Self-improvement through Video Games

This week's topic will be about how games can improve a player's knowledge as well as improve certain skills. Now, I'm not talking about educational games that are created for the sole purpose of teaching the player mathematics, English, history, science or so forth. I'm talking about those times when you had learned new words or had your reflexes improved simply because of a video game you've played in the past.

Below are some of the things a player can learn from playing video games.

1. Knowledge of a certain topic such as history, weapons, myths, etc.
2. Languages
3. To never give up
4. Co-operaticve tactics
5. Strategic planning
6. The difference between good and bad
7. Virtues such as patience, loyalty, chivalry, etc.
8. Hand-eye coordination
9. Organizational skills
10. Expanded vocabulary

I myself owe a lot to video games because they significantly helped me learn the English language, expanded my vocabulary, improved my spelling, grammar and pronunciation as well as teaching me valuable virtues. Anyway, when you design a game, have a think about what kind of things you can teach the player while they play your game or what may intrigue them enough that they will seek interest in it once they're finished playing your game.

With all this said, it is important then to keep your information as accurate as possible where applicable. This is rather tricky for me to explain as it varies from game to game. But for example, if you are inserting the Yakuza into your game for the purpose of portraying the Yakuza and using them as they are, then make sure you do your research about them first. If you are parodying them, change their name. If it's part of an alternate timeline, make sure that this is clear to the player.

I hope that made sense to you. Just remember that as game designers, you have the power to not only educate players, but change their perspective on certain things, good or bad. So just remember that the next time you develop a game.

Anyway, I'll stop here and leave you with a link to a news story about how a young boy saved his sister using skills he learned in World of Warcraft. Thanks for reading and see you all next week!

[LINKS]

Boy saves his sister