Portal 2 kicks Lumosity's ass
That's a quote from a researcher who has done some initial tests between the two in relation to improvements in cognitive ability over the short term.
http://www.popsci.com/article/gadgets/portal-2-improves-cognitive-skills-more-lumosity-does-study-finds
It's an interesting read. The topic obviously needs more research, but maybe all those hours spent on puzzle games weren't a waste after all... Still don't think it would apply to Quake though. Sorry guys.
Those of you who are still at university or have access to research institutions might be able to access the research findings for free:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131514001869
Actually go to same Uni as Shawn Green. Went to one of his talks on neuro-plasticity, particularly with regards to vision, and found FPS games can dramatically improve your ability to detect contrast, peripheral response, and just over-all vision in people with amblyopia. I *think* it was part of this -
https://postlab.psych.wisc.edu/files/1513/8202/5221/annurev-neuro-ShawnGreen.pdf
Actually by the Green mentioned in your article.
If you're really interested in games and learning (and really, just psychology of games in general) check out James Paul Gee; he talks about how entertainment really is necessary for a good learning experience and he doesn't bore you to death.
Or if you want (kinda dry) case studies and such, Constance Steinkuehler (and some peeps) churned out a book, Games, Learning, and Society, that is essentially a collection of studies done on how games effect various aspects of our lives.
Short term isn't exactly what most people worry about when it comes to the brain.
It's so tempting to kind of self-diagnose yourself when it comes to the brain, but I guess that temptation should be fought for the sake of avoiding pseudo-science.
The kinds of benefits I'm imagining from gaming are probably a bit too vague to even get an experimental handle on. But I wonder how general memorable experiences in gaming affect the brain. So how much did someone's favourite video game (or book or movie) affect the state of their brain in the long term?