Teaching Essential Skills through Video Games!

I wrote and article just over 6 years ago about my experience with my son and his friends who all played Fortnite and how their online skills translated in a real game of paintball - it was about Online Gaming - Technology is the Tool, it's not the problem.

In today's digital era, video games have transcended their initial entertainment purpose, finding a significant role in the realm of education.

One often overlooked advantage of video games is their potential to impart Essential skills. Unlike Technical skills, which are specific, teachable, and quantifiable (e.g., maths or reading), Essential skills are interpersonal and broadly applicable across various job sectors and life situations.

Video games, especially multiplayer ones, offer environments that demand players to exhibit and hone these skills for success.

Below, I have provided 5 Scenarios and Examples of this in practice:

1. Teamwork through 'Overwatch' or 'League of Legends':

?Scenario: During Esports these multiplayer online battle arena games, players are grouped into teams, competing against another squad. Success requires players to coordinate strategies, divide roles based on character abilities, and communicate effectively.

?Essential Skill Development: Players learn to cooperate with diverse individuals, sometimes from different cultural backgrounds, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member, and ensuring everyone works in harmony.

2. Leadership in 'World of Warcraft' Raids:

?Scenario: In the massive multiplayer online game, 'World of Warcraft', guilds (groups of players) often embark on challenging 'raids'. These require a leader to strategize, assign roles, and guide the team.

?Essential Skill Development: Players stepping into leadership roles gain experience in decision-making, delegation, and conflict resolution. They also learn the importance of encouragement and constructive feedback.

3. Problem-Solving in 'Portal':

? Scenario: 'Portal' is a single-player puzzle platformer where players use a portal gun to create inter-dimensional gateways, navigating a series of increasingly complex rooms.

?Essential Skill Development: Each room represents a unique challenge, forcing players to think creatively, test hypotheses, and adapt strategies. It cultivates critical thinking and an analytical approach to obstacles.

4. Adaptability in 'Fortnite' Battle Royal:

?Scenario: In this multiplayer game, 100 players are pitted against each other on an ever-shrinking map. As the game progresses, players must quickly adapt to new threats, shrinking terrain, and depleting resources.

?Essential Skill Development: Players cultivate a nimble mindset, learning to adjust to rapidly changing circumstances and making swift decisions based on the immediate environment and situation.

5. Negotiation and Diplomacy in Civilization VI:

Scenario: In 'Civilization VI', players lead a nation from the ancient era to the modern age. Interactions with AI-controlled nations require diplomacy, trade negotiations, and sometimes forging or breaking alliances.

Essential Skill Development: Players understand the nuances of negotiation, balancing assertiveness with empathy, and making decisions that benefit long-term relations over short-term gains.

As I have previously highlighted 'Who Play Games and Why!' video games are often perceived as mere entertainment tools, their potential as educational mediums, especially in cultivating essential skills, is immense.

By analysing game mechanics and player interactions, educators and trainers can leverage these platforms for holistic personal development.