What happens in your brain when you play a video game?

Updated

Visual cortex decodes the scene, parietal cortex directs attention, prefrontal cortex plans and decides, motor cortex executes button presses, and nucleus accumbens processes reward, driving continued play.

Visual Cortex, Parietal Cortex, Prefrontal Cortex, Motor Cortex, Nucleus Accumbens lit up on the Brain Atlas 3D brain: what happens in your brain when you play a video game
Figure. The brain regions that light up when you play a video game, in order: Visual Cortex (perceiving the game), then Parietal Cortex (focusing attention), then Prefrontal Cortex (making decisions), then Motor Cortex (executing actions), then Nucleus Accumbens (feeling reward).

Watch it light up on the 3D brain

Brain regions that light up

OrderRegionWhat it does here
1Visual CortexThe visual cortex processes the game's moving images, colors, and edges.
2Parietal CortexThe parietal cortex integrates visual and spatial info, guiding attention to important game elements.
3Prefrontal CortexThe prefrontal cortex evaluates options, formulates strategies, and holds goals in working memory.
4Motor CortexThe motor cortex sends commands to muscles to press buttons or move the controller.
5Nucleus AccumbensDopamine is released in the nucleus accumbens when you score points or complete objectives, making play pleasurable.

1. Visual Cortex: perceiving the game

Step 1 of what happens in your brain when you play a video game: Visual Cortex lit on the Brain Atlas 3D brain
Figure 1. Visual Cortex, perceiving the game: The visual cortex processes the game's moving images, colors, and edges.

The primary visual cortex (V1) receives input from the eyes and extracts basic features like orientation and motion. Higher visual areas then interpret objects and characters. This is the first step in making sense of the game world.

2. Parietal Cortex: focusing attention

Step 2 of what happens in your brain when you play a video game: Visual Cortex, Parietal Cortex lit on the Brain Atlas 3D brain
Figure 2. Parietal Cortex, focusing attention: The parietal cortex integrates visual and spatial info, guiding attention to important game elements.

The posterior parietal cortex constructs a spatial map of the game environment and highlights salient targets. It helps you track moving enemies or navigate complex scenes. Without it, you would be overwhelmed by irrelevant details.

3. Prefrontal Cortex: making decisions

Step 3 of what happens in your brain when you play a video game: Visual Cortex, Parietal Cortex, Prefrontal Cortex lit on the Brain Atlas 3D brain
Figure 3. Prefrontal Cortex, making decisions: The prefrontal cortex evaluates options, formulates strategies, and holds goals in working memory.

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is crucial for executive functions: planning the next move, deciding which item to pick up, or switching tactics when the game changes. It also inhibits impulsive actions. This region is heavily engaged in complex games.

4. Motor Cortex: executing actions

Step 4 of what happens in your brain when you play a video game: Visual Cortex, Parietal Cortex, Prefrontal Cortex, Motor Cortex lit on the Brain Atlas 3D brain
Figure 4. Motor Cortex, executing actions: The motor cortex sends commands to muscles to press buttons or move the controller.

The primary motor cortex (M1) generates the neural signals that produce voluntary movements. It works with the premotor cortex to sequence button presses and joystick movements. Practice leads to more efficient motor programs, allowing faster reactions.

5. Nucleus Accumbens: feeling reward

Step 5 of what happens in your brain when you play a video game: Visual Cortex, Parietal Cortex, Prefrontal Cortex, Motor Cortex, Nucleus Accumbens lit on the Brain Atlas 3D brain
Figure 5. Nucleus Accumbens, feeling reward: Dopamine is released in the nucleus accumbens when you score points or complete objectives, making play pleasurable.

The nucleus accumbens is a key part of the brain's reward circuit. When you achieve a goal, dopamine is released here, creating a sense of pleasure and motivation. This reinforcement drives you to keep playing and improves learning of game skills.

Good to know

  • Some studies suggest action video games may improve visual attention and spatial resolution.
  • The cerebellum is active during gaming to fine-tune movements and timing.
  • Dopamine release in the striatum during gaming is similar to that seen with other rewarding activities.

Playing vs Watching

Playing a video game activates motor and premotor cortices to execute actions, while watching requires less motor output but still engages visual and reward areas. The prefrontal cortex may be more active during play due to decision-making demands.

Test yourself

  1. Which brain region is primarily responsible for processing the visual details of the game?

  2. What is the main role of the nucleus accumbens during gaming?

  3. If a player is planning a complex strategy in a strategy game, which region is most active?

0 of 3 answered · 0 correct

Simplified: many regions work together at once, and this shows the main players in the order they act.