9. You Learned Everything You Know About Sports From MLB: The Show, Madden NFL, FIFA, And NBA 2K
Sports games are unique in that unlike shooters or strategy games, the things you learn to do in them have some applicable real-world value. Investing time in NBA 2K, Madden, or any other sports game results in an understanding of how that sport works far better than sitting down and reading the rules or trying to understand exclusively through TV commentary. When folks talk about 'hands on' education, this is what they mean. Sports games are in fact, edutainment titles. It's much easier to learn the benefits and foibles of a cover 2 defense when you actively play a role in it, versus trying to understand what ESPN analysts are attempting to explain within 2-3 minute highlight reels. In a game like NBA 2k14, you come to realise just how important having the right types of players on the court at all times is, enlightening casual fans to just how complicated NBA basketball can be. Even better, the hardcore sports gamer often finds themselves invested in sports they never thought they'd enjoy. Bowling, tennis, and golf all became a bit more interesting once Wii Sports came out, and FIFA deserves all the credit in the world for making European football accessible to Americans who weren't interested until they saw how fun it was to actually take a penalty shot or do a perfectly timed header for a game winning goal in extra time. If you're a baseball fan without a PlayStation, you may think you're out of luck, but you're not. 9 Innings Pro Baseball on iOS is the quintessential pocket baseball simulation, conjuring up memories of classic Sega Genesis titles. And if you dive into that game head first, by the time you come up for air, you'll have an entirely new appreciation for the battle between pitcher and batter. If your idea of 'Fantasy Football' is syncing up your Madden Franchise to your favorite team's season, or if you stream the World Cup on your laptop while running your own tournament in FIFA, you may just love games, specifically sports games, more than the people who play and watch them.
