Gamer Skills

So, as I said last time, Mom's learning to play a new type of game. The experience of helping her learn the controls and all has really brought to my attention the vast amount of worthless skills I've picked up in my lifelong career as a dedicated gamer.

It also reveals to me why the industry tends to be rather unwelcoming of newcomers. Almost all games are designed with an assumption that you know the basics. Sure, they always have that introduction of the key binds in the opening level, but nonetheless if you have never played that type of game before, the learning curve is steep!

I never noticed this myself, because I'm already equipped with the skills necessary to start playing just about any game and intuitively understand its controls due to my vast experience in almost every genre.

I also enjoy games such as the Grand Theft Auto series, where you have a world to explore. Learning to find my way around such games has, I sincerely believe, helped me to develop a better sense of direction.

Playing Everquest through high school and early college helped me to develop my typing skills; I can type over 90 wpm nowadays!

What skills has playing video games given you?