The Benefits of Gaming?
I recently had the opportunity to speak at a conference with Dr. Aaron Delwiche and Dr. Jennifer Henderson discussing gaming. Remember a couple weeks back we did a blog about the research the two professors from Trinity University did with over 34,000 Wizard101 players? There were other professors and professionals on the panel and in the audience. The overall tenor of the panel was very positive and I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations that took place both during the panel as well as after. That being said there was one topic that came up that really bothered me. It seems that very little work/research is being done on potential benefits of gaming. From the conversations I had it seemed that a great amount of academic research and funding was going to studies trying to tie video gaming to real world violence or to uncover the downsides to video gaming.
The reason I found this concerning is because over the last 5 years we have been flooded by communications from our players on the benefits they experienced in Wizard101 (and now Pirate101). I explained in the panel that we have had thousands of submissions of fan art and fan fiction over the years in an era where creative writing and art programs are being cut from our schools. I also talked about hundreds of messages from parents of autistic children gushing about how significantly their children have progressed interacting socially in Wizard101. I brought up the stories of children struggling to read that went up multiple reading levels over a summer while playing because they were so intent on reading the story. There are also stories of people that were housebound or separated from family members that once again have great involvement with community, friends and family through our games. I told the professors these cases in hopes of a better understanding as to why more research on positive impacts weren’t being pursued. The answer I got back about why no one is researching the benefits of gaming: government funding isn’t there for this and the press doesn’t seem to think positive findings drive traffic and sales.
I’m not suggesting parents have a lack of caution or oversight on the levels of violence our children are exposed to or that we shouldn’t have research try to understand the impact. I have always believed that all activities (physical, educational, entertainment) should be in moderation and balanced. But I really wish that the academic world and even press coverage of POSITIVE things that come from gaming could get more traction. As a side note, I was encouraged by President Obama’s positive comments on the potential career opportunities for children that could be exposed to game design at an early age.
I would love to hear if you agree with me and if you have had or seen positive experiences from your gaming. Thank you!
Fred Howard
Vice President of Marketing
KingsIsle Blog 
I agree with the thoughts in this article. Too often the benefits of social gaming are ignored for the negatives. Unfortunately, bad news sells, so that is what is provided by the media. I want to say thank you to Fred for bringing this issue to people’s attention. I hope that people will begin to look into the benefits that games provide and not just the negatives. Please keep up all the support and good work you and everyone at KI do for the communities, gaming and otherwise.
I know I hardly ever reply. Though I wanted to say that without gaming communities many of these players out there would have no outside interactions, Gaming can teach so much from simple communicating skills to math and languages. I remember a while back meeting a parent that was teaching her child the English language by using Wizard101’s Menu chat. I have even been able to keep in touch with family members by playing. My grandson that has disabilities is even able to learn using the tools provided. So many other stories I have heard throughout my many years of gaming. I want to say to Fred and everyone at KingsIsle keep up the amazing work you do.
I completely agree with you a hundred and ten percent. I also noticed that, after playing both Wizard101 and Pirate101 for years, these kind of games do more than improve one’s social skills and teamwork. It increases children’s critical thinking skills as well, thanks to both games having a turn-by-turn based system. Kids have to look ahead three steps and predict what could happen if they make the wrong choice, or else they would lose. I know you aren’t just talking about Wizard101 and Pirate101 when it comes to the benefits of all gaming, but out of the hundreds of games I’ve played I’ve never loved a game more than Wizard101 and Pirate101 because of the fact that both do more than give kids a fun time, it teaches them as well. Not to mention the teamwork factor greatly magnifies the positive experience of the game.
Keep it up Kingsisle! I’m going to have my children get into playing both Wizard101 and Pirate101 along with me! A fantastic way to bond as a family.
I also have benefited from playing Wizard101. I used to have about 30wpm (words per minute) and over the summer while playing Wizard101 I went up to about 50 or 60wpm. Wizard101 is absoulutely amazing! I love it!
Our world is rapidly evolving every day to become more involved in technology, and gaming is a large part of that. Online multi-player gaming systems such as Wizard101 and others are a fantasitc way to relieve stress and to socialize. I heard once that couples who bond over gaming, have a better chance of holding out. I mean it makes sense, even if it is a bit different; gaming could very well establish a sense of trust. The fact is though, this world is changing. Some may still believe that games are a negative influence, but I know for a fact that Kingsisle games are safe and entertaining, no matter who’s playing them.
there is a lot of hand eye coordination playing. and reading is involved to a point. having something fun to do too helps keep the interest.
one day i saw this game and i was just like wow, there are million positive things in this game. i have played for 4 years now and it is really fun, but its not “rot your brain” fun. when your playing, you in another world, inside the game, even know its fake, it seems so real, its a challenging, puzzling, adventurous game. and it can really bring the family together, even if its on the computer,
I think it just benefits you in general it teaches you skills and makes you more smarter and advanced at things
i think this is true people do learn about teamwork
I play Age of Empires 1 2 and 3 and i have learned about a lot of historic battles from roman times until the colonial era and further. Also basic phrases from different languages.
