As flattering as some research results will present, ideally it doesn't lead to a hubris among game players.

Modern games have a lot of perfect maps or compasses with constant feedback on position, while real life doesn't always have. And generally in-game maps are much simpler than maps of real life towns. Gaming will probably fall short on the benefits it imparts in that respect. However, I guess nowadays, the trend is to use a mobile phone as a navigator.