5 Life Lessons my son learned from playing World of Warcraft

This second in my series "Are computer games bad for your kids" was inspired by Esther Schindler who wrote about 10 Business Lessons I Learned from Playing Dungeons & Dragons.

Over the past six years my son has been playing World of Warcraft (wow) on and off TG. He's been through a few phases where he'll play only a few hours in a few months. Since we had to end the subs it's been a while since he's been able to play (more than eight months), I wrote most of this some time ago and it's time to share it.

I know that many parents are concerned about the addictive qualities of computer games, I think addiction can be a problem with anything. The better it feels the greater the addiction, that doesn't mean to say the rule is to stay away from the good things in life. So I'm considering; how good - or bad - is wow.

I've picked out some of the lessons he learns in the game. wow is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (mmorpg) provided on a monthly subscription by Blizzard Entertainment. The game was released on November 23, 2004, on the 10th anniversary of the Warcraft franchise. With more than 10.2m (May 2012 and 11.5 million in May 2011) monthly subscribers, World of Warcraft is the world's most-subscribed mmorpg, it's been in the Guinness Book of Records for many years.

Playing this game has more than taught my son the rules of combat or proper behavior 'in a dungeon'. He's gained several skills that I expect will help him in his adult life.

In WOW or wow, you can find out how someone solves problems and copes with stress, as well as various other activities that map to real life.

1. Reading and writing: In Grade 2 the - special needs teacher approached me to ask what am I doing with my son? I was taken aback and responded by asking her why she is asking me this. She said that in her independent testing his reading skill was at least at grade 6 level and a lower grade 7. I know that he would say that I read with him (actually I used to read to him in bed at night) so that's how I thought best to respond. I mean the truth - which is that he learned it from wow where the chat windows in too small to follow all the messages if you can't read fluently - I don't think would have gone down too well. Anyhow, I have logged his messages and they're at a pretty good level, although it's all very specific, brief and to the point. He's learned to use digestible bytes of information, probably with a bunch of 14-17 year old Danes, Swedes and Englishmen. I'm not too worried as they have strict rules and you're not allowed to mention age or geography (there is a 12 year old age restriction though and he was only around 8-9). He doesn't embellish so his writing hasn't been well accepted at school. He manages to type a lot, so I'd say that he's fluent with keyboard even if he doesn't touch type yet. On the whole I'd say that his reading, writing and typing skills are strongly enhanced from wow.
   
   
2. Team work and social skills: wow enables players to learn behavior that allow people to achieve social reinforcement and to avoid social punishment. Operant conditioning procedures evolve as part of the wow game, which inevitably develops social skills, as well as modeling, coaching, and social cognitive techniques all operate within the wow virtual reality. In grade 4 he was pretty upset with his mom one day, as he had told her in the morning that he had 'arrangements' with his buddies. She was a little perplexed until it became apparent that it was a wow buddies that he had arrangement with. When he reached level 80 at age 10, I really saw his leadership skills working - I think it's harder for him in the real world but in wow - he manages to pull together a team of more than 15 people to enter a battle ground and lead them all through the battle, it's really most impressive.
   Parenting.org mention the following skills, all of which personally seen my son perform in WOW: following instructions, accepting criticism, accepting “No” for an answer, staying calm, disagreeing with others, asking for help, asking permission, getting along with others, apologizing, having a conversation, giving compliments, accepting compliments, listening to others, being honest, showing sensitivity to others, introducing yourself as well as some not mentioned, like persuading others, leading a group through a complex attack strategy and managing real world time constraints.
   
   
3. Analytical and strategic thinking: The best quests require a mixture of skills in the party. one has to always find new markets and cultivate ancillary skills. He experimented with various skills but took a liking to fishing. After fishing many lakes and playing the auction houses he found a buyer for a fairly rare type of fish. She guaranteed a buy (for a while) at a certain (inflated) rate in gold. So he fished for her and she bought, for a while. I suspect that the markets are fairly efficient in wow so she probably visited the auction houses too and found a more eager seller. And as he leveled, he found it easier to earn gold so the economics changed.
   More recently he has some older real world friends that he's helped reach higher levels. I've seen him train them on the mix of skills needed for various categories of battle. When selecting a weapon or tool, bigger is not always better, unique weapons tend to identify the heroes in the room, something he spends hours on. One action, used well, can be more powerful than plethora of actions. I've re-learned how to think out the box from his understanding os the most simple principle, "What are the tools at my disposal, and what can I do with them?" No matter how much he has experience in a specific weapon or specialty, he tried new ones and analyses the strengths and weaknesses of each element of the make up of each character. Once I find something that works I have tended to overuse it (just because it works) rather than focus on relearning new skills and techniques. It's better to out-smart an opponent than to fight one. In the early levels of wow, players can get into what feels like an endless repetition of "Find a monster. Kill it. Get its treasure." But your character (and career) can get hurt that way. Whether it's selecting appropriate quests, or setting up team efforts, winning special awards, learning special skills, playing the auction rooms or reaping the holiday spoils, the wow economy and world goes well beyond repetition. Picking up the spoils (and the experience points) can assist players develop real world physical and virtual values. It's not always appropriate but in a room of competition, an aptitude to get them to fight, can be an effective life strategy.
   
