The Importance of Gaming: How it Feeds into Wider Industries
A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth
The Importance of Gaming: How it Feeds into Wider Industries
From entertainment to education, the gaming industry has grown to be a massive influence on various aspects of our lives. In recent years, gaming has become an even more significant part of our culture, thanks to the rise of esports and the increasing number of people playing games on their smartphones. With this growth, it’s essential to recognise the impact gaming has on our society and how it feeds into wider industries.
Jane McGonigal*, a world-renowned game designer and author, states that “games are providing us with crucial insights into human motivation, social behavior, and decision making.” She argues that gaming can solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives. In her book, “Reality is Broken,” McGonigal points out that gamers are more likely to be optimistic, creative, and persistent in their problem-solving skills. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, these skills are becoming even more crucial.
Gaming as a tool for education
Checkpoint Learning is another great example of how gaming can be used in education. The learning materials use videogames to teach literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills — and all adhere to the UK national curriculum. Unlike other materials, Checkpoint trades on the ubiquitous nature of games, but does not encourage, endorse or support playing games in class, but rather uses the inherent gaming principles to teach.
By immersing students in a game world, Checkpoint Learning provides a fun and engaging way for students to learn. Studies have shown that using games in the classroom can lead to improved academic performance and increased motivation.
Get Checkpoint’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
The impact of gaming extends beyond the classroom. The games industry is a significant contributor to the economy, with revenues estimated to be around $159 billion USD in 2020. The industry also provides jobs for millions of people worldwide, from game developers to esports professionals. The esports industry, in particular, has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with the global esports audience estimated to be over 600 million people.
Gaming as a tool for innovation
In the military, games are used for training purposes. The US Army uses games to simulate combat situations and train soldiers. The US Navy also uses games to train its sailors in navigation, seamanship, and damage control.
Gaming also has a significant impact on other industries, such as marketing and advertising. The rise of influencer marketing has led to brands partnering with popular gamers to promote their products. Gaming events such as E3 and Gamescom attract millions of viewers worldwide, providing a platform for companies to showcase their products and services. The popularity of gaming streams on platforms such as Twitch has also led to the rise of “streaming culture,” where viewers tune in to watch their favorite gamers play and interact with them in real-time.
Gaming as a tool to understand our digital future
The impact of gaming is not limited to entertainment and education. The skills that gamers develop, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking, are transferable to other industries. For example, the games industry has provided many developers with the skills needed to work in fields such as software development, cybersecurity, and even healthcare.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the importance of gaming is only going to grow. The future of work will require skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability, skills that gamers have been developing for years. The gaming industry will continue to be a significant influence on our society, from education to the economy and beyond.
The importance of gaming cannot be overstated. The impact it has on our society and wider industries is significant and will continue to grow in the future. By recognising the potential of gaming, we can harness its power to solve real-world problems and create a better future for all.
- McGonigal, J. (2011). Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World. Penguin Press.
To find out more, please visit Checkpoint Magazine or Checkpoint Kids for free learning materials, magazines and much more.
