I just finished reading an article on IGN about the top 5 reasons to play video games. The article is a little dated, but the 5 ideas I had in mind had no overlap. Here is a link to their article, and these are my 5 reasons:
1. Introduction to physics. As kids are exposed to more complex games, they almost all have their own physics engine. Some include puzzles that take time and creative thinking to solve, and exposing younger kids to things that encourage critical thinking is never a bad thing.
2. Keyboarding skills. I haven't ever had a typing class, and can reach 50 words per minute. Using a keyboard is a job skill you can't live without in the world we live in. Practice makes perfect, and if doing something you enjoy can help teach real life skills, there's really no downside.
3. Learning to fail. Nobody ever goes through life without making mistakes. If you've ever had someone yell at you for screwing up in a video game, it has helped thicken your skin. In the work world, people have to deal with stressful bosses constantly on their back or coworkers this they don't do enough. Playing video games helps build up conflict resolution skills.
4. Teamwork. Most games being released have a multiplayer component. Communicating with teammates helps build team skills. Notifying teammates of an incoming flank isn't too far off from reminding coworkers of a deadline discussed in the last business meeting.
5. Real world friendships. Literally all of my friends play video games, and we met up through middle school and high school to play halo and gears of war. Having a common ground to start spending time together has helped me forge some relationships that will stay with me forever.
Video games encourage interaction, which is in stark contrast to the old adage that gamers spend all night in a basement by themselves. The Internet and an abundance of multiplayer games have opened up a whole new social aspect.
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