Yes, Programmers play video games. While some see it as a waste of time, others believe it’s a fun, relaxing end-of-day activity.
On the other hand, Gameplay Programmers selectively play video games not just for the fun but also to improve their creative thinking and thought process.
Best Coding Games for Programmers
Playing coding games can be a fun way of testing and improving your programming skills
Let’s take a look at the 8 best coding games for programmers.
1. Robocode
Robocode is a complex programming game that has you code robot tanks and pits them against each other.
Your job is to write the artificial intelligence that drives your robots to success—using real languages like Java, Scala, C#, and more.
2. Human Resource Machine
In Human Resource Machine, you play as an office worker who completes tasks by combining various instructions together.
In a sense, this game is all about puzzle-solving through visual programming, even going as far as to touch on concepts like logical flow and memory management—but presented in an easy-to-digest, office-themed way.
3. Shenzhen I/O
Shenzhen I/O is a puzzle game where you’re tasked with creating simplified circuits and writing simplified assembly code that runs on said circuits.
4. TIS-100
TIS-100 is a video game like no other, forcing you to learn and use a mock version of low-level assembly code to solve its puzzles.
5. Vim Adventures
Vim Adventures is an online game based on VIM’s keyboard shortcuts, it helps you get better at using the Vim text editor.

6. CodeCombat
CodeCombat is a web app for game-like puzzles and challenges that can only be solved by writing code.
It is a game-based learning platform properly modified for educators, parents and students.
7. CodinGame
An interesting and entertaining one where you get to solve puzzles and challenges by writing real code and supports over 25 languages.
Does Gaming make you a good programmer?
For most programmers, playing video games is a fun way to refresh the mind after a hectic daily routine. Additionally, proper gaming can also improve one’s coding prowess because it increases mental strength and enhances logical skills which are both vital for decision-making and problem-solving.
Here are 5 reasons why playing video games is beneficial for programmers.
- Gaming boost learning and memory
- It augments logical thinking
- It improves problem-solving and multitasking skills
- It enhances cognitive flexibility and mental prowess
- It improves concentration and attentiveness
Are all programmers gamers?
Not all programmers are gamers but most top gamers are programmers.
A lot of game developers got into game development because of their love for games which led to a burning desire to design games utilizing their gaming experience to visualize what makes a game unique.
Even Mark Zuckerberg claimed that he had started to learn to program because he was interested in the inner workings of his favorite games.

Games Week, Milan Italy Oct 24, 2014
Final Thoughts
Gaming is a fun activity and also beneficial to programmers.
But programmers don’t spend their whole day gaming, efficient programmers only play video games at the close of work, during weekends, or when they are on leave.
If you are just getting started with programming but already a gamer, you’ll need to properly manage your time else your coding growth will be hindered.
You can try the reward system of getting jobs done when you only play games for a set hour after completing your coding tasks or a milestone of tasks depending on your workload.
And it’s a wrap.
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