by Laura Massa

Created on: December 09, 2008   Last Updated: May 30, 2009

World of Warcraft: Is it a waste of time? That would depend on the world view that one has been raised with. In families where hobbies and recreation are embraced, World of Warcraft is certainly as ligitimate a past-time as fishing, reading, or scrapbooking. In families where those activities are not seen as productive time spent, then World of Warcraft will also be seen as a waste of time.

World of Warcraft ("WoW") is a Massively Multiple Online Roleplaying Game or "MMORPG". You create a character, then complete quests to level your character up in it's skills and abilities. While this may not be directly productive in a tangible real world sense, World of Warcraft is a surprisingly valuable tool. Here are 5 benefits that can be gleaned from the World of Warcraft experience that you should consider before passing it off as a waste of time.

1. Comprehension

World of Warcraft is a great way to train the mind to read for comprehension. The quests are text based, and completing the quest depends on you reading carefully to ascertain the location and requirements needed to complete the quest. Players learn very quickly that reading the quests carefully will save many hours of time by pointing you in the correct direction and objective.

2. Logic, Problem solving

There are many puzzles to solve and connections to make throughout the game. Learning how to plan your game time to complete quest efficiently is paramount to game enjoyment.

3. Team Work

WoW is a great training ground for team work. There are many objectives that involve grouping with 4 or more players and acheiving a goal together. Each player has a distinct roll to fill, and must listen carefully to the comments of the other players in order to optimally fill thier own roll. New players ("Noobs") are well known for not understanding the importance of good listening and polite behavior when teaming with other players. While there are some players that are impatient with noobs, many experienced players enjoy teaching new players the ropes.

4. Accounting skills

Wow has gold, and in order to get gold you sell things to vendors, or auction them at the Auction House. Players obtain merchandise to sell through looting, creating trade goods (leatherworking, alchemy, etc.), or gathering (herbs, ore, or skinning). The economic game is almost a game in itself, and earning gold can easily become a players main goal. With gold you can buy better gear and enhance your characters, or buy a pet and more. Without gold, you may find yourself unable to get a flightpoint or repair your armor, so keeping track of your gold is pretty important.

5. Character building

For many people, WoW is more than a game, it is a place to explore the world and test the waters of a society. To find the person they are becoming. It is an outlet for people to step outside of their fears and insecurities and be a hero, or a horror. In other words, it builds a sense of self, and allows people to feel they have the ability to conquer issues and acheive goals.

As with any past-time, it has to be moderated and balanced. It is unhealthy to do anything excessively, and if it is causing arguments and tension in the household it is no longer an activity that can be considered of having added value. Still, WoW is a tool, and if enjoyed at a healthy level, can provide a positive framework for excercising and enhancing the above mentioned skills.

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