Discussion: the pros and cons of video gaming

One of your exam questions asks you to briefly discuss the pros and cons of video gaming. For this discussion, you are required to find inspiration in William Collis’ TED talk “How video game skills can get you ahead in life”. 

Pros of video gaming

Since the TED talk is mainly focused on the pros of video gaming, you can find a lot of ideas for this part of the discussion in the text.

William Collis argues that playing video games and competing in esports helps players develop skills that are relevant in various contexts in life. For example, he believes that the leadership skill required in esports helps players “seize opportunity, clearly and decisively communicate decisions and inspire others to follow [their] lead” (ll. 65-66). According to Collis, video games develop valuable traits like “diligence, perseverance, teamwork” (l. 83) which help form new communities by making people bond. Collis also believes that skills developed while gaming are present in “executives and team captains everywhere” (ll. 64-65), and particularly valued in today’s digital workplace. 

In your discussion, consider some other benefits th...