The benefits of gaming are simple, its entertainment. Most parents would sit there kids in front of a screen and they might be occupied for hours upon hours giving the kid entertainment. Most entertainment is all based off ideas of something they did or saw that inspired them. Inspiration comes from allot of video games.
I think that the Benefits of Gaming are that you can be yourself no matter what anyone thinks because nobody can judge you online.And you can learn many skills that can make you better at some things in life.
Wizard101 teaches reading, writing, math, problem solving, strategy, setting goals, social interaction and communication, imagination, computer skills, art and graphic skills, the benefits of helping others, the beginnings of gardening and animal care ideas through housing and pets, the beginnings of finances through spending gold and crowns, and opens the door to meeting people from around the world – to not only be friends, but to learn from each other about everyone’s different culture and languages. From my own experiences playing Wizard, I have seen all these things being learned by people I see or meet or friend. People of all ages too. Even I, for one, am learning the Serbian language from my friends and they are learning to improve their English. For me, Wizard brings the world of life a little closer to home in a fun and entertaining experience.
yes, it helps with lost but you forgot one thing. FRIENDSHIP.
Playing this game, people make friends and learn about teamwork and helping each other 🙂
I believe gaming experiences have major influence, personally, gaming is like a second life. Anyone can learn basic skills as typing, languages, or many more, ot you can learn valuable lessons. In gaming, you over come challenges and make new friends, exposer to this to any gamer can really impact positively on the challenges in life, simply by showing the footsteps taken in daily gaming activites.
i think that wizard101 gives a lot og typing skill, reading skill, and math.
At first I wasn’t sure I was even going to like it, but it turns out I really do. Being my character is so much fun I couldn’t see myself not playing. I also have fun with all my friends.
I would say the best involvement in this game is about the thought process in planning.
A kid will have the ability to plan with logical reasoning. There seems to be a wide angle
for a kid to learn and deliver his potential in planning, crafting, gardening, training a pet,
being creative in decorating a house and or choosing colors and apparels, communication and
Interaction, teamwork and a wide benefit knowing about reagents are all the best positive benefits
about playing wizard101 a kid can acquire.
These games help not only with social interactions. I have found myself making connections almost every day with what i am learning in school and what i have been playing in these games. This might not say much to you if you think of me as a kid, but as a high school student i am sure it says a lot. Right now i am studding about the west in America(1900s) and about the people that are living there. This time period and location is the equivalent to Cool Ranch in Pirate101. I was looking around in my textbook and found out that the magnificent 7 were actually real people. Granted they weren’t called the mag. 7, i think, but names like: Doc. Holiday, Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill. It wasn’t that special to me but it was kind of interesting, and it might be interesting to you too.
I joined Wizard101 and Pirate101 when both games first came out. While I myself have never really improved my learning or social skills because of them, both games are magnificently constructed and are so fun to play. I myself don’t play many games (I prefer to read) but they satisfy my need for an interactive game with a convincing story. Keep up the great work, it’s games like these that truly shine.
ive learned a lot about reasoning and logic from playing w101. you have to use logic to decide which card to play, and reasoning what spells the opponent might cast.
I would like to go back to the boy named Ryan. He was really happy how when he had those terrifying moments Pirate101 would help him out on forgetting that awful pain. I think that’s the fantastic part about Kingsisle wonderful games they create. Something else I would like to add it really makes life a lot entertaining and it would be very creative to have games like these global.
I’m playing Pirate101 and I love it while learning a lot in school.This summer in July it was my first anniversary on pirate101 and I love it and Pirate101 is a good way to learn English,Spelling,Reading, a lot of school stuff. And I’m thinking of having everyone in my school to play Pirate101 because it helps people learn.It’s amazing 😀 My teachers will love it, the students will love it, even every school.KINGSISLE RULES!!!!!!!!!
I love this game and its great for all people young/old so try it and if you like it enjoy!!! 🙂
with gaming i can meet with freinds
I’ve used gaming as an escape from the stress of school. As someone with autism and difficulties with social interaction, I find it a great way to get out of my shell and meet friends who can’t judge me for my appearance, speech difficulties, etc.
Wizard101 and Pirate101 have both helped my little brother and I to get along better, and my little brother is in love with Wizard101!! He’s always talking about, and he also wishes that there were more areas on both games open to non-members. 😀 🙂 😀 🙂 :S
I’ve been playing for 4 years now, and Wizard101 has actually helped me with a lot of things, first thing being grammar, and being able to read quickly and nicely. That helped me get good grades in writing and reading. I’m also able to type quickly and correctly. Wizard101 also helped me with my reasoning, logic, and predicting skills, just from PvPing and fighting the monsters. I’ve also became more social and I’m able to make friends more easily now.
I honestly think there’s more positives than negatives in gaming. I just wish more people would see that.
WIzard101 rocks so far Best game I HAVE EVER PLAYED!!
I’ve been playing this game for two years now and this is still fun! What I think the benefits are History (Krokotopia), Math (For example if you use a Feint and than a Forest Lord you could calculate the damage, and finally teamwork!
