By Nick Butts, a League of Legends NASEF coach, and Chris Shell, an Overwatch NASEF coach. Originally published March 1, 2019
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STEM is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — but it’s more than the individual disciplines, or even the combination of those. It also incorporates collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills and mindsets that are necessary in today’s world.
When people think of applying STEM skills to video games, the first thought is often in the creation and development of the product. It is absolutely true that this career path relies heavily on many STEM skills. What many don’t realize is that these skills are just as important to successfully playing the games as well, whether casually or professionally.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills often develop for a gamer before they even realize it. In many of the traditional level/story mode based games that we played as kids, players eventually ran into a level or “boss” that they just couldn’t beat. Some kids would just walk away frustrated, but many more turned into little scientists without realizing it. First comes the critical thinking. After discovering that this is not just another small challenge to brush past, the determination sets in. You sit up straighter, pay more attention, and take a closer look at everything. Are there clues in the cut scene leading up to the fight? Do the attacks or traps come in a pattern that you can exploit? Are there slight color or texture differences that could indicate a weakness you might have missed?
If still unable to pass the level, research often comes next. Consulting a player handbook (textbooks), internet forums (peer reviewed articles), or your friends (research team) will often yield successful results, and you can beat the level, only to proceed to more difficult tasks.