Video games key to winning in real life? Half of Americans credit gaming for their success

NEW YORK — Life may not be as simple as a game, but a new study finds playing them sure helps people reach the “next level” in their careers. Nearly half of Americans credit many of their successes in life to playing video games.

A new survey polled 2,000 Americans about the biggest lessons they’ve learned from video games and discovered 47 percent say gaming prepared them for success. Another six in 10 believe they gained a keener creative eye or better problem-solving skills. A similar amount (59%) add video games improved their hand-eye coordination, while others learned time management skills (50%).

‘Call of Duty’ over college?

Perks Of GamingConducted by OnePoll on behalf of World of Warships by Wargaming, the survey reveals 42 percent feel like they’ve learned more life skills through video games than in school.

Does the “video game mentality” also hold the secret to a successful career? Nearly three in four (74%) think being competitive is necessary in the workforce. While over four in five (82%) find video games to be generally relaxing, three in five also find that competitive video games relieve stress and 79 percent even think a little friendly competition can be therapeutic.

Sixty-eight percent admit to getting competitive playing video games, even when they’re playing alone. However, 46 percent of Americans admit that they can let their passionate nature get the best of them. Still, nearly two in three people (63%) consider their competitiveness an advantage when it comes to pushing through difficult situations.

READ MORE: Violent Video Games & Mental Health: 5 Debunked Myths To Ease Your Worries – Study Finds

Video games aren’t all about being the best on your own though. Respondents also enjoy teaming up with others (49%), facing challenges (48%), and meeting new people in general (41%).

“It’s clear from the results that gaming has so many benefits to our society,” says Artur Plociennik, Regional Publishing Director, World of Warships by Wargaming, in a statement. “Whether it’s critical thinking, problem solving or communication – we all have something to gain from gaming. The results show that one of the biggest benefits of gaming is that collaboration with other players.”

It’s all fun and video games until someone starts losing

Perks Of GamingUnfortunately, competition can turn a little unfriendly for nearly a quarter of gamers (23%) who have lost respect for a friend because of their lack of gaming skills. Even though respondents have lost an average of two friends after an intense game, 67 percent say they always reconnect through gaming.

Good sportsmanship makes for good times, but gamers are most likely to quit if others are behaving disrespectfully (55%) or if they’re on an infuriating losing streak (42%). Two-thirds (67%) can relate to “rage-quitting,” or being so frustrated by a video game that they quit playing it. Typically, these gamers need an average of four days to recover from the awful experience.

Other extreme reactions to frustrating games include yelling obscenities (40%), throwing their controller across the room (33%), or turning off the entire console without saving (31%). One in 10 claim they’ve even thrown out that particular video game for good.

“Gaming can be so immersive it’s easy to get wrapped up into it and have a rough moment,” Plociennik continues. “At the end of the day, everyone games to have fun and be a part of a community, so it’s all about finding a way to take a step back and remember why you’re gaming in the first place.”

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