Play has long been part of how people learn, interact, and make sense of the world, whether through childhood games, organized sports, or today’s digital experiences.
That enduring human instinct underpins PAPAYA’s (formerly Papaya Gaming, the developer of Solitaire Cash, a popular solitaire game in the US) ongoing work with the National Institute for Play (NIFP), which explores why play remains central to development and well-being. As digital games become more woven into everyday life, their ability to mirror the natural patterns of curiosity and challenge has made them a meaningful outlet for people of every age.
Part of the appeal of digital games lies in the feeling of facing challenges that are neither trivial nor overwhelming. Heidi Erwin, Senior Game Designer at The New York Times, explains that compelling games rely on well-calibrated obstacles that invite steady effort rather than easy victories. Her perspective aligns with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow, a mental zone where attention sharpens and abilities meet just the right level of challenge. Erwin notes that even small steps of progress can elevate a person’s mood and reinforce a sense of capability.
Psychologist Peter Gray broadens this view by showing how digital gaming reflects the qualities of healthy, voluntary play. With billions of players worldwide, he argues that these games provide opportunities for autonomy, mastery, cooperation, and communication, all of which support social and emotional growth. Adults in particular often lose unstructured play as their responsibilities increase, and Gray suggests that digital games offer a simple path back to exploration, shared problem-solving, and enjoyment.
Cognitive benefits also emerge from repeated interaction with well-designed digital environments. Journalist Henry Shaw points out that many games challenge players to make quick decisions, adjust strategies, and manage resources, strengthening skills that are useful far beyond the screen. Supporting this, researchers at the University of Pisa have found that certain types of gameplay can activate the hippocampus, supporting memory processes that tend to weaken with age. These gains can persist after the game is put away, indicating longer-lasting effects on mental performance.
Emotional resilience is another area where digital play shows promise. Studies from the University of Southern California reveal that structured, interactive games can help individuals recovering from trauma by offering space for choice, self-regulation, and safe social engagement. This growing body of research reflects a broader recognition that games can be more than entertainment. “Digital games can be a powerful force for good when they are designed with intention,” says Uri Pearl Stein, VP Marketing at PAPAYA. He notes that PAPAYA’s focus on building experiences that nurture confidence, focus, and connection aligns with what people increasingly need in a fast-moving world. As insights from science and design continue to converge, digital play stands out as a meaningful route to curiosity, competence, and connection, offering players small but significant ways to feel better and think more clearly in daily life.
