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It’s summer time, the time of year where the kids have lots and lots of free time. But what if this free time is spent staring at a screen?
Many parents are naturally concerned about their kids spend their free time, and these concerns often extend to gaming.
However, Rob O’Connor, the Co-founder of Elite Gaming right here in Syracuse, says these concerns will fade away when met with the reality and the benefits of gaming.
“You learn employable job skills from your gaming, especially on team games where you’re communicating with your teammates, you’re coming up with game strategies, you’re problem solving…”
The positives O’Connor speaks of were on full display at Dreamhack Dallas this weekend, one of the top gaming conventions in the U.S.
Regarding what makes gaming great, Evan Albert, a fan from California said “These guys over here I met these guys online, I’ve known ‘em for… 7 years probably, and I knew ‘em since I was little, and they’re from Texas, they’re from here, and I’m from California… I would’ve never met these guys…”
But the tangible benefits of gaming don’t stop there. Kazi Ahmed, a Counter-Strike fan who watched the professional Counter-Strike tournament at the event said professional gamers, just like any athletes, provide motivation for their fans.
“Like you saw M0nesy right there, I’m 21, he’s like what? 19, hes 2 years younger than me, and he’s going to these great heights of gaming, and it motivates me to work harder as well.”
So, remember, gaming isn’t all bad, and it may actually provide your child with friends, motivation, and so much more.