A research team from the University of Rochester has found that playing action intensive video games like Call Of Duty is actually good for the functioning of the brain. The study claims that our brains are always trying to predict what will happen next, and as we grow we develop mental templates that help us figure out what will happen next and what to expect.

The researchers wanted to find out if gamers were better at creating these mental templates because of their rich experiences in playing such genres of games. To find out, they divided their test subjects into two groups. One group was made to play an intense game like Call of Duty or Unreal Tournament while the other group played a slower paced game like The Sims.

Before and after they began playing these games, they were given pattern recognition tests to complete. The action video game players performed better in the tests as compared to those who played The Sims.

The researchers also found that the Call of Duty players' improved brainpower had a lasting effect. Several months later they still outperformed those playing slower paced games by building better mental templates.

So the next time someone tells you you're becoming a zombie in front of that screen, kindly ignore.