There is a lot to learn from video games. Games with puzzles challenge our brains to find solutions and solve problems, while fast-paced action games can improve reaction time. I want to celebrate this learning through games by summarizing some real-world lessons I have learned through games.
1 You have to grind for rewards
When I started playing World of Warcrafta massively multiplayer online role-playing game, at age 12, I quickly realized that the game had more in common with a real job and school than other games. I had to work hard to get any kind of reward. To reach the highest level in the game, I had to play it every day for months, completing dozens of quests and killing hundreds of enemies.
When I reached level 80 (the limit in Wrath of the Lich King), it was more of the same. To get better gear and improve my character, I had to log in daily to complete daily quests and dungeons to earn rewards, reach the weekly maximum amounts for PvP rewards, and coordinate raids with other players. Even “farming” gold in the game was a tedious task. Still, the more I played and the harder I worked, the more rewards I received.
This experience translated perfectly to the adult world. If you want to make money, you have to work, and if you want to get a better job to make even more money, you have to improve your skills to learn how to do more complicated jobs. The way games like World of Warcraft Treating gameplay like a real job isn’t for everyone, but there’s no doubt about the lesson learned from it.
As a writer, I have to complete the day’s tasks first before rewarding myself with a gaming session. When you think about it, most of what we do in the real world is just grinding. Luckily, by playing a lot of games that require you to fight for rewards, I’ve learned to fall in love with the process and appreciate the rewards.
2 Advanced driving techniques
I used to own a racing wheel and have played a lot of racing games over the years. Admittedly, most of my time was spent playing arcade racing games like ForzaHorizon than more realistic sim racers, but some basic laws of physics also apply in these games.
When I finally got my first car this year (a rear-wheel drive BMW E46), I noticed that when my car started to lose traction, it would oversteer and drift. This actually happens quite often because most of the roads where I live are uneven.
The first time I lost control of my car, my muscle memory kicked in and I intuitively knew how to regain traction. Instead of panic braking, I lightly stepped on the accelerator and counter-steered, regaining control. One gamer thanked video games for saving him from an accident at 70 mph.
Offroad simulation games like Mud Runner And SnowRunner can also develop a feel for traction management and throttle control off-road. My car got stuck in gravel once, and even though I’d only been driving for a few months at that point, I knew from playing games that flooring the throttle would just cause the wheels to spin, so instead I rocked the car back and forth to get out of the hole.
3 It’s easier when you’re not alone
I’ve always been shy and independent, which means I never ask for help. In games, I usually do things alone, like attacking enemies from behind in first-person shooters or defeating dungeons and bosses by myself. However, in multiplayer games, other players often help me without expecting anything in return. This has made me realize that with a little help, it’s much easier to overcome challenges.
No game embodies this collaboration better than Fallout76. My high-level friend helps me by giving me equipment and completing quests with me. Also, many players open shops in their camps where they sell plans at a discounted price. These plans are necessary to craft equipment, accessories, and more.
Through this kind of helpful collaboration, I have realized that life is much easier when you are not afraid to ask for help. I no longer hesitate to ask my family members to do something for me and I actively reach out to my colleagues when I have questions.
4 Accept your failure, but keep fighting
Games often add a layer of challenge in the form of a punishment mechanic, such as losing or dying. Some games are notoriously punishing, such as Soulslike gamesElden Ring And Dark Souls. I died a lot in those games, so I got used to losing. I could only progress by defeating the enemies that held me back, which required a lot of patience, resilience and perseverance.
Likewise, in life, I can’t always win. Some projects will fail no matter how hard I try, and that’s OK. The most important thing is that I learn from my mistakes and never stop trying.
5 Think outside the box
Adventure games are full of creative puzzles. Hogwarts Legacy and the Uncharted The series is the first thing that springs to mind. Many of these puzzles require you to think outside the box, but stay within the game’s boundaries – you can’t walk over a ledge or jump over an obstacle if the game doesn’t allow it.
Instead, you have to explore the environment and think about how to use the tools provided to you to progress. I find it helps to think like the level designers. I ask myself, “If I were the level designer, what final solution would I come up with?”
It’s equally insightful to look at things in the real world from a different perspective. You can resolve problems and conflicts much more easily when you consider alternative approaches that work with the tools you already have at your disposal.
6 Explore new places with and without a map
Most games provide players with a map (and a minimap or compass) to help them navigate the game world. Similarly, we can use Google Maps in the real world, which is surprisingly similar to maps in games. In games, the map can show nearby points of interest; similarly, Google Maps can help you find and get to nearby restaurants, cafes, and historical sites.
However, even with a map, finding your way can be difficult. Maps don’t always take into account new roads, roadworks or even one-way streets. In pedestrian areas, a map is often less useful on foot, so you’ll need to use your orientation skills.
Some games do not have a map, such as Lies by P.or they do not offer local maps for dungeons and cities, like Skyrim and even MinecraftInstead, you need to remember where you came from by memorizing landmarks and paths and paying attention to your surroundings.
I didn’t even realize how well developed my navigation skills were until I went to Istanbul with my fiancée. The city has a complicated layout with many similar small streets, but I was still able to remember which turns we took and how to get back to our hotel. This skill came in handy when my phone battery died and I no longer had access to Google Maps. Did video games help? I like to think they did.
I am a big believer in the power of learning through video games, especially at a young age. However, games can become addictive, so it is important that parents keep gaming time under control. A good idea is to provide your children with an old laptop so they can learn through video games without sacrificing safety and control.
