One of the most significant misconceptions about gaming enthusiasts is their work ethic. The stereotype of gamers as lazy people lounging in front of a screen all day unfortunately persists, but couldn’t be further from the truth—and farther from the reality, which is officially the new norm, not some far-off distant idea for future generations to tackle.

Gamers are dedicated, spending hours mastering their skills, learning intricate details of different games, and perfecting strategies to overcome various challenges. They are committed to their craft. And what leader wouldn’t want the very same from their employees?

They may be one of the most misunderstood workforces. So let’s fix that.

This unwavering commitment translates to a notably strong work ethic in the professional world. Gamers are also adept at working under pressure, dealing with complex problems, and persevering through repeated failures to achieve their goals—all skills that transfer seamlessly to just about any real-world business role.

Problem-solving and strategic planning

Games, especially strategic games like Football Manager 2024, require players to analyze situations, devise plans, and adjust tactics on the fly. This mirrors the strategic planning needed in business to navigate market challenges and optimize operations.

It was tackled head-on in one of Cannes Lions’s most-awarded campaigns this year, “The Everyday Tactician,” courtesy of Xbox, Bromley Football Club, Sega, and McCann London.

The long-form documentary on TNT Sports details what happens after Nathan Owolabi lands a five-month contract with Bromley Football Club as their new tactician, having successfully demonstrated his gaming prowess and achieving the Championes milestone in Football Manager 2024. The campaign wasn’t just a marketing stunt, but an opportunity to show that gamers possess distinct, worthwhile qualities that can help organizations punch above their weight and win.

Patience and resilience

Success in competitive arenas often comes after numerous moments of trial and error—and at times, failure. Just like athletes, the strongest competitors are patient and built by resilience, qualities that are crucial in any professional setting where long-term projects and iterative processes are the norms.

Social skills and critical thinking

Contrary to the belief that gaming is a solitary activity, many games require teamwork, seamless communication, and critical thinking. Multiplayer games and esports competitions require efficient collaboration (often remote) and strategy, mirroring the dynamics of effective business teams that can be scattered across time zones.

Digital savviness

For starters, gamers are inherently analytical and positively data-driven—two core competencies every gaming enthusiast can potentially bring to the business table. Their familiarity with digital platforms and online communities gives them an edge as it applies to both understanding and reaching target audiences. Their critical-thinking skills further allow them to analyze data and consumer behavior to craft campaigns that resonate, every time.

Inclined toward innovation

Last but not least, consider just how core innovation can be when engaging with a community—any community, whether that includes stakeholders, customers, fans, or a mix. Gamers don’t shy away from innovation; they embrace it as a necessity. They know that it leads to progress, even when it presents hurdles in the immediate.

As a smaller club with fewer resources, Bromley realized that, if they wanted to catch up and climb the ladder, they needed to think outside the box—something every business around the globe needs to be mindful of. Yes, the campaign won Bromley a promotion, but it also demonstrated in no uncertain terms just how transferable gamers’ skills can be toward generating real-world success, and why businesses should be game (pun intended) to tap into them.

With 3.3B gamers worldwide, businesses have a vast pool of potential employees who are passionate and skilled in ways that can be applied beyond the virtual realm.

While the lines between the virtual world and the physical world are blurring, there’s nothing virtual or fuzzy about the impact of one on the other. When you review your next set of CVs or résumés, look at the details and the whole person—not just their most recent employer. “Gamer” isn’t something to shy away from. It could be a badge of honor that just might clue you into the sort of asset an individual can be—if you let it.