Many of us have grown up playing video games and have enjoyed the times spent doing so. Although for many years we've been told that all they do is rot you brain, contribute to obesity, fuel a mindset of anger, and a slew of other negative results from playing these games but now research tells us otherwise. The Chicago Tribune released an article earlier this with facts and personal stories stating new data proving that video games may be more helpful and hurtful. These new findings tell of children with intellectual disabilities improving in cognitive functions as well as social practices and a higher interest in learning about the world.
The article also shows research stating that many gamers are less inclined to snack while playing and also burn more calories while playing over people who just watch TV or surf the net. This evidence is trying to refute previous theories that video games contribute to obesity and health issues. John Keilman, the reporter covering the story, interviewed Roman Rivera. Rivera, a 21-year-old college student, contributes video games to helping him succeed in the real world. Rivera was a high school debater and is now a thriving economics major at the University of Chicago states gaming helped him broaden his interest, improve his mental dexterity, and enhanced abilities that were not always present.
I have compiled a list of personal lessons and skills I have learned from video games. I hope my testimony will further this new theory and convert naysayers to see that video games are not mindless trash but a treasure trove of knowledge as well as a positive, recreational use of time.
1. Time management skills - Minecraft
Anyone who as ever played Minecraft knows that time management is key in survival mode. In the game the during the day the sun is out and you're free to roam as you please collecting materials, discovering the landscape, and building your shelter but as night approaches so do the things that go bump in the night. Some of these creepy-crawlys whose only intention is to harm you are spiders, zombies, and skeleton archers. Oh my! The worst of all is the creeper. These four-legged green creatures will explode anytime they get close to you and ruin all your hard work. Examples of this are destroying your homes, causing mine collapses, and worst of all killing you. Thus is the reason time management is everything in Minecraft.
2. Anything worth having takes hard work - World of Warcraft
As a player in the online World of Warcraft you start as a lowly level one with little skill and equipment as whatever race you choose. You meet key A.I., artificial intelligence, other players and bosses over time that you learn from and gain experience. Though many days weeks months of play you finally reach your max level but this wasn't easy you've conquered realms, fought unbeatable enemies, and traveled countless miles. All is worth it in the end as you ride off into the sunset with your pet dragon to slay noobs, new players, in the forest.
3. Your choices make you who you are - Infamous 2
In Infamous 2 you play as Cole, a delivery boy turned super human, who's main goal is to destroy the Beast, an unrelenting giant who totally wipes out any city in his path. Along Cole's journey you have choices that push you toward infamy, either as a good guy or bad guy. These choices directly affect your powers, companions, and ultimately the climax of the game. In doing this you learn that how you live your life makes you who others and yourself perceive you to be.
4. A good defense is the best offense - Clash of Clans
This time-based game comes in the form of a free app. You build your army and base up while leveling up in leagues based off of the trophies you collect during attacks. In these bases you build you collect resources that fuel your army as well as pay for upgrades to your base. At a certain level you can join a clan and fight in wars that allow you to gain more trophies, resources, and special privileges. All of this is for not if you don't have a good defense. Most of your play time you're waiting for armies to build and upgrades to happen all the while you are under attack from other players. Rival players steal resources, know as loot when taken, and gain your trophies when they defeat you. thus the reason one would need a good defense. Leveling up becomes more difficult as more resources are needed to move ahead and if you are broke of these resources then this could take a while.
5. Fiscal responsibility and managerial skills - RollerCoaster Tycoon
This game has taught me more about spending and saving than any personal finance class. You are the owner of an amusement park in this game that has to deal with all the day to day working of owning a business. You control everything from workers to the complete design of a park all the while on a budget. the player must ensure the happiness of the customers and safety of the rides within the park. All of the factors contribute to yearly revenue and success all the while teaching players these positive skills that can be put to use in future situations and careers.
6. Expect the unexpected - ANY Call of Duty game
Just like in real life this game has many unexpected occurrences that make your blood boil. Anything from a bouncing betty to a 10th Prestige quick scoper can kill you at anytime, anywhere in a multiplayer game so a player must be ready for this at all times. Not only these things can happen but unfortunate circumstances such as falling off a roof that too high or the host quitting and having to migrate to another while someone has you in their sights can assure an unwarranted death and ruin your kill streak or KD. (Kills to death ratio) Although the worst death of all is the inglorious noob tuber running aimlessly with a rocket or grenade launcher killing you and ticking you off to the point of throwing a controller or yelling obscenities into your headset. All of these teach you to expect the unexpected.
7. Not everyone is trustworthy - Super Smash Brothers
Like many of this generations gamers I grew up on this game. It gave many years of joy and does to this day. This classic is always a go to game when with friends but it has a dark side. In Smash Bros you fight to the death with four characters from across the Nintendo universe at a time. As many games are you form alliances with fellow players to take out the strongest or weakest players first and this is where it gets ugly. Childhood friends turn on each other within seconds for a quick moment of glorious victory. I've seen friends not talk for days over a sour game of Smash Bros but as the saying goes, "alls fair in love and wars."
8. NEVER shoot a barrel (up close) - Any game!
Now this lesson may bit a of a farce but it could ring true in real life. As all avid gamers know and as newbies soon find out in almost any video game shooting a barrel, especially those red in color, can result in death almost every time. This can also be used to your advantage though if an enemy is near. this application is self explanatory outside of the virtual world.
I could go one with a much larger list than this but I hope this will suffice for now. Hopefully while reading this you see that not all video gaming is negative but can actually benefit the players immensely and create a fellowship if you will amongst those that play. Happy gaming.
