Games are more than just an engagement tool

Here at Adventure Arena, we consider gaming more than just a way to get teens and children to engage in social skills groups. Games provide us with conflict, emotion, and drama, giving teens an authentic opportunity to interact socially with their peers in a low-risk setting but with real stakes.

Role-playing games (RPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons teach us communication skills like listening and patience, as well as problem-solving and consensus-building. RPGs can help us develop empathy and perspective-taking as we take on new identities in play. RPGs also have tremendous academic benefits as research has linked them to benefits like literacy, executive functioning, decision-making, strategic thinking, and imagination. 

Competitive trading card games (TCGs) offer an environment of structured competition where conflict will inevitably result. Playing these games teaches us to handle our frustrations and manage our emotions. TCGs also develop our executive functioning and strategic thinking. Best of all TCGs teach us humility. The complexity of the game requires us to learn from others to increase our gameplay and deck-building skills.

Games are a powerful way for us to provide our young people with engaging and authentic opportunities to interact with their peers in ways that make meaningful connections and friendship. 

 

Josh Harper

Adventure Arena Founder & Facilitator