Gaming for Social Learning

The Nordic Navigator is a comprehensive tool designed to protect youth from harm and increase their wellbeing in online environments. Among the participating organizations behind The Nordic Navigator are organizations that have been active in, and accumulated extensive experience in, digital youth work. While the insights presented here are grounded in this practical experience, we recognize that research in this area is still evolving and that not all findings may apply universally. This experience has brought about findings that while video games and esports have long been associated with entertainment, they have also emerged as powerful tools for social learning. Structured programs utilizing esports and gaming can offer young people an opportunity to develop essential life skills, build meaningful relationships, and foster personal growth - all within a structured and supportive environment.

One of the most significant benefits of gaming-based social learning is its ability to engage youth who might otherwise struggle with more traditional methods. Many youth already possess some, even strong, gaming skills but may lack key competencies such as communication, teamwork, time management, and emotional regulation. Structured programs can leverage gaming to teach these essential skills by incorporating structured guidance around collaboration, health, and self-discipline. Put another way: youth already know how to play computer games, therefore, a program does not necessarily need to offer more game time but instead concentrate on other skills.

Structured programs utilizing gaming can help students recognize the direct parallels between gaming and everyday responsibilities. Critical factors such as goal-setting, behavior both online and offline, personal accountability, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are all crucial for success in both online gaming, particularly competitive gaming, as well as in life. Many young gamers, for example, struggle with sleep routines, ergonomics, and self-regulation, all of which can impact their well-being. By introducing routines and reinforcing the importance of structure, esports programs can help youth succeed beyond gaming.

Beyond practical skills, gaming also provides an avenue for emotional and social development. By tapping into young people's existing interest in gaming, structured programs create a natural and welcoming entry point for social engagement. Many youth who struggle to connect with traditional social environments find comfort in gaming spaces, where they can gradually build confidence and social skills in a setting that feels familiar and safe. For many youth, a social gaming environment offers a rare sense of belonging, particularly for those who have faced exclusion or bullying in more traditional after-school activities. Group-based training sessions encourage social interaction at the participant’s own pace, helping even socially anxious youth develop friendships - they become more socially engaged with time and are more likely to make friends within the group, making them less likely to play alone when playing outside of training.

Supervised gaming also serves as a platform for emotional regulation and self-esteem building. Additionally, gaming can provide psychological recovery benefits, helping youth replenish mental energy, detach from everyday stress, and build long-term coping skills. Engaging in gaming environments allows players to reset emotionally and develop resilience through problem-solving and perseverance. Competitive gaming can be emotionally intense, requiring players to handle both victories and losses with resilience. Youth, who are still developing their socio-emotional skills, often struggle with frustration and self-doubt. However, structured coaching can teach youth participants how to manage these emotions effectively, teaching them how to turn losing (often the greatest source of frustration in gaming) into learning opportunities and get them to reflect on their emotional regulation.

Moreover, participation in structured gaming helps youth develop adaptability and team work, crucial skills for both gaming and real life. In competitive video games players are often required to play with strangers to fill their team, this means that they must learn to adjust to new teammates, strategies, and dynamics - in other words, they grow their ability to adapt to new teams, new people, and new situations. This adaptability translates into improved interpersonal skills, confidence, and the ability to navigate social environments beyond gaming.

Ultimately, structured gaming environments create a space where youth can practice communication, leadership, and teamwork. The presence of coaches and mentors provides an additional layer of guidance, ensuring that these youth learn how to interact positively with peers. Giving the youth access to an environment where they can meet others around the same age with the same interests will provide them with an opportunity to be a part of a group and feel accepted, which will then improve their social health.

Gaming is no longer just a pastime - it is a gateway to social learning, personal development, and community building. By recognizing the potential of structured gaming as an educational tool, we can help young people not only refine their in-game abilities but also develop the real-world skills necessary for success in life.