Gaming is usually seen as nothing more than a hobby at most, and even that is sometimes discouraged because the idea is that there are better things that you could do with your time. But what if we looked at the positives of playing games, whether that be video games or any other sort of game, such as online poker? Arguably, where there’s an incentive at the end of the game like winning a prize of some kind, then we might say that it’s actually helping to build skills that can be applied outside of the gaming world as well.
Strategic problem solving, team-building skills and proactive behavior, and taking initiative, are just a few of the benefits that come to mind when thinking about some of the positive outcomes of gaming. Not to mention it exercises muscles in your brain, which is particularly useful for those that are more mature. To find out more about the development of skills gained from gaming, keep reading below!
‘The Winner Effect’
In biological terms, the ‘winner effect’ is usually used to describe how animals have a greater chance, or at least feel as though they have a greater chance, of winning against stronger opponents particularly after having beaten weaker opponents. It’s that window during victory where they get a dopamine and testosterone boost that is responsible for the more motivated and confident state of being.
The same can be applied to us humans as well, and can actually have long-term benefits to it. After having won a game of poker, or perhaps being placed first in a Fortnite round, you’re much more likely to play again against stronger enemies because you’ve already won once, so what’s stopping you from doing it again?
The dopamine boost can really help to explain why a prize is such a good incentive for wanting to play games, and it’s not a bad thing either because of all the additional skills and benefits you’re subconsciously picking up along the way.
Skills You’re Developing Without Realizing
As mentioned earlier, playing games where you have a chance of winning is great in itself, but you also develop a lot of skills that can be transferred into the real world at your place of work, or even in just how you interact and socialize with others.
Quicker Decision Making
One of the skills you can hone as a result of playing games is your reaction time and how quickly you can make snap decisions. Some games focus on this in particular, such as Beyond: Two Souls or Telltale Series games where decision making is the key interactive element in the game and each decision you make can determine how the game will end.
In many other games, you may even be doing it subconsciously without realizing it. An example is timing your attack and being extremely precise in when you want to attack your enemy. Playing the waiting game is also an example of you making that decision to wait the extra few seconds, for your ultimate victory.
Strategy
Forming a strategy both over time as well as on the spot is another skill set that you can develop through games with practice. In a game like Genshin Impact, for instance, you may wish to plan out your week and decide which quests to do on which days to maximize rewards and to get the most you possibly can out of a particular challenge or quest.
In real life too, especially in a work environment, knowing how to strategize is an important skill that could really help you grow in your career because not only can you make immediate decisions, but you can simultaneously look at the bigger picture and think more long-term as well.
Consistency
If there’s one thing that video games teach you, especially at a frustratingly difficult level, is consistency and patience. You’re well aware that it is only after clearing that certain level that you can progress forward, so you keep attempting to beat the level despite the numerous failures before.
Completing simple missions and daily quests in games often doesn’t give huge rewards at once, but over time they can really build up, which is an example of you developing consistency and recognizing that small daily acts will eventually give you the fruits of your labor.
Skills for the Elderly
It may come as a surprise but there’s no limit as to when you can start developing your skills from playing games. Research has shown that elderly people playing video games can actually delay diseases like Alzheimer’s because the stimulation acts as a sort of ‘mental workout’.
Aside from its cognitive benefits, it also allows those of mature age to retain (or develop) their communication skills as it gives them a socializing forum. Some of the elderly have even managed to break into the world of streaming, and have developed followings on platforms such as Youtube or Twitch, which is a new skill set acquired in itself!
