Video video games have actually ended up being a popular kind of home entertainment for individuals of any ages. They can provide a range of advantages such as enhancing hand-eye coordination, analytical abilities, and decision-making capabilities. However, it is necessary to bear in mind that computer game can likewise have unfavorable results if played exceedingly or without balance.
In an effort to comprehend the relationship in between online video gaming habits and profession interests, scientists from Surrey worked together with Game AcademyLtd to study the video gaming practices of 16,033 individuals. The research study intended to check out how the pastime might assist in future profession preparation and expert training for computer game gamers. Prior to this research study, little was learnt about how individuals’s video gaming options connected to their profession goals.
The research study individuals used Steam, a digital circulation service and shop for computer game, and played numerous video games on the platform. Researchers took a look at the 800 video games that were played the most and just consisted of individuals for whom they knew on gender and profession.
Researchers found that IT specialists and engineers played puzzle-platform video games, which potentially improve their spatial abilities. People in supervisory functions revealed an interest in action roleplay video games where organizational and preparation abilities are included and engineering specialists were related to technique video games which typically need analytical and spatial abilities. There appeared gender distinctions too– women chosen playing single-player video games, whereas males chosen playing shooting video games.
Dr Anna-Stiina Wallinheimo, lead author of the research study, Cognitive Psychologist, and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Surrey’s Centre for Translation Studies (CTS) stated: “In recruitment processes, the best candidates may be missed because organizations do not consider the soft skills that have been gained through non-work activities (for example, online gaming). As a result of our research, we believe applicants’ online gaming experiences should be highlighted because these acquired soft skills can really help to develop their all-around strengths for the job at hand.”
Dr Anesa Hosein, co-author of the research study and Associate Professor in Higher Education at the University of Surrey stated: “By understanding to what extent career interests are reflected in game playing, we may be able to demonstrate more clearly how these align with career interests and encourage employers to understand the value of the soft skills associated with gaming. Our research could also inspire game developers to work on honing these soft skills more closely in their design. Furthermore, places of learning, such as universities, could allow students to reflect and incorporate gaming as part of their career development and consider how gaming can be included in the curriculum to enhance alignment between students’ learning, career aspirations, and extra-curricular gaming interests.”
Reference: “How Online Gaming Could Enhance Your Career Prospects” by Anna-Stiina Wallinheimo, Anesa Hosein, David Barrie, Andrey Chernyavskiy, Irina Agafonova and Peter Williams, 11 November 2022, SIMULATION
DOI: 10.1177/10468781221137361
