Interactive entertainment, particularly video and board games, has become an integral aspect of contemporary recreation and cognitive engagement. With nearly 40% of the global population engaging in gaming activities, research has increasingly focused on the cognitive processes involved in gameplay. This chapter explores the complex interplay between gaming and cognitive functions, including attention, memory, problem-solving, executive functions, and decision-making. Empirical studies suggest that gaming enhances selective attention, visuospatial processing, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Moreover, video games have been investigated for their potential as cognitive training tools, with promising applications in educational and clinical settings. However, the relationship between gaming and cognition is bidirectional, with individual cognitive abilities influencing game engagement and vice versa. While well-structured gaming experiences may foster cognitive development across different life stages, excessive or unregulated gameplay can pose risks, such as diminished academic performance and cognitive overload. This chapter also examines methodological challenges in assessing gaming’s cognitive benefits, the impact of different game genres, and the role of serious games in cognitive interventions. Future research should refine experimental designs and explore the long-term cognitive implications of interactive entertainment in diverse populations.