Can Video Games Really Help Your Child Become a Better Reader?

Exploring the Unexpected Link Between Reading and Gaming

If your child struggles with reading, you're not alone—and you're not failing. As a parent, it can be incredibly disheartening to watch your child dread homework, trip over simple words, or avoid books altogether. You may have already tried tutoring, reading together at night, or even rewards charts. But what if, in the middle of those battles over bedtime and book reports, the very thing your child begs to do—play video games—could offer some unexpected help with reading?

It might sound too good to be true. But recent research is challenging some long-standing assumptions. While it’s true that not all screen time is created equal, certain types of games can actually support aspects of literacy. Instead of jumping to remove the controller, it might be worth examining how strategic gaming—done in balance—could become a bridge to better reading skills.

How Video Games Engage the Literacy Brain

Think for a moment: what does your child actually do during a video game? In many cases, especially story-based games or role-playing adventures, they’re not just shooting or jumping—they’re reading. Quests need to be interpreted. Maps have instructions. Characters hold conversations. Whether it’s dialogue subtitles or mission objectives, reading is embedded into the experience.

For a reluctant reader, this is huge. Video game text often appears in short, manageable chunks—just a few lines at a time, surrounded by colorful visuals and action. This creates a low-pressure way to practice reading with immediate rewards. There’s a strong motivation to understand what’s being said, and that makes the words feel more useful and relevant.

In fact, some research suggests that games requiring problem-solving and decoding written information can help nurture comprehension and vocabulary skills. For example, puzzle games with clues written in text promote critical thinking and inference—the same skills kids need when tackling a chapter book.

But What About Concentration and Focus?

One common concern parents raise is that video games make kids distractible or hyper. And yes, some studies show games can overstimulate attention systems, depending on the type and amount of play. However, not all gaming experiences are created equal. Games that emphasize calm exploration, narrative depth, or strategy can actually encourage mindfulness and sustained focus.

In our article on video games and concentration, we explore how different genres affect attention differently. The key consideration is not just "how long" your child is playing, but "what" they're playing and with what purpose. Cooperative or storytelling games, especially those that involve empathy, choice-making, and reading cues, tend to support deep cognitive engagement rather than undermine it.

When Video Games Support Emotional Confidence in Learning

Struggling with reading at school can erode a child’s self-esteem. If a child constantly feels slower or ‘behind,’ even a simple batch of spelling homework can become emotionally loaded. Gaming can offer an alternative space for success, and that emotional reset matters more than we often realize.

Imagine your child successfully completing a game that involved reading clues and interpreting instructions—and then being praised for it, even if it wasn’t “schoolwork.” That satisfaction, that sense of “I can do this,” opens the door to more engagement and risk-taking in reading. In moments of school-related stress, a well-chosen video game can become a step toward rebuilding some academic confidence.

For example, in our recent article on handling school overwhelm, we highlight how alternative learning environments—like games, movement, or audiobooks—can lighten the emotional load on kids without compromising their growth. Used wisely, gaming can be one of these tools.

Healthy Limits and Creative Pairings

None of this means handing your child a console and walking away. As with any tool, the real power comes from how you use it. Video games work best for literacy when paired thoughtfully with other language-rich activities.

One powerful combination? Games and audiobooks. If your child’s attention span wanes with silent reading, try weaving in audiobooks after a round of game play. Listening to stories builds vocabulary, narrative structure recognition, and comprehension—all essential for good reading. Apps like LISN Kids offer hundreds of original audio stories designed specifically for children aged 3 to 12. Available on iOS and Android, the app can provide a soothing transition from tech-driven stimulation to peaceful, story-based engagement.

And if your child is dealing with emotional overload, consider balancing screen time with quiet listening time. Audiobooks can serve as a gentle, non-threatening way to interact with language, which may be particularly useful on days when reading feels like too much. You can learn more about this in our guide to a gentle approach to preventing mental overload.

Guidance for Moving Forward

If video games are already a part of your child’s life—or if you’ve been on the fence about allowing them—it may help to reframe how you view them. Not as the enemy of books, but as a possible ally in developing reading skills, especially for children who feel discouraged by more traditional methods.

Do choose narrative-driven games with subtitles, quests, character choices, or puzzles based on written instructions. Stay involved—play a round together, ask about the story, and connect what's happening in the game to real-world problem-solving. Help your child make the link between text on screen and their daily progress, both as a gamer and a reader.

And remember, it’s okay to mix it up—stories come in many forms. Whether through books, screens, or voices, what matters most is that your child feels excited, empowered, and emotionally safe as they grow.