Levelling Up in Life: Can Skills Learned Gaming Translate to the Real World?

The concept of gaming has constantly evolved, the same way the skills associated with every video game have. This is regardless of whether the game is played in person or online. However, while some skills may be innate, others are learned and constantly developed through practice while gaming and in reality. Also, since most of the video games we’ve had over the years are based in reality, the social skills applied to understand them help in the real world. 

It’s no secret that video games are wildly popular across the globe. According to CasinoAlpha, an estimated 2.8 billion people play video games worldwide, making the gaming market bigger than the film and music industries combined. With 90% of children and and 74% of adults in the U.S. reporting that they play video games regularly, games undoubtedly make up a significant chunk of our screen time.

Considering these insane numbers, you may wonder about the benefits of gaming and how valuable skills learned can translate to personal situations. Well, let’s find out.

Cognitive and Interpersonal Skills Developed Through Play

Video games are usually classified into different genres based on the storyline’s development. Some examples of the latest genres include action, adventure, puzzle, RPG, play-to-earn and land strategy games. 

As such, these different genres of video games are believed to require specific abilities to help players access their game’s technology. These specific abilities cannot be purchased, though, but are often formed as video games require time, consistency, study and learning. 

A quick review of key mental abilities involved in gaming and interactions within multiplayer environments will include the following: 

· Strategic thinking

· Leadership

· Problem-solving

· Decision-making

· Collaboration

· Good communication

Professional Applications and Benefits

As stated earlier, there are benefits and applications of gaming skills in our professional fields:

1. Leadership

Gaming communities have leaders who put their foot forward to teach and help fellow gamers grow daily. Such leadership positions soon become part of them and reflect on their professional lives. 

2. Problem-solving

This represents a player’s ability to think and carry out quality decisions in a way that takes care of any activity at hand, a good skill, especially when individuals try to hone it in reality. 

3. Collaboration

The art of collaboration is the process where teamwork is used as a tactic to perform a task or solve problems. The skill also increases data communication at a faster pace and has proven to be an effective tool in any job, company or organization.

Navigating Gaps Between Virtual and Reality

Merging virtual and reality could be a difficult thing to accomplish seeing the visible gaps between the two phases. Hence, it doesn’t pay to compare both aspects, 

First, the games are faster when it comes to pace, and players must be able to react within seconds or risk mistakes. In reality, thoughts are considered in depth as every decision has long-term effects. 

The effects of actions in games are also easily reversible and may not apply to the player’s real life, whereas consequences in reality can affect a gamer’s next decade.

Lastly, there are communication gaps ranging from how game conversations share links to completing objectives and building assets. In reality, emotions are more expressed, and social relationships are prioritized.

Framework for Transferable Competency

The basic framework for transferring game skills to professional spheres is summarized into five best practices:

1. Identification of required skills

2. Set and define career goals

3. Strategize a personal plan for growth

4. Learn and apply lessons

5. Source mentorship

Future: Immersive Simulations and Mixed Reality

Statistics indicate that by 2027, the value of augmented and virtual reality in the retail industry is estimated to be over $100–billion. This suggests that game entertainment and the entire concept of virtual reality will only blend in more with real-life complexities. Now that you know how gaming skills can apply to reality, feel free to join the virtual ride for all-around efficiency.