Xbox. PlayStation. Wii. When you think of video games, it’s likely that some of these names will pop into your head. It’s also likely you’ll think about images of Super Mario stomping on bad guys, or of enemy warriors battling on an alien planet in a 3D virtual world. However nowadays video games aren't just for pure entertainment value, games have been put to use in a new way altogether: as a platform for educational, business and therapeutic purposes. For example a non-profit called Childs Play brings video games to hospitalized children, both for entertainment and also because scientific studies have shown that playing games helps patients heal faster with a reduced need for pain medication. Also, some games are actually intended to be educational. A congressionally funded training program called the “University XXI program” has built 21st-century gaming simulations to train U.S. soldiers and Air Force recruits. Also a game called Battlefield started out as a military training program that was later developed into a game. Games can also be used as Motivational Tools. A number of companies have turned to games to increase productivity, morale and retention, reducing turnover rates and absenteeism — measures that will ultimately impact the bottom line.  Take, for instance, the Snowfly Capstone program, a Web-based software program. The idea behind the program is to reinforce positive performance and workplace behaviors, such as showing up to work on time or successfully completing an assigned task. Games can also further cultural competence gGames can not only teach language skills, they can instill and propagate cultural knowledge, sensitivity and awareness. For instance, in a game called “Mission to Iraq,” people must introduce themselves in accordance with local customs. Or, if they’re invited to an Iraqi’s home, they must understand the proper hospitality norms. Additionally, players must understand how to develop business relationships in other cultures. From helping patients heal faster to learning to develop business relationships in other cultures gaming has proven to have a huge impact outside of just entertainment.