you’re free to learn a lot from video games.

I had to work hard to get any sort of reward.

Even “farming” gold in the game was a tedious task.

SanDisk Micro SD Express on pencil near external drive and calculator-1

Still, the more I played and the harder I worked, the more rewards I received.

This experience translated perfectly into the adult world.

When you think about it, most of what we do in the real world is just grinding.

A leaked screenshot of the aleged Oblivion remaster.

This actually happens quite often because most roads where I live are uneven.

Instead of panic braking, I feathered the gas pedal and countersteered, which allowed me to regain control.

One gamer credits video games forsaving him from a crash at 70 mph.

8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller on a table surrounded by gaming items.

Off-road simulation games likeMudRunnerandSnowRunnercan also develop a feel for traction management and throttle control in off-road conditions.

Instead, I rocked the car back and forth to get out of the hole.

However, in multiplayer games, other players often provide assistance without expecting anything in return.

A hand holding a controller and, in the background, a woman exploring a place holding a map.

Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek | phM2019 /Shutterstock

This has made me realize that overcoming challenges is so much easier with a little help.

No game embodies this collaborative effort better thanFallout 76.

My high-level friend helps me out by giving me gear and finishing quests with me.

Person playing a racing game on a Samsung Odyssey Curved Monitor at CES 2024

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek

Additionally, many players set up shops in their camps where they sell plans at a discount price.

These plans are necessary to craft gear, attachments, and more.

Some games are notoriously punishing, such assoulslike gamesElden RingandDark Souls.

Young people playing local multiplayer video games in the living room on a gaming console.

Geber86/Shutterstock.com

I died a lot in these games, so I got used to losing.

Similarly, I can’t always win in life.

Some projects will fail no matter how hard I try, and that’s okay.

A promotional image of Elden Ring featuring the beautiful game world.

FromSoftware

The important thing is that I learn from my mistakes and never stop trying.

5Think Outside the Box

Adventure games are filled with creative puzzles.Hogwarts Legacyand theUnchartedseries first come to mind.

I find that it helps to think like the level designers.

It’s just as insightful to look at things from a different perspective in the real world.

However, wayfinding can be a challenge even with a map.

Maps don’t always account for new roads, roadwork, or even one-way streets.

This skill proved its value when my phone battery died, leaving me without access to Google Maps.

Did video games help?

I like to think so.

I truly believe in the power of learning through video games, especially at a young age.