Is Minecraft a Gateway to Living Adventurously?

So today I want to talk to you about some evidence I found on the benefits of playing games like Minecraft and how it can lead to a lifelong love of outdoor adventures.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Minecraft? That blocky little game my kid is always playing? How is that going to get them outside or up a mountain?" Yes, that Minecraft.

As a father to a 9 and 5 year old, playing Minecraft has become a regular activity for the three of us, I even have my own account (which I may or may not log-in to from time to time even without the kids around), we have hours of fun, together in our shared 'realm'. A totally safe environment for the 3 of us to play together in the virtual world of Minecraft.

Well, let me tell you, Minecraft is more than just a game. It's a virtual world where players can explore, build, and solve problems. It's a place that fosters creativity and teaches valuable skills like problem-solving and resource management, as well as dealing with zombies and if you're really brave, the Ender Dragon.

But here's the best part: all of this indoor gaming can actually lead to an interest in outdoor hobbies. A study published in the journal "Computers in Human Behavior" found that kids who played Minecraft were more likely to participate in outdoor activities like gardening and nature walks. Another study published in the journal "Computers & Education" found that playing Minecraft can lead to an increased interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics, which can also translate into an interest in outdoor pursuits.

So, basically, playing Minecraft can be a gateway drug to rock climbing and mountain hiking. And trust me, those activities are way more fun than just staring at a screen all day, although I'm probably biased! What are your thoughts? I'm always encouraging my children to enjoy the outdoors, they love playing video games (seemingly without any encouragement to do so) but are they 'as bad' as many people seem to think, or should we be more embracing of this next generation of digital adventurers.