Why Video Games Make You Smarter

Gabe Zichermann, the CEO at Gamification, delivers an engaging gamification speech during which he discusses video games and the science behind them that makes people smarter. He begins his speech by introducing the concept fluid intelligence, which is a particular characterisitc/type of intelligence in problem solving. While crystallized intelligence is something that we already know -- like math for example -- fluid intelligence is developed and can be increased. Innovators -- like Bill Gates -- are individuals who score highly on fluid intelligence.

There are five ways to raise your fluid intelligence: seeking novelty, challenging yourself, thinking creatively, doing things the hard way and through networks. There is also a type of game called "nback" that is proven to raise people's intelligence. Through multitasking and focus, video games can create a new type of creative mind and help foster innovation.