Are You A Serious Gamer?

Do you consider yourself a serious gamer? Well, if you do, we might not be on exactly the same page. Investing an intense amount of time and developing tremendous skills in varying types of video games isn't precisely what makes you a "serious," gamer--just a dedicated one.

The term "serious game," may seem initially misleading, as we take it at first glance to mean the same thing as "hardcore," or dedicated. But all serious games are that; they aren't simply designed for entertainment or idling away hours of time on quests in fantasy worlds.

Instead, they serve the all-too-important purpose of being instructional to all players. Games can be designed to meet outcomes for all kinds of industries, even promoting a more unique and user-friendly way to help in job training and team building.

If you are a parent that is concerned over the amount of time your teen spends absorbed by video games of all kinds, then consider their interests. What sort of serious game would be appropriate to introduce to them?

For example, as a young student in junior high and high school, I loved the complex history behind World War II. Serious games can be used as a tool to help strengthen a young person's knowledge of history, politics, or even religion while also encouraging cognitive skills through strategy and application of knowledge.

This means you no longer have to fight against your child about hours spent in front of the computer or television screen; instead, you can work with your child to tap into some of their interests and subtly teach them more about the subjects that are really important.

However, serious games as they are more widely used are functional for adults to learn and progress. They are frequently applied in the workplace; in fact, there are even serious games which help individuals in healthcare professions to decode and understand major computer applications crucial to their field.

Simulations of many different types are included in the realm of serious gaming. The United States military even uses special types of serious games, including these simulations, to train forces for combat situations.

The difference between traditional simulators and serious games is in millions of dollars. Most simulators cost a fortune to both develop and utilize, so when the budget is tight, this is an effective alternative for both small companies to huge corporations alike.

So let me ask again: are YOU a serious gamer?