The impact of video games on children’s development has been a longstanding debate among parents. A recent survey conducted by the National Literacy Trust involving 4,626 individuals aged 11 to 16 across the UK sheds light on potential positive outcomes. The survey, undertaken between November and December 2019, suggests that gaming might enhance literacy, communication skills, and overall mental well-being.
Fig. 5
Source: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-professional-game-player-screaming-with-hands-raised-after-his-victory_21016964.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=32&uuid=9049c44d-9993-4d0d-89c7-bb4ab59f9a5a
According to the survey, more than a third (35.3%) of children who play video games believe that gaming improves their reading abilities. Around 79.4% of them reported reading gaming-related materials at least once a month, including in-game communications, reviews, and books. Moreover, approximately 62.5% of young gamers write something related to gaming monthly, such as blogs and fan fiction.
Researchers highlighted the role of gaming as a shared cultural experience that fosters positive communication within families and among friends. The survey revealed that three-
quarters (76.3%) of young gamers engage in discussions about video games, far surpassing the number (29.4%) discussing books. This enhanced communication is linked to improved mental well-being, with gaming serving as a means to handle stress and difficult emotions, particularly during periods like the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Psychologist Rachel Kowert emphasized that despite stereotypes, gaming facilitates social connections, especially in times of limited social access. About 69.6% of parents noted that their children’s mental well-being benefited from communicating with family and friends through gaming.
Beyond relaxation, some video games offer the development of “soft skills” essential in professional careers, as per a study by Randstad. The research involving 3,763 participants examined games like Fortnite, Warzone, and League of Legends. These games were found to enhance skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, visual perception, multitasking, perseverance, decision-making, and self-motivation.
However, the study found no evidence supporting the development of problem-solving, conflict management, and time management skills through gaming. Fortnite ranked highest in communication, critical thinking, visual perception, self-motivation, perseverance, and teamwork, while League of Legends excelled in leadership, multitasking, and perseverance.
Notably, games lacking a clear goal, such as Minecraft, and those with rapid difficulty escalations like Zelda, might not effectively develop valued workplace skills.
Fig. 6
Source: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/video-game-control-neon-style-brick-wall_5688465.htm#fromView=search&page=2&position=4&uuid=c0cbe369-e684-4234-b23f-31ffbf40040e
Moreover, gaming’s benefits extend to enhancing thinking speed, fostering teamwork abilities, and improving communication skills. Fast-paced gaming environments train players in strategic thinking, decision-making, and risk assessment, skills transferable to work-related scenarios. Collaborative online gaming also enhances teamwork abilities and communication, as players often collaborate despite language barriers.
Industry experts suggest that exposure to gaming contributes to higher emotional intelligence, which can enhance the capabilities of a workforce and equip managers with better skills.
Fig. 7
Source: https://www.freepik.com/free-ai-image/fantasy-style-character-fire_151229477.htm#fromView=search&page=2&position=46&uuid=e9f5d929-6c06-4994-a571-9393fb7d4de2
For years, the significance of soft skills in computer science education was overlooked, despite industry demands for professionals adept in both technical prowess and interpersonal finesse. Globally, educational institutions have embraced the recommendation to incorporate soft skills into their curricula, aligning with 21st-century skills advice reports.
Research consistently underscores the importance of soft skills for computer science students. Matturo et al. conducted a comprehensive literature review spanning 1999 to 2017, analyzing 44 publications focused on soft skills in software engineering. They identified 30 relevant categories, with communication skills, teamwork, analytic skills, organizational/planning skills, and interpersonal skills ranking as the top five. Furthermore, their research highlighted that job advertisements frequently validate the necessity of these skills, cited in 39% of the analyzed publications. Notably, only 20 of the identified categories had explicit definitions within the publications surveyed, as detailed in their paper.
Dungeons & Dragons, a fantasy role-playing game, epitomizes collaborative storytelling in a realm of imagination and structured gameplay. Players craft unique characters, choosing races, classes, skills, and attributes that influence their actions and outcomes within the game’s narrative. The challenges presented in the game are orchestrated by a ‘Dungeon Master’ who oversees the adventure’s storyline. Players must collaborate, think creatively, and surmount obstacles, crafting a personalized gaming experience.
The essence of Dungeons & Dragons lies not in conventional win-or-lose outcomes but in co-creating compelling narratives amid perilous adventures. The game’s inclusive environment allows players to make mistakes within the context of their characters, fostering a safe space for learning and growth. Notably, the game inherently cultivates various soft skills synonymous with 21st-century competencies, such as literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.
Studies demonstrate the unique cognitive benefits of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Chung’s research indicates that tabletop role-playing game players exhibit heightened creativity and excel in divergent thinking skills compared to electronic role-playing game players or non-role-playing gamers. Hergenradar’s work showcases the use of tabletop role-playing games as a tool for teaching fiction writing, emphasizing collaborative storytelling as a catalyst for an enriching and supportive learning environment.
Fig. 8
When integrated into creative writing classes, these games facilitate a deeper understanding of character development and motivations, as students intricately craft detailed backgrounds, enhancing their grasp of character behavior within narratives.
Fig. 9
Effectively creating a game demands more than coding expertise; it entails collaboration. When working with others, interpersonal skills become essential. As a game developer, you’re not just crunching numbers; you’re communicating, resolving conflicts, pitching ideas, and mediating discussions with real people. Hence, honing soft skills is vital in this profession.
Communication lies at the core of a game developer’s toolkit. Engaging with clients, colleagues, and vendors across different stages of development demands clear and polite communication. This encompasses various channels: oral, written, visual, and contextual communication. Being an active listener is equally crucial, ensuring understanding and avoiding misunderstandings. These skills are integral for persuasion, public speaking, report writing, negotiation, and more.
Critical thinking is another cornerstone for game developers. It involves objective analysis, and independent decision-making devoid of biases or personal feelings. The ability to identify problems, conduct thorough research, draw conclusions, and nurture curiosity forms the bedrock of critical thinking.
Interpersonal skills, essential for day-to-day interactions, are imperative for a successful game developer. Conflict management, empathy, and teamwork are key facets of these skills. Excelling in these areas enables effective collaboration and problem-solving.
Leadership skills are pivotal for guiding a project and fostering a sense of purpose among team members. While learning to be a great leader is multifaceted, focusing on people management, planning, delivery, and persuasion can enhance leadership abilities, inspiring teams to achieve shared goals.