Study Claiming Video Games Make Players Better Real-Life Shooters Gets Shot Down

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  • TheWabbit

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    In my lair

    Twangbanger

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    Good time to be a Firearms Trainer. They are going to make a mint un-teaching the crap these kids are learning.
     

    russc2542

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    I could see a limited effect as plausible (being less affected by loud noises, less intimidated by guns in general) vs someone who's never held a gun nor played a violent video games. More so if they're using a gun-like game controller but it's shaky at best. Similar studies have happened for driving video games (with a wheel and pedals) and while those players are better at real-life racing than someone who's never raced in a game or real life, they're still a far cry from people that have real racing experience (Note that that goes for realistic racing games like Gran Turismo or Forza, not so much mario-kart).
     

    T.Lex

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    Someone should tell the DOD. Or not.

    ARMA is the same engine as the simulator the DOD (and other national militaries) use: Virtual Battle Space 3 (or maybe 4 by now, been awhile since I was involved in it). While it doesn't necessarily teach "shooting" it can teach the process of combat. Like alluded to above, things like using the scope to deduce range. Shoot, move, shoot, move. Cover v. concealment. Even squad tactics can be taught and learned at a basic level, in a very cost effective way.

    There's no substitute for finger on the trigger learning when it comes to shooting. Beyond that, in terms of training the brain, simulators can really help.
     

    Shoo

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    I would say if you have good hand eye cordination and it is improved by playing video games in general it helps you become a better shooter. Just not shooting games in general.
     

    gglass

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    The ONLY thing that could possibly help a gamer shoot better, would be an understanding of sight alignment, and that is probably the easiest element of shooting to teach a new shooter. Gaming could not possibly teach trigger mechanics or control. It could not possibly teach proper grip techniques. It could not possibly help teach recoil management. It could not possibly help a shooter calm all of the nervous reactions throughout the firing sequence. And so on, and so on, and so on...
     

    russc2542

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    The ONLY thing that could possibly help a gamer shoot better, would be an understanding of sight alignment, and that is probably the easiest element of shooting to teach a new shooter. Gaming could not possibly teach trigger mechanics or control. It could not possibly teach proper grip techniques. It could not possibly help teach recoil management. It could not possibly help a shooter calm all of the nervous reactions throughout the firing sequence. And so on, and so on, and so on...

    They do mention controller type. If one had a controller in the likeness of a firearm there could be an argument for limited improvements depending on the construction.
     

    gglass

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    They do mention controller type. If one had a controller in the likeness of a firearm there could be an argument for limited improvements depending on the construction.

    Oh! Never mind then... Gamers DO make better shooters.

    Now I'm off to buy the next Big gaming console with realistic controls so that I can reduce my ammo expenditures, and become a better shooter in the process. GAME ON!
     

    sporter

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    The ONLY thing that could possibly help a gamer shoot better, would be an understanding of sight alignment, and that is probably the easiest element of shooting to teach a new shooter. Gaming could not possibly teach trigger mechanics or control. It could not possibly teach proper grip techniques. It could not possibly help teach recoil management. It could not possibly help a shooter calm all of the nervous reactions throughout the firing sequence. And so on, and so on, and so on...

    "trigger control" is a myth. Grip the gun, keep the sights on target, pull the trigger.
     

    russc2542

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    Oh! Never mind then... Gamers DO make better shooters.

    Now I'm off to buy the next Big gaming console with realistic controls so that I can reduce my ammo expenditures, and become a better shooter in the process. GAME ON!

    Compared to zero training and given the right conditions it could be better to a very limited point. As I mentioned, not as good as the real thing so don't empty your ammo fund yet.
     

    Kutnupe14

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    Being a real life shooter (or more correct, schooled in tactics), does make you a better video game player. I'm smoked lots of guys who forgot to check corners, in Halo. Lol
     

    Woobie

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    Someone should tell the DOD. Or not.

    ARMA is the same engine as the simulator the DOD (and other national militaries) use: Virtual Battle Space 3 (or maybe 4 by now, been awhile since I was involved in it). While it doesn't necessarily teach "shooting" it can teach the process of combat. Like alluded to above, things like using the scope to deduce range. Shoot, move, shoot, move. Cover v. concealment. Even squad tactics can be taught and learned at a basic level, in a very cost effective way.

    There's no substitute for finger on the trigger learning when it comes to shooting. Beyond that, in terms of training the brain, simulators can really help.

    I've never used one of those things, outside of the marksmanship trainer. It has some utility, but isn't amazing.

    I can tell you the CoD generation sucks at shoot/move/communicate about as much as anyone. The difference is they think they know. That's usually pretty easy to dispel, though.

    The real difference is in fitness. All those years on the couch make soft kids. The best recruits are wrestlers.
     

    Beowulf

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    Wait, you mean Back to the Future lied to me?

    56c1ee87d24af_sheldonsfans.jpg


    Also, I never noticed that the kid right next to Marty (Michael J. Fox) was Elijah Wood. Who knew?
     
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