   
4. Imagination and creative thinking: My son took on a keen ability to role play in real life. He can speak in dozens of accents with various cultural enhancements and more recently he learned how to impersonate dozens of people. He can do it on the fly.   Roleplaying (RP), or Role Playing, in World of Warcraft means taking on the role of a character and acting it out in-game through emotes, /say, /yell, and sometimes other channels. Players may also participate in roleplay outside the game by posting on blogs, wikis, or forums (official or otherwise). Roleplaying has similarities to improvisational theater, with the participants acting out characters in unscripted situations. The character's personality, goals, morals, and quirks may resemble that of the player or be completely different. Regardless, roleplayers recognize a boundary between what is in character and what is out of character.  For the advanced reader: RP also refers to RP Realms. RP servers are functionally the same as PvE Servers, with added social rules and stricter naming enforcement. The same is true for RP-PvP Servers and PvP Servers. Both sets of rules apply. RP-PvP is commonly misunderstood to mean that the roleplaying part is optional. In fact, these servers were started in response to petitioning from roleplayers, who felt that the ability to engage in PvP added realism.
   Bottom line: wow teaches role playing 
   
   
5. Ability to disseminate information, hone ones strengths and strengthen ones weaknesses: My son lives the information and digital age, it's normal for him. Fortunately he's also learned the importance of social interaction at school. The rest is just encouragement I think. On WOW there are so many geographies, skills and talents, areas of development and options for play that every player has to learn haw to discern information (i.e. develop keen insight and good judgment). In order to identify each individuals strengths and weaknesses one has to try each and all of the potential combinations (an impossible task). As one discovers areas of interest, talent and developed skill, one has to research and explore in order to extend ones characters to deeper levels. 
   
   
6. You don't have to read all the books: My son has read all the books, World of Warcraft is immersive no doubt about that. But they move on to other immersive worlds that all include different life lessons, and a modest description of the beast you are about to face is better than facing a daemon and trying six dozen spells before finding the right one. (If you live that long.) Do not eschew documentation. Learn from others' mistakes — or from your own. Draw a map as you go. It is easier to avoid the pitfalls and to find that hidden room the next time through.

There are many more so what did I miss? Add your own wow or other MMORG life lessons in the comments. Also see Social Impact Games

Are computer games bad for your kids?

Have you ever sensed anyone think "Computer games are bad for your kids". Computer games so often seem to be thrown in with the TV as a tool to make them stupid. Since our kids play computer games I decided to find out more. Ok, I admit that we're a bit different to most parents around here, my wife and I have always played computer games and our kids aren't yet at the age where we feel that they can decide what games to play. We know the games they play and either review the game ourselves or we teach the game to our kids. It's changing a now that they're getting a bit older but the principle remains the same and we've all grown through this experience. I'm writing a two part article and in part 2 I talk about my son and World of Warcraft (WOW)".

I looked at some of the literature, especially the research into gaming. The references (bottom) refer you to some, although on the whole the results are mostly supportive of gaming, with some reservations.

Some parts of some computer games are potentially harmful. Sound effects such as zapping noises can occasionally induce epileptic fits. It's a form of a condition called Photosensitive Epilepsy and usually stimulated by TV. It's relatively rare, occurs at one in three and a half thousand. It's more common in girls than boys, about sixty to forty; different from epilepsy, which is slightly more males than females. Most commonly occurs around puberty.

Dumbing games are also considered unhealthy especially for teenagers. I'm not exactly sure how to define a dumbing game, I guess that some of the arcade games of my youth could be considered dumbing. Some adults turn to midnight gaming looking for brain numbing stimulation, and I'm not sure that I agree with those that flippantly remark this may help the onset of Alzheimers. If you can think of a game that you think could do this, please leave a comment.

Whilst the older literature proves that there are some (identifiable) harmful effects of gaming, most of the more current research is showing the benefits of (modern) gaming. This is not to say that play outside with other children and physical interaction and to face to face communications should not be encouraged as much as possible. I agree that this is how they develop, train and retain their creativity and become good people. I also believe that computers can be used as a tool - together with appropriate applications - to enhance the physical activities that a child has in the 21st century.

Some of the potentially positive outcomes the research on computer gaming shows that the gamers:

• Develop Motor and Cognitive Skills: Computer games can help to develop "motor and cognitive skills" (BBC News: 2006)
  
  
• Social Element and tram-work: Computer games allow social interaction between social groups and individuals. Some games can be played as a multi-player game; this inspires individuals to work as a part of a team as well as gain communication skills. Playing a game with friends or a partner encourages communication between the group/individuals
  
  
• Children learn through play: Children learn through play and computer games can help create imaginative play scenarios for them. Computer games can that involve imaginative worlds for a child's imagination to escape to, can encourage imaginative play. It goes well beyond imagination, they develop skills in reading, math and problem-solving. They use and develop upon previous knowledge, a valued process in the workplace and school.
  
