Many people seem to perceive video games as a waste of time, even from the early days of gaming consoles. But these days, playing video games may do more for you than just pass the time, like regular board games. They can also teach you valuable skills.
Many gamers find that gaming teaches them to think strategically and work collaboratively. These are what we would consider key skills for various aspects of life. Other skills, such as problem-solving and leadership, also gained from playing games, can help you succeed in your career and achieve your life goals.
Strategic Thinking
The gaming process is planning-oriented. You must think of various strategies quickly and then implement them in one way or another to win over your opponent.
The same qualities are required and tested in the business world when you must also plan and make fast decisions. Here, strategic thinking is extremely crucial. Gaming can help you develop these skills and improve your business acumen, even without realizing it.
Examples of Strategic Games
Examples of video games that can enhance strategic thinking are Sid Meier’s Civilization VI and Virtonomics. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI challenges players to lead civilizations through the ages using military, diplomatic, and cultural tactics.
In Virtonomics, players create and adjust strategies based on market conditions to expand their virtual businesses.
Modern Strategy Games
League of Legends is a more contemporary option, as players must work as a team to outmaneuver opponents and score goals. This calls for quick decision-making and flexibility, two highly valued qualities in the hectic business world.
Problem-Solving
Next on the list is arguably the most coveted skill of all—problem-solving. When faced with challenges, a great gamer and employee must always be able to solve them. Either by thinking outside the box or getting creative with resources, you must find a solution to progress.
Classic Problem-Solving Games
Some classic games well-known to improve your problem-solving skills are Sudoku, chess, and crossword puzzles. If these are too old-fashioned for you, consider online Escape Rooms or Murder Mysteries, which may be more enjoyable because they are often designed with background stories.
Collaborative Problem-Solving
Clue, one of the most famous murder mystery games, for example, can be played by up to 6 people. This means that on top of challenging the brain to think creatively, you can also have fun with friends and improve communication skills in solving problems together.
Managing Risk and Resources
Certain games can also teach you to be resourceful and prepare for the worst-case scenario. Risk and resource management are among the most important abilities for employees, particularly for managers and other higher-level positions.
Resource Management Games
You are tasked to manage resources well in games like Age of Empires, Civilization, and SimCity. Planning and forward-thinking are essential, and they can aid in developing problem-solving abilities. These abilities can help you grow professionally and are helpful in the workplace.
Risk Management Games
If you like to play Brick Snake and Pandemic, you may polish your risk management more. Players are tasked to continuously manage space and anticipate the placement of each new segment to avoid running into walls or the snake’s growing body or managing the outbreak of diseases across the globe.
Improving Hand-Eye Coordination
It’s common knowledge that playing video games can help with hand-eye coordination. Hand-eye coordination can be greatly enhanced by playing simpler, classic games like Fruit Ninja, Super Mario Bros., and Tetris.
First-Person Shooter Games
However, the best outcome would be from First Person Shooter (FPS) games. Some of the most popular first-person shooter games are Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends.
Such first-person shooter games require players to be accurate in their objectives to take out adversaries and aid their group. This requires keen hand-eye coordination and reflexes, skills that can be honed through regular gameplay.
Enhancing Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential in both personal and professional settings. Many video games, especially multiplayer online games, require players to communicate clearly and efficiently with teammates to achieve common goals.
Team-Based Games
Games like Fortnite, World of Warcraft, and Among Us demand that players constantly exchange information, strategize and make decisions as a unit. This practice can translate to better communication skills in real-life situations, such as team projects at work or organizing social events.
Fostering Creativity
Video games often place players in fantastical worlds or scenarios where they must use their imagination to solve problems or advance. This stimulation of the creative process can have significant benefits outside of gaming.
Creative Games
Games like Minecraft, LittleBigPlanet, and The Sims encourage players to create and design their worlds, structures, and narratives. This kind of creative engagement can help enhance creative thinking and innovation in everyday tasks.
Boosting Memory
Many games require players to remember complex controls, storylines, and details about characters or objectives. This can be an effective workout for the brain, helping improve memory.
Memory-Intensive Games
Games such as Portal, The Legend of Zelda, and Assassin’s Creed require players to recall important information and use it to solve puzzles or navigate through the game world. Regularly engaging in these activities can enhance memory capacity and recall abilities.
Building Teamwork Skills
Teamwork is a critical skill in most workplaces. Multiplayer games often require players to work together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.
Cooperative Games
Games like Overwatch, Destiny 2, and Dota 2 are excellent for developing teamwork skills. Players must communicate, strategize, and execute plans together to win, mirroring the collaborative efforts required in a professional setting.
Developing Patience
Many video games teach patience, as players often need to wait for the right moment to act or make strategic decisions. This ability to delay gratification and plan carefully can benefit many aspects of life.
Patience-Building Games
Games like Dark Souls, The Witness, and Stardew Valley require players to take their time, think carefully about their actions, and be patient to progress. This can help develop patience and perseverance in real-life situations.
Enhancing Multitasking Abilities
Multitasking is an essential skill in both personal and professional realms. Many video games demand that players manage multiple tasks simultaneously, improving their ability to juggle different responsibilities.
Multitasking Games
Games such as StarCraft II, Final Fantasy XV, and The Sims require players to keep track of various elements, make quick decisions, and manage resources efficiently. This practice can enhance one’s multitasking abilities in daily life.
Improving Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in many professions. Video games often require players to notice small details to solve puzzles or complete missions.
Detail-Oriented Games
Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, L.A. Noire, and Hidden Object Games challenge players to find hidden items, clues, or subtle hints, sharpening their attention to detail skills.
Conclusion
Video games offer much more than mere entertainment; they can significantly enhance various life and work skills. From strategic thinking and problem-solving to teamwork and multitasking, the skills honed through gaming can have profound applications in real-world scenarios. So, the next time you pick up a controller, remember that you might be doing more than just playing—you could improve your life and career.
FAQs
1. Can playing video games improve my job performance?
Yes, many skills developed through gaming, such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, are highly transferable to the workplace and can improve job performance.
2. Are there specific types of games better for developing certain skills?
Absolutely. For example, strategy games like Civilization VI are great for strategic thinking, while first-person shooters like Valorant can enhance hand-eye coordination.
3. How often should I play video games to see the benefits?
Moderation is key. Playing for about an hour a day can provide benefits without leading to negative effects associated with excessive gaming.
4. Can video games help with mental health?
Yes, video games can offer stress relief, improve mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment, all of which can positively impact mental health.
5. Are multiplayer games better for skill development than single-player games?
Both have their benefits. Multiplayer games are excellent for developing communication and teamwork skills, while single-player games can enhance strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.