Lessons I've Learned From Gaming

Don't worry, there won't be a pop quiz at the end.

Over time, I've found that the way I view video games has changed significantly from when I started gaming. I used to view games as a distraction and a way to shut my brain off. As I've gotten older, I see that there's a lot of value to be found in gaming, especially in ways I didn't expect. These are just some of the many lessons I have learned and ways I have changed while playing video games.

Lesson #1 - Patience

This is still something I struggle with, but I’ve definitely improved thanks to video games. In this day and age, instant gratification is a large part of daily life. When I see a release trailer for a game, it can be easy for me to feel like I need to have it on day one. Although I have definitely preordered games and bought games on launch days in the past, it's a very rare occurrence for me. A new game or even a gaming system is often outside of my budget when it first releases. This allows me to really do research on a particular title or console and make sure it's something I actually want rather than just being something shiny and new. There's also the factor of having patience while playing games. Certain sections of games can take longer or be more challenging for some players.

Lesson #2 - How To Challenge Myself

This next point ties pretty well into my previous one. As a gamer with a disability, I often struggle with reaction time and managing certain controller layouts. When I was younger, I usually just played through the main story of a game and didn't do much else. I was worried that doing additional missions would be too difficult for me and that I wouldn't be able to enjoy the game if I kept failing. In recent years I've been doing what I can to break that habit and step outside my comfort zone.

Some games will have optional bosses that pose a significant challenge but can often provide unique rewards or help a player work towards completion of a game. Whenever I find myself struggling with these matches, it gives me the chance to focus on making myself a better player. I can analyze what mistakes I might be making or what strategies might benefit me and my particular playstyle. This makes victory over such challenges all the more satisfying. It doesn't matter how many tries it takes, what matters is that you tried and you're working on getting better. These particular moments are always gratifying to me because I know that ten years ago, I never would have dreamed of playing games in this way. It's also refreshing to see that most newer titles have accessibility features that will allow games to feel more natural to players with disabilities and give them a chance at taking on greater challenges.

The trophy in the corner means that I completed every activity in the game. Although this is not something I do frequently, I find myself willing to give it a shot for games I really love.

Lesson #3 - How To Slow Down

Over the past several years, video game companies have really increased the pace of their release schedules. It often seems as though major titles often overlap one another, meaning players barely have time to enjoy one game before the next big release comes along. This is where patience can come in handy. If I'm not able to get my hands on the newest title, that means I may as well make use of the games that I have and really try and get as much out of them as possible. Gaming is not a cheap hobby so it's important to make sure you get your money's worth out of each game.

Lesson #4 - General Knowledge

It might sound strange to say that video games can be educational, but I have definitely learned from particular titles. I grew up in a family that loved college football but always had a hard time following along with the game. I was able to learn different strategies and how plays were run through playing Madden and NCAA Football. I learned the rules of baseball by playing MLB The Show. Assassin's Creed usually relies on historical fiction, but newer titles have educational modes that teach players about the particular time and the actual history behind major events. If you think these lessons are minor, just wait until you're having trivia night with your family.

Lesson #5 - Critical Thinking

In addition to challenging myself, the types of games that I play have shifted as well. I've started to enjoy games that are more puzzle- like and require my brain to really work to find a solution. I've learned that games don't always have to be over the top action. Sometimes, playing a slower title allows you to relax while also keeping your brain focused. This can be anything from figuring out how to open a locked door to playing virtual chess. I couldn't stand Tetris when I was a kid because I found it boring and frustrating. Now, after a lot of practice I found that I can score reasonably well while also working on improving my reaction time.

This puzzle from a game in the Uncharted series required me to use this key to walk over explosive floorboards.

Lesson #6 - Different Ways That Gaming Can Be Fun

This is probably the biggest lesson I've learned from gaming over the years. I grew up in a very competitive family and when I was younger, I would usually only have fun with a game if I ended up winning. Over time I've learned that sometimes the best way to enjoy a game is to remember that it's simply that- a game. Games are meant to be fun, even if the end result isn't quite what you expected. I absolutely love talking with my younger cousins about games that they like and why they enjoy them. It's wonderful to see how excited they get knowing that someone else likes the same things they do. I love learning tricks about games as well, like my mom showing me all the secret passageways in the original Super Mario Brothers.

There's a game called Rocket League that has been out for several years now. Essentially, it's soccer with cars and a giant soccer ball. After many years of playing… I am absolutely terrible. That's not an exaggeration. It would probably shock most people to see how poorly I do with this game. But the strangest thing is, I don't care. I have fun being absolutely terrible at it and laughing at myself. There is no frustration, just a goofy attitude the whole way through.

It's easy for games to be dismissed as a silly hobby or a simple way to kill time. But I found that gaming can hold a lot of value if you look in the right places. Every time I pick up a controller, I find myself eager to learn something new. And the best part is, I get to have fun while doing it.

This post was written by Vanessa Hart, creator of Deep Dive Gaming