There are literally thousands of free brain games available online. In fact, The Online Brain Games Blog itself has links to hundreds of them. So why then, would anyone want to pay cold hard cash for a brain game? Well, having played both free and commercial brain games for some time now, I have some experience in this regard. As a result, I can provide you with five good reasons as to why you might want to consider purchasing a commercial brain game.
1) Neuroscience
One of the biggest differences between a free brain game and a commercial one, besides the cost of course, is that most commercial brain games are either designed, reviewed or tested by Neuroscientists. The big benefit to you in this is that you’ll know that neuroscience is being used in the game methodology and design with respect to how our brains best grow and improve. So one of the things you need to do when checking out any commercial brain game for purchase is to see the list of Neuroscientists that either designed, reviewed, advised, or tested that particular brain game.
2) Targeted Brain Training
Another major benefit of a commercial brain game over a free one is that most commercial brain games are designed to target more than one aspect of brain enhancement. For instance, areas such as memory, attention, cognitive control, and processing speed can be targeted and trained separately. The best games provide specific brain training in more than just one aspect of brain enhancement. Check the particular game you’re looking into for what areas of brain enhancement it targets.
3) Game Challenge Adaptability
In order for your brain to grow, it needs to be continually challenged. One benefit of almost all commercial brain games is that they will continually adapt to you as you get better. In other words, the better you get at a given game, the harder or more challenging it will become. This aspect of game adaptability actually provides you with some longevity with respect to how long a particular game will be of benefit to you and your brain.
4) Progress, Record Keeping and Positive Feedback
A nice feature of commercial brain games is that they keep track of your progress over time. If the game trains you in different cognitive areas, it will score and track your progress separately in each area. This provides you with positive feedback which ultimately helps you stay with the program. It also lets you know what areas you need to spend more time training on as well.
5) Support
When you purchase a commercial brain game, you’re buying from a company dedicated to that games success. As such, you’ll have support lines with which you can call or email should you need assistance of any kind. This is something you just don’t get with a free brain game.
As a final note, you need to understand that what might be greatly beneficial for one person with respect to a particular brain game (free or commercial) might not be as beneficial to another. There is no “one size fits all”. I cover this along with how you can best choose a brain game specifically for you in a special report I send out to The Online Brain Games Blog newsletter subscribers. If you’d like to obtain this report for free, fill out the request form below and it will be sent you via email immediately.
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I agree that commercial brain games have their advantage, but I definitely wouldn’t disregard free ones (which I’m not saying that you are), because any positive stimulation applied consistently definitely poses significant benefits on the brain.
I guess it can be compared to lifting weights using natural weight (logs, rocks, rope, etc.—anyone ever see Rambo 3? lol) as opposed to using the gym. Both provide exercise and a workout, one is obviously more efficient.
The thing I personally like about commercial brain games among the points you mentioned is the fact that they are backed by neuroscience research (many are, anyway), adaptability, and the option to view your progress–which is valuable for continually improving.
Greatings, Thanks for article. Everytime like to read you.
Thank you
I agree with Jon Beebe. The comparison with Rambo was really good
Rambo lol
I always thought that games were good for developing certain areas of the brain. It would be the ultimate game if these types of games were actually fun. People would be so crazy lol
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its good article. but we must support with good nutrition for brain
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Nice point of view.
Thank you for your experience
Thanks for the nice article.
Wow, this blog is full of brain activity information and very very informative. I am glad to have found this blog. Keep up the good work.
This is a very good article. I would add that one main advantage of commercial over free is that the top brain training games from companies like Lumosity and Posit Science are actually being tested whereas you aren’t likely seeing this with free games. Tested games are the key to finding what really works and incorporates neuroplasticity principles. In addition, the commercial ones really aren’t that pricey when you consider you can get lumosity’s one year membership for under $100. Sure, Posit Science is a little pricier but it is also the best company in the business and the most scientific. When dealing with things like the brain why would anyone want to be overly cost conscious. I guarantee you right now if you did a test, the top commmercial companies would offer people greater gains.
Thanks for the interesting post on brain games. I really like your comparison with Rambo and thought that was hilarious. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
I agree with your points about the commercial brain training programs. I recently finished reading Norman Doige’s book, The Brain That Changes Itself, and he references some of the neuroscientist mavericks responsible for the paradign shift that the brain is plastic and can change – one at lest being the lead scientist behind Posit Science brain training program. The less than th price of a daily latte, you can play games that are scientifically designed to sharpen focus, improve memory, increase reaction time.
If stroke victims can rewire their damaged brains again to near 100% recovery and functionality then training our uninjured brains shows lots of promise and is worth investing a few dollars a day into our most valuable commodity.
Hi,
I never knew brain games can help a person so much to recover from stroke even recover 100%.
Nice post and explains exactly why Revenue for brain training programs is on the rise.