When we talk about working on and acquiring people skills, we can think of it as becoming socially intelligent. This involves acquiring skills that prepare us to deal with people and our own feelings and emotions.
Diving into the universe of online gaming, it's inevitable to face a wide range of emotions. From the satisfaction of winning a match to the frustration of dealing with setbacks like defeat or negative interactions with other players, the gaming world is a unique training ground for the development of socio-emotional skills.
What is the role of Emotional Intelligence in the world of gaming?
In any game session, we experience comfortable and pleasant emotions such as winning, achieving a goal, overcoming a challenge, acquiring things, or having fun and enjoyable interactions with other players.
On the other hand, there will be uncomfortable moments, which we tend to see as negative, such as losing, not reaching a goal, having difficulty accomplishing what was planned or envisioned, dealing with aggressive players, or even facing moments of disagreement and argument.
Social and emotional intelligence help us to deal with both extremes, both the positive and the negative. Because living our best version means understanding and benefiting from all situations.
Emotional intelligence, often underestimated in this context, is an essential differentiator. Research indicates that players with high emotional intelligence tend to perform better in teams, cope more effectively with competitive pressure, and show greater resilience in the face of adversity. These are attributes valued not only in the gaming world but also in corporate environments.
**Moreover, according to the 2020 Superdata Report, players with higher emotional intelligence tend to spend more time and money on games. This suggests that the development of socio-emotional skills not only enhances the player's experience but also can boost engagement and investment in the gaming market.**
A responsibility for everyone
By understanding that the development of these skills not only enhances the player's experience but also drives engagement and investment in the gaming market, brands have the opportunity to establish deeper and more lasting connections with their target audience. Investing in strategies that promote the development of emotional intelligence, such as creating emotionally engaging narratives, supporting positive communities within games, and implementing emotional well-being programs, not only strengthens the bond between the brand and players but can also lead to a significant increase in engagement and loyalty from the target audience, resulting in tangible benefits for brands in the gaming market.
Easy to say, hard to do!
In theory, everything seems to make sense, but how can we bring these concepts into practice? Here are some examples of actions that can promote the development of emotional intelligence in your interactions with the gamer audience:
1. Emotionally Engaging Narratives: Developing emotionally rich and deep narratives in games or advertising campaigns can involve players on a more personal level. This can include plots that explore themes such as overcoming challenges, friendship, empathy, and resilience, providing players with an immersive experience that leads them to reflect on their own emotions and relationships.
2. Supporting Positive Communities: Encouraging and supporting positive communities within games can promote the building of healthy and empathetic relationships among players. Brands can sponsor events or online forums that promote mutual respect, cooperation, and emotional support among community members, thus creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players.
3. Emotional Well-Being Programs: Implementing emotional well-being programs aimed at players can be an effective way to promote the development of emotional intelligence. This may include providing online resources such as articles, videos, and podcasts that address topics related to mental health, stress management, self-esteem, and communication skills. Additionally, brands can offer direct support, such as counseling sessions or workshops led by qualified professionals.
4. Events and Social Activities: Organizing in-person or virtual events where players can meet, interact, and participate in social activities can help strengthen emotional bonds among them. This can include tournaments, meetups, team gaming sessions, or even charity events that encourage players to come together for noble causes, thus promoting empathy and solidarity within the gaming community.
It's good for the game and good for life!
These actions not only promote the development of emotional intelligence among players but also foster the development of skills that have a positive overall effect outside the game as well.
This emotion-centered approach creates more authentic and meaningful connections with anyone, not just gamers, resulting in mutual benefits.
What becomes increasingly clear is a consumer demand to see their beloved brand showing that it has a heart too, cares about the things they care about, and is constructively present in the spaces they frequent.
And it's this kind of win-win movement that the world urgently needs, don't you think?