Games to Improve Your Decision Making and Why They’re Trending

In the dynamic world of gaming, staying updated with trends and new releases is part of the excitement for both enthusiasts and professional players. Quick decision-making is a critical skill that often determines success, whether in chess or Valorant. Hideo Kojima, famed for creating Metal Gear Solid, noted that while the art in video games endures, their relevance can quickly fade. However, games that challenge cognitive expectations tend to have lasting appeal, even if they struggle initially. This blend of enduring challenge and evolving content keeps certain games in the spotlight longer.

Rebecca Marcus, a licensed psychotherapist, highlights the importance of brain games for enhancing focus, concentration, and memory. While brain games may not prevent cognitive decline or dementia, research suggests they could help delay these conditions. Marcus emphasizes that to keep the mind challenged, games should continuously increase in difficulty; otherwise, the brain may start operating on autopilot. Additionally, varying daily routines can stimulate brain activity. 

The Growing Trend of Decision-Making Games

The trend towards games that foster quick decision-making can be attributed to several factors. First, the increasing complexity and competitiveness of gaming have raised the bar for player skill levels. In competitive environments, the ability to think and act quickly is often rewarded, making these games appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers.

The rise of eSports has also spotlighted the importance of quick decision-making. Professional gamers are often required to make split-second choices under pressure, and their success has inspired many players to seek out games that challenge them in similar ways. 

As more studies towards gaming and sports are published, the general awareness of cognitive benefits associated with quick decision-making has grown. Players are not only looking for entertainment but also for ways to improve their mental agility, reaction times, and problem-solving skills. This has led to an increase in the popularity of games that provide these cognitive challenges.

As more people look to enhance their cognitive agility, games that require rapid decision-making are gaining popularity. Here are some famous games to enhance your brain skills in 2024.

1. Hades

Hades is a rogue-like dungeon crawler that has captivated gamers with its fast-paced action and compelling narrative. The game requires players to make quick decisions in combat, as enemies swarm the player in various combinations and patterns. Every run is different, with new challenges and power-ups, demanding adaptability and rapid decision-making from the player. You will always have different experiences in each new beginning.

The game’s popularity stems from its blend of engaging gameplay, rich storytelling, and challenging mechanics. The need to quickly assess situations, choose the right abilities, and execute strategies makes Hades an excellent game for developing quick decision-making skills. Its critical acclaim and numerous awards have also contributed to its enduring trendiness in 2024.

2. Valorant

Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter (FPS) that has taken the gaming world by storm. Combining elements of strategy and quick reflexes, players must make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s choosing the right moment to engage, managing resources like abilities and ammunition, or outthinking opponents, Valorant demands a high level of cognitive agility.

What sets Valorant apart is its emphasis on team play and strategic depth. Each match requires players to constantly adapt to their opponents’ tactics, making real-time decision-making a critical skill. This has made Valorant a favorite in the eSports scene, further boosting its popularity among gamers who want to improve their abilities.

3. Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone, one of the top FPS mobile games to play in 2024, is a battle royale game that places a premium on quick decision-making. Players are dropped into a massive battlefield where they must outlast opponents, manage resources, and adapt to a shrinking safe zone. The game’s fast-paced nature requires players to make decisions on the fly, whether it’s choosing where to drop, how to approach enemies, how to use the environment to survive, or when to retreat.

The appeal of Warzone lies in its intense, adrenaline-fueled gameplay. The need to constantly make quick, strategic decisions keeps players engaged, making it a popular choice for those looking to sharpen their cognitive skills. Its free-to-play model and frequent updates have also helped maintain its trendiness in 2024. Currently, it’s the fourth most played shooter on steam, behind games like CS2 and Apex Legends.

4. Aviator

Aviator is a crash game that has gained popularity due to its simplicity and the excitement of high-stakes decision-making. The game involves placing bets on a plane that ascends, with the potential to crash at any moment. Players must decide when to cash out, balancing risk and reward.

The real-time nature of Aviator means that decisions must be made quickly, with the potential for significant losses or gains depending on the timing. This makes it an excellent game for those looking to improve their risk assessment and quick decision-making skills. According to KTO, one of the biggest casino platforms in Brazil, Aviator is the most played crash game in the country, and the only in its category to make it to the top 5 most played games monthly.

5. Chess

Going back to classics, Chess may not be a fast-paced game in the traditional sense, but it is unparalleled in its ability to develop strategic thinking and decision-making. Every move in Chess requires careful consideration, but players must also think ahead and anticipate their opponent’s moves, often making quick decisions under time constraints, especially in blitz or bullet formats.

Chess has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly online, where platforms offer various time controls that push players to make decisions rapidly. The game’s timeless appeal and the mental discipline it fosters make it a powerful tool for improving decision-making skills. Its inclusion in global competitions and the rise of streaming have only increased its visibility and trendiness.

Games that require quick decision-making are trending for a reason — they challenge players to think on their feet, adapt to changing situations, and make decisions that can have immediate consequences. Whether you’re diving into the underworld in Hades, outmaneuvering opponents in Valorant, surviving in Call of Duty: Warzone, taking risks in Aviator, or strategizing in Chess, these games offer a fun and effective way to develop and hone your decision-making abilities.