Not many people pair gaming with education. After all, gaming is viewed as a highly recreational activity, while learning typically focuses on a certain subject in order to enhance specific skills. One has a specific goal, while the other is meant to pass the time.
But that doesn’t mean people who enjoy gaming, whether on their mobile phone or with a board game or with friends online, aren’t developing skills along the way. After all, anyone who considers themselves a fan of a certain title knows that they’ve had to put in a bit of work in order to improve. And the more they improve, the more they’re able to enjoy their preferred game.
And sometimes, the skills learned through gaming are important to succeed in life. They can’t be taught in a classroom through memorization and research projects alone. Instead, gamers slowly but surely develop these skills as they enjoy one of their favorite hobbies. Don’t believe us? Keep reading for some of the most helpful life skills that players of these games develop.
Roulette Teaches Management
As a casino game, there’s always an element of chance in roulette. But whether someone plays online, for convenience and the availability of variations, or heads to a brick-and-mortar establishment, they know all about managing their gameplay. In fact, roulette players are experts in learning how to strategize and plan out their gaming sessions.
There are dozens of approaches that roulette players can take in order to manage their money, bets, and time while playing. These include historical systems like the Martingale System, new outlooks based on science like the Fibonacci approach, and even more recent strategies like the d’Alembert System.
Action Games Impart Observational Skills
Many people are surprised to learn that traditional video games, including action titles like Assassin’s Creed and Star Wars, can teach observational skills. But how does this happen? In action games, players are usually moving quickly—and part of this speed boils down to their decision-making.
To make quick and accurate decisions, action gamers must be able to focus on certain details and filter out unnecessary information as they move through a level. These decisions have an immediate impact, which helps train the mind to start making fast and reliable observations without slowing down.
Word Puzzles Enhance Processing Speed
A word puzzle probably seems like it would help teach language skills. While mobile apps like Wordle and Words With Friends certainly help improve spelling and grammar, the magic behind word puzzles is actually about improving the brain’s processing speed.
In other words, it helps speed up the brain’s ability to read and understand language, along with recalling certain words. Another benefit of this type of recall is in strengthening short-term memory. As the brain gets better at solving word puzzles, its ability to remember information and process information improves greatly.
Competitive eSports Teach Teamwork
Overwhelmingly, people imagine gamers as sitting alone in front of a screen—and possibly even shouting at their virtual teammates through a microphone. Many titles today, especially those played on a PC and console, are multiplayer. And while gamers are stereotyped as being loners with a penchant for outbursts, many are actually incredibly skilled at teamwork.
That’s because they must be able to work with others to succeed—especially if a game involves a team with specialized positions, like in League of Legends. These eSports teams must communicate efficiently and quickly, then shift their play based on the team’s needs.
AR Games Integrate Physical Activity
One of the most popular games to take off in recent years was Pokémon GO. This mobile app brought millions of gamers around the world into the world of augmented reality or AR. Today, dozens of other popular titles have integrated AR technology, bridging digital games with the physical world.
Few people would associate physical activity with gaming (although some might enjoy their Nintendo Wii’s fitness category). However, AR games are now getting many gamers on their feet and out into the world. Along with Pokémon GO, other AR mobile titles include Jurassic World Live and Zombies, Run!
