'Mortal Kombat 11,' the latest installment in the best-selling fighting game adds deeper customization options, along with a new story, modes, and improved graphics. While many video games debut during the all-important gift-giving holiday season – about 40 percent of titles launch in November and December alone, says The NPD Group – you might want to save up for a few big spring games over the next month or two. In the coming weeks, action fans, in particular, can soon choose between a fighting game sequel, a beloved and remastered fantasy role-playing game (RPG), and a pair of bleak but compelling dystopian adventures – all due out in late April to mid-May. Here's a sneak peek at four eagerly-awaited offerings, all of which are rated for ages 13 or higher. The latest installment in the acclaimed fighting game franchise (WB Games; out April 23, $59.99, rated Mature for ages 17-up, for Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PCs) offers a more personalized approach with its "Custom Character Variation System."

People who played action video games that involve first-person shooters, such as Call of Duty and Medal of Honor, experienced shrinkage in a brain region called the hippocampus, according to a study published Tuesday in Molecular Psychiatry. That part of the brain is associated with spatial navigation, stress regulation and memory. Playing Super Mario games, in which the noble plumber strives to rescue a princess, had the opposite effect on the hippocampus, causing growth in it. Scientists have done dozens of studies looking to see if playing video games affects people's health and behavior. There's some evidence they may improve people's visual short-term memory and eye-hand coordination.

Trendy brain training computer games may be a waste of time and money, scientists have revealed. They said that while people may get better at the exercise they practise, there is little or no evidence this helps them in their day to day lives. Numerous companies make packages of games, puzzles and exercises that are designed to improve memory, boost attention span or simply keep the mind sharp into old age. Brain training computer games may be a waste of time and money, scientists said last night. Researchers examined more than 130 studies into brain training.

It was time to begin teaching my class. The children were in their seats, laptops turned on, ready to begin. I scanned the doorway, hoping for one more girl to arrive: there were nine boys in my class and just two girls. I was conducting free coding classes, but young girls were still reluctant to attend. As a 15-year-old computer enthusiast, I was baffled by this lack of interest.