13 Ways Your Gaming Habit Makes You a Better Employee

Originally Published on Ambitious.com | 09/12/2015

Today is National Video Game Day and we want to take a moment to reflect on the industry that pulls upwards of $10.5 billion in revenue a year. The accomplishments and benefits of gaming have helped it grow into a universally recognized subculture, with major video game streaming platforms such as Twitch.tv and newly announced Youtube Gaming continuing efforts that bring the gaming industry into public view.

Yet, even when 4 out of 5 American households own a gaming system (whether a Wii, Playstation, Xbox or PC), I have always found it strange that game talk is kept to a workplace hush between gamers unless they work in the gaming industry—it’s apparently better to say you spent the entire weekend reading.

After all, it does sound like a smarter decision.

In theory.

There are many misconceptions about Gamers, and I can tell you from experience that gaming all night long, like reading a book, can teach you a ton about commitment, time and focus, among other valuable skill sets.

But what can game playing really teach us about improving your performance in the workplace?

You should listen to what Cognitive Researcher Daphne Bavelier had to say and grab a controller as you check out these 13 transferrable lessons gamers have learned that can actually HELP, not hinder, your professional progress:

1. The gaming grind preps you for perseverance during your daily grind.

There’s nothing more agonizing than doing the same thing, over and over, and over, but top performers are able to do exactly that for hours, if not days. The benefit of those extra hundred hours spent doing what regular Joe would have given up on half way through means you’ll be better prepared for those extra hours in the office.

2. You know how to handle multiple work projects at once.

Strategy and analysis are key elements in a variety of games—from simple puzzle games like Sudoku and Candy Crush, to open world survival games like Life is Feudal. Even deciding on your support role in a Tera dungeon raids requires a significant amount of thought. This ability can in turn help you think ahead and develop game plans essential to successfully move forward in your career, and your life.

3. You never ever ever give up.

When it comes to persistence, gamers have the trait in measure. If it doesn’t work the first time, they’ll try a different way, look up guides, talk to fellow gamers on how to pass it, and use whatever means necessary to get passed their mark.

4. Failure isn’t the end for you.

Being able to deal with those moments that you don’t quite hit the mark or made the wrong choice that led you down an unexpected path can be the difference between a good employee and a great one. People who understand failure can happen are not susceptible to the shell shock that can come with it.

They are able to learn from the mistake, brush it off, and try again with a greater drive to get past the hump than ever before.

5. There is patience, and then there is Patience.

The waiting game is something many of us hate within a culture reliant on instant gratification. In the game world, sometimes there isn’t a secret short cut that will help us get to the goal sooner, but that’s OK because these individual know that delayed gratification is often well worth the wait.

Especially after waiting months (or even years) for new challenges or an increase in progress/level caps that come after the release of that one new expansion. Definitely makes me think about the importance of patience with those quarterly or annual job reviews.

6. You know that to be a great leader, you have to be a good follower.

Well, depending on the type of game, there are times when you need to play both roles. Just ask anyone who has been a guild leader or an officer in a gaming community. Even when playing on a console, players understand the importance of discussing goals and missions before and during a game in order to keep track of roles and expectations (ringing any office meeting bells?).

7. Communication is your key.

The world of games reinforces the importance of clear communication, and has been proven to enable people who may seem “introverted” to become more social. One of the many lessons learned is the value of effective communication, especially when connecting with an eclectic mix of cultural backgrounds, player types, and personality traits.

Cohesion, respect, an ability to handle conflicts, and a willingness to work together on tasks that can get you killed (no one wants to be the Leroy Jenkins of the group), all reinforce their understanding that being clear and vocal improves teamwork, which in turn helps in keeping people motivated, on task, and moving forward.

8. Adaptation and self-improvement are the norm.

With hundreds of games with a variety of focus, no matter the limitations or age, games have been proven to assist in hand eye coordination, focus, improve memory, promote creativity and hone problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These abilities, combined with a desire to maintain a forward momentum, can help when solving real world problems. When applied to the working field, it is not surprising that people with these traits are able accomplish amazing feats. Just look at the successful accomplishments gained from a game like Fold It.

9. Accountability affects your likelihood to succeed.

In game, you learn right away that the decisions you make directly impact the world around you. Sure, there are times when people blame the creators and claim the system is “broken” or blame the distractions in the real world that caused them to make the wrong jump or shoot the wrong target.But, regardless of the finger pointing, players understand blaming outside influences won’t help them continue moving forward. They learn to figure out a solution, to take matters into their own hands and look for a way to improve the chances of a more positive outcome.

10. Gaming helps reduce your stresses and promotes positivity.

A majority of players game as a form of relaxation and as a way to have fun. When you consider that today’s average gamer is 31 years old, many already know and understand the importance of enjoying quality “me” time. We focus and function better when we are enjoying ourselves and have ways to help us reduce our stress levels. Not only that, but studies like the one done by the Oculus Rift headset, reinforce the idea that certain types of “gameplay” can even help reduce even the most extreme of stressors, including PTSD.

11. Learning when to call it quits takes practice.

There will always be a constant back and forth on how much is too much game time. Sometimes individuals get caught up in the moment and forget when to say stop, which is why being able to recognize when it’s time to log out, stand up from the chair, and go do something else is such a big deal.

It takes commitment and a lot of will power to pull away from something you feel driven to accomplish. When taking it to the office, our “go until you can’t no more” mentality makes knowing when to stop and apply lesson #10 a necessity to one’s emotional and physical health. This includes coming to terms with the fact that something we’ve been doing for so long isn’t giving us the same satisfaction anymore.

12. You use your time and resources wisely to improve your chance of success.

Remember Super Mario? Think about the variety of challenges we each tried to accomplish — passing the bosses, getting the highest score, beating it before the time clock ran out, or even trying to do all three at once. No matter the game, players learn there are many ways to be successful.

As individuals move forward in their career, having an understanding of how to use their resources, (whether its their extra stats, bonuses, or new tools) to maximize their efforts during a time crunch is a big plus. Not to mention that understanding that as much as you may want to, sometimes you just can’t have it all.

13. You are prepared for greater challenges the higher up you go.

You know you’re progressing when you hit your marks and are still challenged by the next step. Gamers know that challenging tasks can teach you the skillsets you need as you move to a higher level. Not only that, but as you progress, you become more comfortable with your abilities, and are also able to know when to call in support or reinforcements to help tackle the bigger projects.

The easy route may get you to places faster, but there will be times there is no such route and you will end up having to go back and play catch up. Combined with the satisfaction of being able to successfully complete bigger tasks, gamers know from experience that the best rewards are the ones you’ve worked the hardest for.