  
• Self-esteem and confidence: Children are made to feel comfortable with technology—particularly important for girls, who don't use technology as much as boys. As they master games they increase and master personal self-confidence and self-esteem.
  
  
• Hand-eye co-ordination: Computer games can be attributed to improving the co-ordination between eyes and hands
  
  
• Release built up aggression: "catharsis theory and drive reduction... suggest that aggressive play can also have a relaxing effect on the user and be a way of balancing aggression." (LSDA, 2004) I'm not completely convinced of this, worth looking into. It does confirm our previous experience with the toy gun though, we definitely found that our kids enjoyed playing with toy guns and it got them out of their system.
  

And the potentially harmful or negative aspects found include:

• Health risks that can be attributed to repetitive game playing, include: Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Caused by using the control pad/controller of a console for long time periods. Sore eyes can happen from looking or squinting at the screen for long periods of time and headaches occur as a consequence of eyes being sore, they need a rest. I've experienced RSI myself. After more than 15 years of using the keyboard and mouse every day I finally had a bout of RSI, it's painful and you know about it. Probably best self-diagnosed. Quite simply it's very painful when you use the computer and something you must attend to immediately but definitely treatable (dealt with better in a separate post)
  
  
• Addiction can happen and excessive gaming can produce severe negative psycho-social effects; these range from low self-esteem and dependency to asocial and aggressive attitudes and behaviors, such as gambling and stealing to finance play." Some computer game players become addicted to their games, never leaving their rooms until they have completed a level or the game itself. This can impact on other aspects of the individuals life, no differently to any addiction. I hope your children don't have addictive personalities although I've recently listened to a Dennis Prager talk about the benefits of understanding a child's addictive personality when you can still do something about it.
  
  
• Violence: Some games stimulate violent tendencies, especially the category labeled first Person Shooter games.
  
  
• Lack of Communication: Computer games some claim due to their addictive nature can cause a lack of communication skills in those who constantly play them. This can lead to 'gamers' becoming anti-social among their social groups and peers.
  
  
• Less motivated: Children are less motivated to go outside and play sports, they prefer to stay in their bedrooms.
  
  
• Gender and racial stereotyping - As with all forms of popular media, video games have the potential to influence how children perceive themselves and others. Most video games are designed by males, for males. While people of many cultures play video games, that diversity is not usually reflected in the games themselves. White male characters dominate in the majority of popular games, while non-white characters often play the traditional supporting roles of sidekick or villain.
  

You will decide what suits your family best, but keep in mind that you may only be seeing what you want to see. Changing your view is always uncomfortable, hopefully this will make you think twice and consider looking a little deeper. Can computer games stimulate communications between people? There are games that disconnect an individual from the outside world, so how will you recognize the opportunities for kids to play in imaginary environments and what are the real risks to your kids in multi-player gaming environments.

Over the past 5 years my son has been playing World of Warcraft, on and off. I'd say that he has times when one would perceive potential 'addiction', he is absorbed in the game during the times he plays. We have the normal concerns, just by glancing at the potential harmful effects in the list above keeps one thinking. And one also considers the positive outcomes. What are the lessons he learns in the game? [come back for part two next week :)]


References:

• Adrenaline Vault (2001) Everything you know about computer violence is wrong, Date Accessed 16/03/06
  
• American Psychological Association (2006) Violent Video Games - Psychologists Help Protect Children from Harmful Effects
  
• Computer Addiction (2003) Computer Addiction Services.
  
• ELSPA (2005) found in Boyle, R. and Hibberd, M. (2005) Review of research on the impact of violent computer games on young people, Date accessed 10/03/06
  
• Facer, K. (2006) Computer Games and Learning, Date Accessed: 12/03/06
  
• Games + Learning + Science (2006) Jim Gee
  
• Gee, J P. (2003) What Video Games Have To Teach Us About Learning and Literacy, New York: Palgrave Macmillan
  
• informit.com (2005) A History of Home Video Game Consoles: Sixth Generation: 1995–1998,
  
• Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA) (2004) The use of computer and video games for learning
  
• Media Awareness Network (2006) Video Games: Special Issues for Girls.
  
• Media Awareness Network (2006) The Good Things About Video Games
  
• Media Awareness Network (2006) The Concerns About Video Games.
  
• Nesta Futurelab (2004) Literature Review in Games and Learning.
  
• Newman, J. (2004) Videogames, London: Routledge
  
• OUT-LAW.com (2005) Video games and age restrictions–the US and UK
  
• Video Game Revolution (2006) The History of Games
  
• World of Software (2005) PC & Video Games Ratings
  
• Esther Schindler author of "10 Business Lessons I Learned from Playing Dungeons & Dragons".
  
• Australian Broadcasting Corporation - The Health Report 16th October 1995 - "How computer games can be bad for your brain"
  
• Frankie Meehan - online exercise "Computer Games - Good or Bad?"