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The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from Playing Video Games

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The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from Playing Video Games


Confessions of a Closet Philosopher (Who Also Mains a Rogue)

Let’s be real—when people talk about where they gleaned their profound wisdom, “grinding levels in a video game” isn’t usually the first answer. But here I am, about to confess that some of my most valuable life lessons weren’t learned in a classroom or from a self-help guru, but from the pixelated worlds of my favorite video games.

Now, before you roll your eyes and click away, hear me out! I’m not saying that mastering “Dance Dance Revolution” suddenly bestowed upon me the secrets of the universe (though my rhythm did improve significantly). But looking back, I realize that gaming, in its own quirky way, taught me a thing or two about resilience, strategy, and the importance of a well-timed power-up—all of which translate surprisingly well to real life.

Lesson #1: Failure is Just a Side Quest (And Sometimes You Need a Walkthrough)

Anyone who’s ever faced a Souls-like boss knows the feeling: that soul-crushing (pun intended) moment when you’re defeated for the umpteenth time, controller almost launched across the room. But here’s the thing: video games teach you that failure isn’t the end. It’s just an opportunity to respawn, rethink your strategy, and try again. (And hey, sometimes you just need to look up a walkthrough—no shame in a little help from your friends, or the internet.)

Life, much like a particularly challenging dungeon, throws curveballs. There will be setbacks, rejections, and moments where you’re tempted to rage-quit. But just like that boss fight you eventually conquered, overcoming challenges in real life often comes down to perseverance, adaptability, and maybe a helpful nudge from a mentor or friend.

Lesson #2: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (Especially When Facing a Giant, Fire-Breathing Dragon)

I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for a good MMO. There’s something incredibly satisfying about teaming up with friends (and sometimes complete strangers) to achieve a common goal, whether it’s taking down a raid boss, conquering a dungeon, or just goofing off in a virtual world.

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