, and spatial awareness, brain activity increases, leading to a rise in glucose utilization and thus, energy consumption.
• The Role of Cognitive Load: Engaging in intricate game mechanics, strategizing, and reacting to dynamic environments places a significant cognitive load on the brain. This mental effort requires more oxygen and glucose, leading to a measurable, albeit modest, increase in overall metabolic rate.
• Physiological Stress Response: Especially in competitive or intense games, players can experience heightened emotional states.
  • Increased Heart Rate: Adrenaline release due to excitement, frustration, or stress can elevate heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Elevated Breathing Rate: Respiration often quickens in response to physiological arousal.
  • Muscle Tension: Players may unconsciously tense muscles in their hands, arms, and even jaw, contributing to minor energy use. These physiological responses, while not leading to significant caloric burn, indicate an increase in metabolic activity beyond a truly relaxed state.

Quantifying Energy Use in Gaming

To quantify energy expenditure, exercise scientists often use Metabolic Equivalents (METs). One MET is the energy expended at rest (approximately 1 kcal/kg/hour).

• METs for Sedentary Activities:
  • Sitting quietly: 1.0 METs
  • Watching TV: 1.0 METs
  • Playing non-active video games: Typically ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 METs. This means a person might burn 10-50% more calories than their BMR, depending on intensity.
• Variations Based on Game Type:
  • Passive Gaming (e.g., puzzle games, turn-based strategy): Energy expenditure remains very close to the sedentary baseline (1.0-1.2 METs).
  • Active Gaming (e.g., VR, motion-controlled games like Nintendo Wii Sports, Beat Saber): These games incorporate significant physical movement, elevating energy expenditure considerably. Depending on the intensity and duration of movement, MET values can range from 2.0 to 6.0 METs, comparable to light to moderate physical activity.
  • Competitive Gaming (Esports): While physically sedentary, esports players often exhibit elevated heart rates, increased cortisol levels (a stress hormone), and high cognitive demands. Studies have shown heart rates comparable to moderate exercise during critical moments, indicating a higher metabolic cost than passive gaming, though still far below traditional physical activity.

Factors Influencing Energy Expenditure During Gaming

Several individual and situational factors can influence how much energy is expended while gaming:

• Game Type and Intensity: As noted, games requiring physical movement or intense cognitive engagement will burn more calories than passive, low-stimulus games.
• Player Engagement and Emotional Response: A highly engaged player experiencing stress, excitement, or frustration will likely have a higher heart rate and metabolic rate than a disengaged player.
• Physical Activity Component: Whether the player is sitting, standing, or actively moving (e.g., using a VR headset or motion controllers) directly impacts caloric expenditure.
• Individual Physiological Differences:
  • Body Mass: Larger individuals naturally expend more energy for any given activity due to the greater mass requiring fuel.
  • Fitness Level: Individuals with higher aerobic fitness may have a slightly lower heart rate response to stress, but their overall metabolic rate during activity would still be proportional to their body size and effort.

Gaming's Place in a Healthy Lifestyle

While gaming does use energy, it's crucial to put this in context relative to public health guidelines for physical activity.

• Energy Expenditure vs. Physical Activity Guidelines: The energy expended during most forms of video gaming is insufficient to meet the recommended physical activity guidelines (e.g., 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week). It should not be considered a substitute for traditional exercise.
• Potential Benefits: Video games can offer cognitive benefits (problem-solving, reaction time, spatial awareness) and social benefits (multiplayer interaction). Active video games can also be a gateway to more traditional physical activity for some individuals.
• The Importance of Balance: The primary concern with sedentary gaming is the displacement of more active pursuits. Prolonged sitting is associated with various health risks, regardless of cognitive engagement.
• Recommendations:
  • Incorporate Movement: Stand up and stretch regularly, especially during loading screens or between matches.
  • Take Breaks: Aim for a short break (5-10 minutes) for every hour of gaming to walk around, stretch, or do light exercises.
  • Balance with Exercise: Ensure video gaming is balanced with regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity to meet health guidelines.
  • Consider Active Gaming: Explore VR or motion-controlled games that encourage physical movement.

Conclusion: A Nuanced Perspective

In summary, playing video games does indeed use energy, primarily due to cognitive demands and, in some cases, physiological arousal or physical movement. However, for most traditional forms of gaming, this energy expenditure is modest, falling within the range of other sedentary activities. While active video games can contribute meaningfully to daily energy expenditure, it is vital to remember that gaming, in its most common form, should be balanced with dedicated physical activity to maintain optimal health and well-being.