It turns out that playing video games can actually be beneficial! Recent research shows that gamers who engage in massively multiplayer online (MMO) games are learning valuable skills through their gaming experiences, which can enhance their abilities in a professional setting.
Perhaps it’s time for critics of online gaming and its alleged negative impact on young people to reconsider their views. This is what new research published in the journal Human Resource Development International suggests, according to Melika Shirmohammadi, an assistant professor at the UH College of Technology.
The study indicates that, contrary to common assumptions, MMO gamers gain knowledge and improve their workplace skills during their gameplay, turning what were once perceived as unproductive hours into beneficial experiences.
“Online gaming often receives undeserved criticism, but our research tells a different tale. We discovered that gaming can foster essential workplace skills,” Shirmohammadi explains. “These skills encompass problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and increased self-confidence. Our findings highlight that, when played in moderation, gaming can help individuals grow both personally and professionally.”
Truths About Gaming
Companies may not realize it, but they are already employing a significant number of MMO gamers. The statistics speak for themselves. Millions engage in “massively multiplayer online” games, enjoying shared virtual experiences. The leading games—World of Warcraft, Destiny 2, and Final Fantasy—boast total player counts of 150.6 million, 49.7 million, and 60.3 million, respectively.
“This study aimed to investigate a hobby—often overlooked yet widespread—to explore how MMO gaming can positively impact employees’ work life,” Shirmohammadi stated.
Shirmohammadi and her team conducted an in-depth study involving 23 employed MMO gamers who had an average of 20 years of gaming experience, with at least 10 years spent playing MMO titles.
The examined MMO games (including World of Warcraft, EVE, and Final Fantasy) necessitate that players work together to achieve shared goals, adhere to team guidelines (such as punctuality for missions), collaborate with others, and make thoughtful decisions to avoid jeopardizing success.
Play More, Stress Less
The participants reported several positive outcomes from their gaming experiences; they viewed workplace challenges as solvable puzzles, developed patience when faced with problems, and felt encouraged to persist in finding solutions.
An engineer participating in the study remarked: “I see work as a puzzle and feel driven to solve it. This mindset has transformed how I approach problems, considering them solvable…”
Other gamers expressed that they gained confidence from their successes in the gaming realm. Many participants noted increased self-awareness thanks to feedback on their gameplay and collaboration with teammates.
Additionally, their gaming experiences translated into coaching abilities—such as assessing performance, offering feedback, giving instructions, and motivating others. Several participants observed strong parallels between skills acquired in gaming and those needed in the workplace.
One IT specialist reflected: “I work with many newcomers. Because I’ve made an effort in the game to improve my coaching skills, I find myself ahead of some colleagues in teaching our new hires how to navigate tasks…”
Positives of Gaming
“Our research broadens the understanding of how hobbies can enrich work experiences, particularly in the context of MMO gaming,” said Shirmohammadi.
A popular gaming adage states, “Failure doesn’t mean the game is over; it means try again with experience.”
This sentiment appears to hold true, especially in professional environments.
