Games these days definitely improve the memory of players
. Players need to learn for example how the weapons or skills of their character or craft works and memorize how and when it would be best to use them. The same goes for the large playing areas in games these days. If you play on these huge playing areas it is always best the remember where things are in that area. This will help you in progressing faster and avoiding the same pitfalls that might be thrown in your path.
Games are one of the best ways to learn about consequences. Games work on the principle of reactions to your actions. What this means is that you will have to face the consequences of your actions while playing. If you make good choices you will progress through the game, while you will not be as lucky with bad choices.
You need to think quickly and act just as fast. Decision making in games are a crucial part of getting better at games. As you play games more often your decision making skills will dramatically improve. The element of surprise is a crucial factor for game developers in keeping the attention of players. If you can make decisions faster and act on them quickly you will be able to manage many of the situations that pop up throughout a game.
You need to explore more. Exploring is a crucial skill when playing games. It encourages players to really look at their surroundings in different ways and finding the hidden answers. Many of the games actually have a puzzle element built in that can only be solved by exploring new and unchartered parts of your surroundings. You need to then also add in some courage to go where no one has gone before in an attempt to find your answers.
You will get better at solving problems. All games are essentially built around solving problems. It doesn't matter what game it is in what genre. Games may have a few problems that need solving or can have many different ones. The fact remains if you want to come out victorious on the other side you need to solve problems, constantly.
These are a few of the benefits you can enjoy from playing games. They are not only there for your enjoyment. If you have a closer look at them and think a little about it, you will definitely find many more benefits to playing games. The focus will always be on the fun you will get from playing, but don't let anyone tell you that is all it is.