I’m a very shy person and I believe that this game has helped me become a better person in general, I talk more now and am able to work with people better. Thank you Kingsisle 🙂
One time there was a new kid at school, I started talking about the types of games I liked to play and now he is one of my best friends.
i am a stone carver like my father and video games realy help my hand-eye coordination.
wizard101 has really helped me with my spelling and grammar!
Gaming is not only fun to me it’s a way for me and my family to spend time together, I would also love it if kingsisle could make more additions to pirate101 because i finished all of my quests and got the best gear i could get so new stuff would be really nice.
these games are part of my world.
it’s the best game in the world! there’s action, adventure, and you can make new friends. I love this game. been playing for 2 years. best times of my life
i can finally open up for once with out worrying about being judged I want to say thanks for everyone who has been so nice I mean you don’t my my quirkiness or how I tell bad jokes you accept me and I can’t thank you enough
While I agree kids should put homework first, and physical activity is very important- my son is away at school, living with his father right now. He got me into wiz when it first started, and through the past few years, it has given us “special time” to hang out, play together and talk.
from minecraft I learnt the x,y,z co-ordinates and other stuff but for wizard101 it made me learn I guess a bit of logic 😛 😀
I’ve read some articles that say that playing video games can help kids with things they don’t focus on much with you in school such as quick thinking and precision. I agree, people forget the good things about playing video games sometimes.
I have enjoyed playing wizards, I have met a lot of nice people and made some good friends on here, plus you can have fun while you play, its like playing mythology, or you can be a kid again, sure you get some on there that don’t know how to act, but the nice people make up for them, so keep making us great worlds to play in, make some mythology worlds too, they would be fun.
terrie
I like how it makes to think and try and try its sometimes funny seeing people try so hard trying to finish a battle sometimes I feel bad when I am busy farming and stuff but I know my friends on the game can win the battle like I have faith in them
I agree, in my house hold we all game as a family. It brings us closer as a family and it creates many topics of conversation.
I personally like gaming; especially wizard101 :D. I know there is a danger to stare at that bright screen of yours, so you got to know when to stop. BUT, if you limit your time play nicely and do your best your bound to have a good time. 🙂
p.s. look for me in the game ,
best wishes,
Brian night leaf
I first found out about Wizard 101 from my Grandson and started playing, I was playing games on Big fish,, but found i loved playing Wizards. i got my friends to play and we have been with Kings-isle for years. We all enjoyed the game and met other adults who love it too. I hear to tell you that Wizards 101 is not just for the kids. We also play Pirates 101 as well, Many of our friends from Wizards do as well. Its also great to help the kids that play the game, I have to say it does kept you young.
Sherry Navarrette
After becoming the victim of a traumatic brain injury(TBI ) eight years ago, my son introduced me to wizard 101 A the time I started playing with him I was still having difficulty focusing my attention for long periods of time. The TBI left me paralyzed on my left side. it is ref refreshing to have a game that can be fun and still played with only one hand try that with most of your X-box games.
Since I worked as a Software Engineer before my injury I really enjoy testing in the test realms I look forward to finding that illusive bug and reporting it then seeing that it it gone when I play through final release. It makes me focus on the intent of the flow of the game to understand if it is working properly. It is kind of like getting, “back in the game just a little”, and that feels good!so a big thanks to K.I. for letting their customers getting so close to the development.
Well, believe me, the insight into the gaming world is very interesting and I have never enjoyed so many creative people all at once, wow ty
To each and every person who works at KI, I want you all to know that you have given me my life back. In Feb. 2012, I came down with a mysterious illness. I went from being an active 26 year old photographer with my own business to being bed bound in a matter of weeks. Even now, going on two years from when my illness began, we do not have a complete diagnosis but my doctors are still working on figuring this thing out. But I can honestly say, without a shadow of doubt in my mind, that if it wasn’t for Wizard101 giving me an outlet to have a community of friends to socialize with and to keep my mind active with such wonderful plots and twists of story line….well I honestly think I would’ve given up. When I first became sick,(before I found Wizard101) my husband would go to work and I would be stuck at the house, feeling left out of the world, a prisoner of my own body. Then I found this game and you guys freed me. Now I have whole worlds to explore, new friends to meet and things to look forward to in the game. You’re game has given me my life back, thank you will never EVER be enough.
I love playing games cause I am using my brain constantly thinking about what I am going to do next. TV does not do that. Funny my husband is not a gamer. He will never understand the thrill of winning a battle, or dungeon. To finally got all the stuff collected to craft a certain item. He gets upset sometimes when I am on the computer too long. He does not get upset when I am in front of the TV. Makes no sense to me.
Gaming does so many positive things for all ages. For kids is it fun, and lets them learn how to problem solve, interact with others, and how to stick to tasks to accomplish a goal. For the many adult who play both Pirates and Wizards, it gives them a escape from adult worries and stress, where they can just have fun either questing, doing PVP, or just hanging out with friends.I do think it depends allot on the game though. There are many out there I would not let my kids play at all. However both Pirates and Wizard are Mom approved by me, and safe to play for the whole family 🙂