Bruce Dias 
We live in an increasingly online and interconnected world, and in many ways, that is most apparent by looking at the youth. Kids are often the first adopters of emerging technologies because they grow up alongside them, picking up new talents naturally as they learn rather than having to figure them out on the fly later in life.
One such example is video games and esports, which are a massive part of youth culture. While some people complain about the amount of screen time that kids are getting, it also poses a chance to create learning opportunities, finding a middle ground between fun and education.
The best way to get people to learn is in a fun manner where they don’t even realize they’re learning, and that’s precisely what video games can do. Here’s a look at some examples of the connections between learning and gaming.
Social Skills
In years past, gaming subcultures were often looked down on by the mainstream because of perceived antisocial habits, but that really couldn’t be farther from the truth. At young ages, socialization is one of the most important aspects of school and learning: kids aren’t going to be reading Shakespeare in first grade; they’re more there to learn the ropes and make friends. Kids have to learn how to get along with other kids and make friends, learning and developing together as they figure out how to behave and communicate effectively.
Multiplayer video games provide an excellent arena to hone these skills because of the importance of teamwork and communication. Gamers work together to capture objectives and conquer threats, communicating if they need to ask for help or offering it up themselves if they’re having an easier time with it than their peers are. Working together to beat a boss battle or win a multiplayer match feels like the 2024 equivalent of a group project, but it’s far more fun than relying on one person to bring the poster board and another to bring the markers.
Video games receive the ‘sport’ category because of their similarities to traditional athletic sports, like the need for strong hand-eye coordination or the ability to communicate effectively and operate as a team. Social skills are extremely important for people to have, and video games help people figure out how to build those skills.
Online games can also help kids find solutions to communication barriers that could come up in everyday life. For instance, many games give you the opportunity to play with gamers from other countries, which could pose a language barrier.
Learning By Example
Esports offers a unique and modern avenue for learning, mirroring the way past generations admired NFL stars and astronauts. Children and adolescents are particularly drawn to esports streamers, viewing them with the same reverence and aspiration. This digital era of role models sets a new paradigm for learning through observation and emulation.
Video games play a significant role in fostering independent problem-solving skills among the younger demographic. However, the importance of having accessible role models in this space cannot be understated. While it’s crucial to curate the content that young viewers are exposed to to avoid premature exposure to mature themes, the influence of positive gaming figures is undeniable.
The burgeoning streaming industry, with platforms like Twitch at the forefront, is not only transforming entertainment but also becoming a significant part of the esports ecosystem. This change is anticipated to expand further as the younger audience matures and begins to navigate the world of online purchases. In tandem with this growth, the integration of esports into the sports betting industry is becoming increasingly prominent. Platforms like DraftKings are pioneering this movement, offering enticing incentives such as DraftKings Promo Codes for wagering on esports competitions. This fusion of gaming and sports betting introduces a new dimension to the esports experience, enriching the community with additional layers of engagement and excitement.
Observing successful gamers collaborate or listening to their game analyses provides a multifaceted learning experience. It allows young viewers to glean insights not just about gaming strategies but also about teamwork, communication, and perseverance. These lessons are invaluable, extending beyond the virtual realms of esports and into real-life scenarios, fostering growth and development in personal and social contexts.
Learning Through Realism
One of my personal favorite examples of how one can learn using esports is by using games that reflect real-world events and concepts. For teens and older kids, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has plenty of historical tidbits for gamers to learn as they navigate through ancient cities in foreign lands, learning about the actual events that help drive the plot of the story.
Another example is The Last of Us, which chose a real-world pathogen, the cordyceps fungus, as the cause of the pandemic that turned people into zombies—doubtless planting the seeds of interest in a career in mycology or immunology for some youths in the process.
Perhaps the quintessential example of learning through video games comes from The Oregon Trail, which came out in the 1970s and was used by teachers for decades afterward as a vehicle to teach students about westward expansion: video games have been tied with education from the very start, a testament to their learning power.
