Why NOW is the BEST time to get into GAMING
One thing the pandemic has taught us is to make use of our time wisely. With social distancing and stay-at-home protocols in place and some parts of the world still in lockdown, most of us are left with more time in our hands than we ever had. Experts suggest that one of the ways to combat boredom and stagnation is to learn a new skill. Along that line, I believe that now is the best time for you to get into gaming. Whether you fancy adrenaline-inducing, action packed titles such as Call of Duty, CS:GO, Overwatch or prefer to battle monsters alongside your guildmates like in Final Fantasy 14 (FF14) or World of Warcraft (WoW) or want to try your hand at building worlds in Minecraft, now is the best time for you to delve your time into games and develop a skill or two.
- Gaming aids in skills development
Numerous studies show that playing video games stimulate brain activity and could contribute to developing skills that are actually applicable and helpful in real-life scenarios. A good example are racing simulation games e.g. Forza, Gran Turismo Sport, Need for Speed where situational awareness and the ability to make decisions on the fly carry over to everyday, real-life scenarios that require those skills. MMORPGs such as WoW have helped build social skills from interactions with other players. This is especially important when tackling a high-end task such as raiding end-game dungeons where good communication between squad mates are critical to taking down the boss. In fact, several players have opted to include their in-game achievements in their resumes as proof of their social and leadership skills.
2. Online games are a great platform to interact with others
While single-player games are a great medium, social interaction happens in the online realm where thousands of players are online concurrently and interact with the world and each other. With physical contact limited due to current health protocols, going online to keep up with our friends and loved ones is a great way to stay in touch.
3. Gaming releases endorphins i.e. the happy hormones
Recent studies show that playing video games releases endorphins. These are hormones known to induce feelings of happiness and wellness and reduce stress, similar to what runners feel after completing a race or teams after winning a championship. As such, gaming also releases these hormones and this is what we feel after our squad won a hard fought battle or we looted that much coveted armor. A caveat though: experts warn against excessive gaming as this might have adverse effects in endorphin control and release. Nonetheless, gaming in moderation is a healthy way to keep oneself happy during this stressful times.
4. Competitive e-sports is a global phenomenon with millions of fans and top players earning millions annually
The rise of competitive e-sports in recent years has been nothing short of astounding. Top players rake in millions in earnings and promotions with brands like Razer and SteelSeries sponsoring teams and players. Other companies such as Red Bull, Comcast and Intel have also invested in endorsement deals worth millions of dollars.
Whether you are on track to be a top e-sports athlete depends entirely on your performance and indirectly, to your current rig. But the takeaway is that if you want to climb your way to the top of the leaderboards, now is the best time to do it.
5. Playing video games are inherently fun
We all have heard of lovely stories between parents and children bonding over video games. Or of strangers developing close bonds with each over several rounds of CS:GO. While we may be led to believe that these are carefully woven anecdotes by brands promoting their products, all of these are true and in fact, closer to us than we might realize. We all know that playing video games is a fun activity. But what do not realize is how much fun we have while gaming. We experience what some call as a ‘gamer’s high’, a different kind of happiness as we game, not minding the hours spent for as long as we feel that immense fun. Ever wonder why so many of us have lost track of the time while we play? It’s because we are so immersed in the game that the ‘fun’ part is inherently attached to it every time we launch it. Our brains are wired to perceive and feel fun when we game and that is the beauty of it.
Collectively speaking, now is the best time to delve into gaming. Whether you are a hardcore or casual gamer, or an aspiring e-sports athlete, this is the best time to open your world to the boundless joys of gaming. So, choose your rig, prepare your snacks, settle down and game. See you there!
