Learning by gaming: nonwork-to-work enrichment among successful massive multiplayer online gamers

Beigi, Mina, Ayoobzadeh, Mostafa and Shirmohammadi, Melika (2024) Learning by gaming: nonwork-to-work enrichment among successful massive multiplayer online gamers. Human Resource Development International. (doi:10.1080/13678868.2024.2404818).

Abstract

Online gaming is stereotypically associated with negative outcomes, partially due to social stigmas. Given the large population of massive multiplayer online (MMO) gamers, in this qualitative study, we explored if and how gaming resulted in positive outcomes by enriching employees’ work. To do so, we interviewed 23 employed adults with extensive gaming experience. Our analysis revealed that MMO gaming resulted in several learning outcomes that were directly related to general workplace skills. We categorised these learning outcomes as affective (i.e. viewing work as solvable puzzles, developing self-confidence, developing self-awareness), behavioural (i.e. leading and working with a team, coaching and developing others, developing social connections, conflict resolution), and cognitive (i.e. gaining knowledge; goal setting, strategising, and planning; adaptability and agility; and problem-solving). Also, we highlighted the social and individual factors that played a role in how learning outcomes were transferred from gaming to work. Our findings broaden the limited scholarship on employee enrichment experiences, extending our understanding of how an individual’s hobby, as an understudied and critical part of the nonwork domain, is associated with the work domain. Our study challenges the common negative stereotypes about gamers and advocates the potential enrichment of workplace skills resulting from gaming during nonwork time.

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Contributors

Author: Mina Beigi

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