Game On: How Playing Video Games Can Boost Your Professional Skills

I had an extraordinary week with a busy agenda at work. When it came to the end of the office hour (of course, a little bit later than the official office hour), I had the “chance” to run our PS5 (not “mine” because it is originally a gift to my son) and play an online match in a Turkish League tournament in eFootball. I chose my favorite team, Beşiktaş, and lost 0-5 to Galatasaray. I accepted it as a fair result since I didn’t have the opportunity to practice for a long time, and the opponent’s team had better stats and stars than mine. Then I went to another one. This time my opponent was a different user again, with Galatasaray. The original match time ended 1-1, and in the extra time, I scored a last-minute goal. As a celebration ceremony, I chose Golazo, and I was screaming at home while enjoying the goal celebration. I went for another match, and in my third match, I played against Fenerbahçe. I started really well this time (maybe it is because of my opponent’s poor performance) and scored two early goals. Then the opponent directly quit the match, and it was officially recorded as a 3-0 win for me.

After these three matches, I shut down the PS5 and left home to hit my daily 10,000 steps target. I was feeling really good, like a derby winner pro when I started to walk down the street. That was the feeling!

This Saturday morning, while feeding myself with some Forbes articles, I came across content about game skills and careers: https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2023/11/14/why-more-employers-want-to-hire-people-based-on-their-video-game-skills/?sh=4c19fbbf472e

Now, let me share my highlights from this Forbes article by Mark C. Perna.

Unlocking the Power of Video Game Skills in the Workplace

In a rapidly evolving world where the careers of the future are yet to be defined, preparing the next generation becomes a unique challenge. The prediction that 65% of today's third graders will embark on careers that don't currently exist emphasizes the need for versatile skills. How can we equip them for the unknown? The answer lies in providing access to a robust foundation of academic knowledge, technical competencies, and professional skills that foster adaptability.

Encouraging young minds to actively pursue their goals is key to unlocking their potential. When driven by passion, the younger generation exhibits an unparalleled determination to overcome challenges. Surprisingly, one avenue that bridges the gap between purposeful living and passion-driven careers is the world of video games.

Video games, once dismissed as mere distractions, have evolved into a global phenomenon. The shift is not only in terms of technological advancements but also in demographics. With an estimated 2.5 billion gamers globally, half of whom are women in the U.S., gaming is a cultural force. However, the prevailing perception often categorizes gaming as a time-wasting activity.

Contrary to this notion, a groundbreaking report by ManpowerGroup titled "Game To Work—How Gamers Are Developing The Soft Skills Employers Need" challenges these stereotypes. Gamers, it argues, bring a unique set of skills to the table, including improved critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving. Additionally, games teach effective communication and provide a platform to enhance soft skills that are challenging to find and even harder to teach.

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Chief Talent Scientist at ManpowerGroup, emphasizes the need for employers to assess skills creatively in today's workforce environment. The report analyzes 11,000 games across 13 genres, identifying the professional skills developed by gamers. From decision-making and planning to collaboration and communication, gamers acquire a diverse skill set.

To further aid gamers, ManpowerGroup developed the Gaming Skills Translator, an online tool that translates favorite games into valuable skills and suggests potential job matches. The report advocates for gamers to proudly list their gaming experiences on resumes and discuss them in interviews. Forward-thinking companies in Norway actively recruiting based on gaming skills have experienced success.

The report showcases companies like Komplett, a global e-commerce company, where gamers have excelled in roles requiring IT skills, focus, multitasking, and cooperation. Lyse Dialog, a utilities company, saw a 10% increase in candidates listing gaming on their resumes, enhancing its image as an employer of choice among younger generations.

As disruptive technologies like robots and artificial intelligence reshape the job landscape, adaptable individuals with diverse skill sets will be in high demand. The time spent playing video games may, in fact, be paving the way for a future where these skills are not only valued but essential. The message is clear: game on!