Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background:</bold> Laparoscopic learning curve requires the development of visuospatial, motor, and coordination skills. People practice such abilities while playing video games many times daily. Prior studies have shown that conventional video games can improve laparoscopic performance. Despite the increasing popularity of mobile games, their potential for laparoscopic training was not studied enough yet. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mobile games on the laparoscopic simulation performance of medical students and to investigate their potential application as a supportive tool in surgical education. <bold>Methods:</bold> We investigated the impact of mobile gaming on laparoscopic simulation performance among medical students. Thirty students with no prior surgical or simulation experience were randomly assigned to gamer and control groups. Both groups received initial training using the Simbionix LAP Mentor™ laparoscopic simulator and completed a baseline assessment. Over three weeks, the gamer group was instructed to play selected mobile games (DATA WING™ and Aim Lab Mobile™), while the control group did not engage in any gaming activity. After the intervention period, both groups were reassessed using the same simulation tasks. Performance was measured through accuracy scores and task completion times across three simulation modules: hand-eye coordination, suture placement, and two-handed maneuvers. <bold>Results:</bold> Following the three-week intervention, the gamer group showed a significant reduction in task completion times for hand-eye coordination and suture placement simulations, whereas accuracy scores remained unchanged. The control group showed no significant improvements except for a moderate increase in bimanual maneuver accuracy. Comparisons between groups showed that the gamer group performed significantly faster after the gaming period. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The player group showed improved time efficiency in laparoscopic simulation tasks. While accuracy scores did not show significant changes, shorter task durations suggest that mobile games could serve as a valuable, low-cost, and accessible complement to learning procedures for laparoscopy. <bold>Trial Registration:</bold> ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT07744399, registered retrospectively on 25 July 2026. </p>