The underlying game mechanics (e.g. code) affect the psychological aspects of a game. In Skinner’s operant conditioning, partial reinforcement through unpredictability of reward makes reinforcement most successful. The variable interval schedule (i.e. time) is also very effective. Behaviours based on partial reinforcement schedules are difficult to extinguish. Modern games often employ operant conditioning strategies to encourage people to show behaviour the game developer desires. Superstitions often arise in games due to accidental associations. Game developers can also remove superstitions by adjusting game mechanics. Extrinsic reward in video games can make players who play on intrinsic motivation (e.g. liking the challenge) less likely to play. Game mechanics can also lead to unintended behavioural consequences. There are several benefits of video games: Cognitive benefitsPlaying video games can lead to improvements in cognitive skills (e.g. spatial perception). The improvement comes after playing video games for a short period of time (e.g. an hour a week for a week) and the improvements are durable. Training (i.e. through video games) might reduce gender differences in cognitive skills (e.g. spatial perception). Motivation and persistencePlaying video games may lead people to be more persistent in everyday life. However, this evidence is correlational and not causal.Emotional benefits and flowPlaying video games can lead to a more positive mood and flow. Activities that have a potential to create flow have a delicate balance between the person’s ability and the challenge of the task and require intense concentration and focus. In addition to this, they offer clear goals, timely feedback and a sense of control over what happens. Flow is a positive and motivating mental states.Social benefitsPlaying video games can yield social benefits. Cooperative games can lead to more pro-social behaviour. However, anti-social video games (e...