Essay Sample on Video Games and Programming

Introduction

Anti-gaming individuals in society have been pushing the agenda that video games are responsible for violence, immaturity, and addiction among young people. However, this is a misplaced notion as video games may have both positive and negative effects on individuals depending. Personally, video games have been instrumental in my efforts to learn to program. I achieved this by playing video games that helped me learn basic concepts about coding. I have also been able to perfect life skills such as strategic planning and forward-thinking through video games as well as to improve my language. Video games have added value to my life through the knowledge and skills I have acquired.

The video game that contributed the most in helping me to learn programming is called "Human Resource Machine." This video game frames itself in concepts that are familiar like floor tiles and conveyor belts. It also offers a list of commands for me to work with hence the game for me to adhere to hence the game provided a solid foundation for me to learn the basic concepts of programming. The game provides useful jump arrows and commands that are color-coded. This made it easier for me to maintain track of the action and execution of a program. Some of the terminologies such as 'Bump' and 'Copy from' did not provide 1:1 translation to current programming languages but the concepts I learned were very similar. After I conquered HRM, I felt adequately equipped to begin learning how to code. Therefore, video games have been very instrumental in my quest to learn to code.

Video games have been very helpful in my daily life. The most helpful skills that I have learned from video games are strategic planning and forward-thinking. I have always believed that strategy and puzzle games will be in style for a very long time. Some of the games I have engaged in that involve strategy include Angry Birds, Civilization V, and Starcraft II. Everyone appreciates a game that stimulates strategy and planning. The kind of forward-thinking I have come across in these games has helped me in social contexts. It has enabled me to think about what I am about to say before I say it, to think about the possible consequences of what I'm about to say, and the right methods to approach difficult situations. This skill has been crucial in my daily life and video games have been the best platform for me to learn.

Finally, I cannot forget the role that video games have played in the improvement of my linguistic skills. Naturally, one would be required to understand the language in which a video game is played in order to be successful at it. Video games have helped me sharpen my speaking, listening, and even reading skills. Video games eliminated the fear I had previously concerning the wrong usage of language which is common in classrooms. We learn a language faster when immersed in a real-life setting where a particular language is spoken. Video games helped to improve my linguistic skills using the same mechanism.

Conclusion

Overall, the positive impact that video games have created in my life is evident. They have helped me to learn basic concepts in programming that will be the basis of my quest to study programming at a higher level. They have helped me understand basic life skills, most notably strategic planning and forward-thinking. Equally important, video games have improved my language significantly. Therefore, I feel that video games can help us to be successful in life.