Blogpost 3: Skills Acquired in Playing Games

To become a strong player, gamers invest their outmost efforts in playing games. In the case of MMORPG, the most common power identity of a gamer is the status (the avatars) and the gaming skill of the player. The status or stats is the mathematical computation of your character’s strength (may include attack, defence, vitality, dexterity, intellect etc.) while the gaming skill is how you play the game, or in other words, your gaming style. But how does this avatar’s stats the same as your own stats? Is obsessive gaming makes increases real life skills? How does your “style” affect you in your real life?

Studies say that playing games (in general) makes an individual intellectually smart. According to the article “The Positive and Negative Effects of Video Games” of the site http://www.raisesmartkid.com, Chacha Tumbokon(Psychologist) says that, “Playing video games change the brain’s physical structure the same way as do learning to read, playing the piano, or navigating using a map. Much like exercise can build muscle, the powerful combination of concentration and rewarding surges of neurotransmitters like dopamine strengthen neural circuits that can build the brain.”  It is common for other people see video games as entirely a negative thing for the youth because of the impression it had on society before. But let us face the other side of the picture. Games aren’t entirely bad. In my observation, most of the gamers I met are smart people. How can I consider that? Well most of them, though they really are addicted to playing games, are academically smart. I have this one friend back in high school, he was addicted to many MMORPG’s and yet he’s still one of the class’ best students. In addition, he is really a good gamer. So how can I connect the dots of a practically smart person to a great gamer?

On the article “Positive Effects of Video Games on Children” (of the site: http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/) by Lisa Weber, she listed the six main good effects of video games in children as: Critical Thinking, Social Development, Educational, Hand-Eye Coordination and Emotional Outlet. “Children can experience some positive benefits from a moderate amount of time playing either violent or non-violent video games.” 

·         Critical thinking occurs when in game situations are between life and death (of the avatar, ofcourse). Gamers need to make quick decisions.

·         Social development is vital in playing MMORPG. Since it is massively multi-player, you are ought to communicate and socialize between co-players. This includes friendships, rivalries, relationships etc.

·         Educational may be about the different fields of knowledge. Whether it is mathematics or physics, it depends upon the game you are playing. The most emphasized field gamers will improve in playing MMORPG’s is linguistics.

·         Hand-eye coordination or better response time is mainly about the reaction speed of our mind. Of course when you are playing games, a kick or a punch of your avatar is just a click away. But that doesn’t just end there; simple coordination in games can also be applied in real life. Example situation, catching a falling at ease etc.

·         Emotional outlet – Playing games can be a form of relaxation and tranquillity to players. Other’s find playing games as their way of releasing their negative feelings.

Those are only few of the positive effects of gaming to children. So how can these skills make intellectually smart persons? Simple, games serves as a training ground to players. Just imagine how hours and hours of gaming affect you. Just keep in mind that not all excess is good. We must take all things under moderation and try not to be lured in it. Either way, addiction won’t do any good to us so we must learn how to control things and balance. Cyberworld or reality, just chill and enjoy both.