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loadingAre Clicking Games Good for Your Brain? What the Research Says
Hind MoutaoikilR&D Manager
Fri Apr 11 2025
Clicking games, also known as idle or incremental games, have become increasingly popular in recent years. With titles like Cookie Clicker and AdVenture Capitalist leading the charge, researchers are beginning to explore their psychological effects. This piece delves into current findings to uncover whether these games offer cognitive benefits or merely serve as addictive pastimes.
In recent years, clicking games—also known as idle or incremental games—have surged in popularity. From Cookie Clicker to AdVenture Capitalist, these games require minimal interaction, often just repetitive clicking or tapping to accumulate points, rewards, or in-game currency. But beyond their addictive simplicity, do they offer any cognitive benefits? Or are they merely a mindless distraction?
In this article we will explores the research behind clicking games and their potential effects on the brain, weighing both the benefits and drawbacks.
What Are Clicking Games?
Clicking games are a subgenre of video games where the primary mechanic involves repetitive clicking or tapping to progress. These games often feature:
- Simple mechanics – Players click to earn points, which can be spent on upgrades to generate more points automatically.
- Idle progression – Many clicking games continue to run even when the player is inactive, rewarding passive play.
- Instant gratification – Quick rewards and constant progression hooks keep players engaged.
Popular examples include Cookie Clicker, Clicker Heroes, and Realm Grinder. While they seem trivial, their psychological impact is worth examining.
Potential Cognitive Benefits of Clicking Games
1. Stress Relief and Relaxation
Research suggests that simple, repetitive tasks can have a calming effect on the brain. A study published in 2021 found that playing casual video games like Flower reduced psychological and physiological stress levels among undergraduate students. The calming effect was attributed to the game's simplicity and repetitive mechanics, which provided a distraction from stressors. Although mindfulness meditation was slightly more effective, casual video games still demonstrated significant stress-reducing benefits
2. Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
Though clicking games are not as demanding as action-packed video games, they still require precise timing and coordination. A study published in the Journal of Neurophysiology (2022) found that eye-hand coordination is flexible and task-dependent. Rapid corrections of eye and hand movements in response to visual stimuli demonstrated improved neural coupling, even during simple motor tasks. This suggests that repetitive actions requiring precise timing can enhance coordination between visual and motor systems
3. Goal Setting and Reward Processing
Clicking games are built on incremental progress, teaching players to set short-term goals (e.g., saving up for an upgrade) and long-term objectives (e.g., reaching a milestone). According a study published in SAGE Journals (2017) examined goal-setting theory in educational video games, finding that players who pursued specific learning or performance goals experienced reduced cognitive load and increased enjoyment.
4. Mild Cognitive Stimulation for Older Adults
For older individuals or those with limited gaming experience, clicking games may provide light cognitive stimulation. A study published in PMC (2009) discussed how digital games can produce cognitive benefits for older adults, particularly through extended practice training. The mechanics of games, including simple, repetitive tasks, were shown to promote engagement and flow, which are critical for maintaining mental agility in aging populations
Potential Drawbacks of Clicking Games
While there are some benefits, excessive engagement with clicking games may have downsides.
1. Risk of Addiction and Compulsive Behaviour
The constant dopamine hits from incremental rewards can lead to compulsive play. Studies on Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) show similarities with gambling addiction, where compulsive behaviors are driven by reward-seeking mechanisms. IGD patients exhibit impaired inhibitory control functions and cognitive inflexibility, leading to repetitive behaviors that mirror compulsive gambling patterns
2. Lack of Deep Cognitive Engagement
A systematic review highlights that different types of games (e.g., strategy, puzzle, adventure) have varying impacts on brain structure and function. Passive gaming (e.g., simple gameplay without active engagement) is less associated with cognitive benefits compared to active genres like strategy or puzzle games
3. Repetitive Strain Injuries
Excessive clicking can lead to physical strain, including conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. The British Journal of Sports Medicine (2020) highlights that repetitive motions, even in low-intensity gaming, can cause musculoskeletal issues over time.
What Does the Research Say Overall?
The scientific consensus suggests that clicking games have mild cognitive benefits but are not a substitute for more stimulating activities. Key takeaways include:
Pros:
- Can reduce stress through simple, repetitive actions.
- May improve hand-eye coordination slightly.
- Encourages goal-setting and reward-based motivation.
- Suitable for light cognitive maintenance in older adults.
Cons:
- Risk of compulsive behaviour due to dopamine-driven mechanics.
- Minimal mental stimulation compared to strategy or puzzle games.
- Potential for physical strain from repetitive clicking.
Are Clicking Games Good for Your Brain? The Verdict
Clicking games are neither inherently good nor bad for the brain—their impact depends on how they’re used. In moderation, they can offer relaxation and minor cognitive perks. However, overindulgence may lead to compulsive habits or reduced engagement in more mentally enriching activities.
For those seeking brain-boosting games, alternatives like chess, Sudoku, or memory-training apps may be more effective. But if clicking games provide a fun, low-stakes way to unwind, there’s no harm in enjoying them—just be mindful of balance.
Final Thoughts
While clicking games won’t turn you into a genius, they do have some psychological merits. The key is moderation: enjoy them as a casual pastime rather than a primary brain-training tool. As research continues to evolve, we may gain deeper insights into how even the simplest games shape our minds.
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Hind Moutaoikil
R&D Manager
Hind is a Data Scientist and Computer Science graduate with a deep passion for research and development in data analytics and machine learning. With a solid foundation in business intelligence and statistics, Hind has experience working with a variety of programming languages such as Python, Java, and R. Through previous roles in internships and remote projects, Hind has gained expertise in transforming raw data into actionable insights. Focused on advancing the field of data science, Hind contributes to research and articles exploring the latest trends and breakthroughs in R&D.
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