Scientists are finally validating what many of us have known for a long, long time. Gaming is not inherently bad for you. The kicker? Some of the genres most reviled by anti-gaming activists may actually improve parts of the brain in a myriad of important ways.

A recent study, published in the journal Nature, reveals new information on how video games can affect the brain. Lead by Gregory West, the study used different game genres to examine the impact of gaming on a subject’s hippocampus.

Let’s face it. Video games are no longer just a hobby. When screened by parents and played in moderation, video games can help your child in a number of unexpected ways.

For kids, especially young ones, the sandbox is a kingdom of experimentation and control. It’s a safe space to try out any idea, free from judgement and curriculum. It embodies learning through trial and error and gives them full control over the shape of their world. This freedom is an incredibly important ingredient in the creative recipe and translating it to other play spaces may be easier than you realize.