Ever since I was a young child video games in all forms have become one of the biggest ways I spend my time, my stress reliever, my comfort, and one of the biggest teachers for the lessons I've taken to heart. Ranging from console, to PC, to handheld games, there is a lesson that can be taken from almost every game. Here are the best lessons that can be taken away from video games many in the community know and love.
1. Sometimes you just have to take a chance and fly
The Assassin's Creed Franchise, especially the first game left a special moment in my heart the first time you jump off one of the buildings to unlock the next area, or in AC II when Ezio jumps of the church side. No matter the circumstances, you'll never know until it happens.
2. Never give up!
Kingdom Hearts I and KHII follows Sora and a whole cast of characters that all show the importance of never giving up... especially when you're facing one simple mini-boss and you can't beat him. I still have flashbacks of Demyx saying "Dance Water Dance!"
3. You will always get farther with good manners and a good attitude.
Bioshock was and still is a marvel of the video gaming world, but goodness knows we did everything we could when we were asked "Would you kindly?" Despite us being controlled throughout the game subconsciously, you can't help but see how successful it was.
4. The world is vast and full of secrets, don't be afraid to explore.
It's a big open world out there, begging to be searched. Don't be afraid to jump to the highest mountains, Skyrim being a perfect example, and hey, if you don't go out there you'll never see the funniest things ever either!
5. Sometimes having a laugh is more important than winning
When Goat Simulator first came out, I was seriously questioning why... and then I played it and loved every second of it.
6. Stick to your gut.
Rockstar Game's Red Dead Redemption probably is in the forefront of my favorite games I've ever played and my most completed. I still have put hours into this game and probably will start up another play through again, because seriously the actual game and the Undead Nightmare DLC are astounding in story, personality, glitches, and more. Through any hardships, do what you must for the people you care about and love, or die trying.
7. Trust your heart
Or just physically use it like in Undertale. Just be careful however...
*Megalovania begins playing in the distance*
Then again...it might land you a date!
8. Live a life of "oh wells", rather than "what ifs"
For those who know me, you've probably heard me mention something about the game Life is Strange, from my Chloe cosplay, hearing me go through another episode, how beautiful the game is in general, or how I am afraid to play the fifth and final episode in the season. This game gives the player so many choices, and while some may not matter in the end, it is better to take risks and truly live, than to ponder the "what ifs" all your life. You don't need special powers to do the right thing and you could potentially regret not making that choice.
9. It's only going to get tougher from here...
But you're only going to get stronger as well.... I mean, after dying a few hundred times in Dark Souls, but hey, that's why I said don't give up earlier right?
And lastly,
10.It is always, always, always okay to take a break
Sometimes when things get wild, the best solution is to take a break. Whether it be from school, family, friends, etc. take some TLC for you, maybe turn on a game and play the night through in Animal Crossing.
While these are some of the top ten lessons I've learned from my years of playing games, there is so much more out there to be learned, cherished, explored, and experienced. No matter what platform you use, never forget to "watch the skies, traveler."
