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17 - The Effects of Video Games on Creativity

A Systematic Review

from Part III - Modes of Enhancement

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 November 2021

By
Seyedahmad Rahimi  and
Valerie J. Shute
Edited by
Sandra W. Russ ,
Jessica D. Hoffmann  and
James C. Kaufman
Sandra W. Russ
Affiliation:
Case Western Reserve University, Ohio
Jessica D. Hoffmann
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
James C. Kaufman
Affiliation:
University of Connecticut
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Summary

Creativity contributes to both personal and societal growth. Recently, new methods for assessing and fostering creativity using video games have been proposed and tested. In this chapter, we start by presenting the multifarious definitions and theories of creativity. We then examine the effects of video games on creativity via empirical studies, and discuss how video games can be useful for improving creativity. Our main findings show that not all video games can enhance creativity – some game genres have more potential to enhance creativity than others. Specifically, video games that have the most potential for enhancing creativity are those that facilitate flow, allow players to co-create the game, and enhance players’ intrinsic motivation. We conclude with some specific suggestions on ways to increase creativity in video games.

Keywords

creativityvideo gamescreativity assessmentcreativity instructionstealth assessmenttwenty-first-century skills
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Lifespan Development of Creativity , pp. 368 - 392
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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