5 TED Talks That Show Video Games In A Positive Light

4. Gabe Zichermann: How Games Make Kids Smarter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2N-5maKZ9Q Beginning his talk by saying that Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? is the greatest game ever, Gabe Zichermann states that it was the last time parents, children and teachers agreed that it was a great title. Bear in mind the game was released in mid 1980's. He then goes on to explain how his love of playing games as a child moulded him into the successful author he is today. The video explains how research over the years has lead to children being more intelligent, citing a multitude of skills learned in video games. For example, he lists the simultaneous tasks players of World Of Warcraft have to cope with while playing, such as hand-eye coordination, maintaining conversations via voice chat, dealing with distractions from parents etc. He explains the notion of gamification; how people (including children) solve real world problems using technology that incorporates game mechanics, such as a speed camera that rewards people who go under the limit. Zicherman then passionately ends his talk by encouraging current generations to stop fighting video game progression and to become involved with them along with their kids.