In the opening scene of the zombie apocalyptic thriller video game "The Last of Us," your character, Joel, runs through the streets, dodging the infected undead while carrying his daughter, Sarah, to safety. It's an unsettling, though emotional, escape that immerses the player immediately.
But there is a lesson to be learned in that scene, which also includes following a path that your brother, Tommy, clears for you.
In fact, it's a lesson that becomes one of the key takeaways from Naughty Dog's roughly 15-hour masterpiece: Teamwork.
How do video games teach life lessons? Remember first that video games have been a part of our culture for decades, and they have evolved significantly over time. From simple arcade games to complex open-world RPGs, video games now offer a wide range of experiences that can teach us valuable life lessons.
Here are four ways video games teach life lessons to players:
How do video games teach life lessons? Teamwork and cooperation. Many video games, especially multiplayer games, require players to work together to succeed. However, even single-player games like "Last of Us" can do this. This teaches players the importance of teamwork and cooperation, and how to effectively communicate and coordinate with others. The lessons video games teach here are essential in the workplace and other social settings.
How do video games teach life lessons? Patience and perseverance.
If you have ever played "Dark Souls" through to the end, congratulations. You have had quite a lesson in patience and perseverance! Some video games can be quite difficult, and players may need to repeatedly try and fail before they are able to succeed. Video games teach life lessons by teaching the importance of patience and perseverance, and that it is often necessary to keep trying even when things are tough. These qualities can be helpful in many areas of life, such as when we are trying to learn a new skill or achieve a goal.
How do video games teach life lessons? Critical thinking and decision-making.
Few genres challenge your critical thinking skills like role-playing games. Increasingly, these games require some very important decisions to be made on the fly, often in real time. These games require players to make difficult choices that have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. This teaches players the importance of critical thinking and decision-making, and how to weigh the pros and cons of different options. These skills can be helpful in many areas of life, such as when we are faced with difficult decisions in our personal or professional lives. These are life lessons video games can teach us.
How do video games teach life lessons? Problem-solving skills.
Many video games require players to solve puzzles or challenges to progress. This requires players to think critically and creatively, and to come up with new solutions when their initial attempts fail. That’s one way that video games teach life lessons that can be applied in most settings. These problem-solving skills can be transferred to real-world situations, such as when we are faced with challenges at work or school.
So, that answers the question: “How do video games teach life lessons?” But these are just a few of the many life lessons that video games can teach us. With their immersive and interactive nature, video games can provide a unique learning experience that can be both fun and challenging. So next time you're playing a video game, take a moment to think about the lessons you might be learning. You might be surprised at how much you can benefit from your gaming hobby.
In addition to the four lessons mentioned above, video games can also teach us other valuable life skills, such as:
- Communication skills. Many video games require players to communicate with each other in order to cooperate and achieve a common goal. This can help players develop their communication skills, which are essential in many areas of life.
- Leadership skills. Some video games allow players to take on leadership roles, such as leading a team or guild. This can help players develop their leadership skills, which can be valuable in the workplace and other social settings.
- Creativity and problem-solving skills. Many video games allow players to be creative and solve problems in new and innovative ways. That’s how video games teach life lessons. This can help players develop their creativity and problem-solving skills, which can be helpful in many areas of life.
- Resilience and determination. Sometimes, the life lessons video games teach are crucial. Some video games can be quite difficult, and players may need to face setbacks and failures. This can help players develop resilience and determination, which are important qualities for overcoming challenges in life.
Overall, video games can be a valuable learning tool that can teach us a variety of life lessons. While it is important to play video games in moderation, they can be a fun and engaging way to learn new skills and develop our character.
