The Advantages of Playing World of Warcraft

Most people consider World of Warcraft gamers to be anti-social addicted kiddies who can't leave their PC for a second. But playing World of Warcraft does also have some - not to be taken too serious - advantages.

I am a gamer myself and after some troubles and a pretty addictive phase in the beginning, I now can control it and am happy with playing less than 4 hours on a weekend. Yes, it is possible!
I also have a husband, a career and friends in the "real world". And I am convinced that World of Warcraft - and any other MMORPG - does have some advantages!

1. Economy

Nothing is more important inside the game than having the best gear (items, clothes, etc.) and a huge amount of gold. In Azeroth, you are nothing without gold. Many compete in always receiving the best items for their character or having many and rare mounts to brag with. I am not like that, but I once was chronically broke until I gave up hunting for items. Now, I sell everything I find and do not really need in the auction house. I only have jobs like skinning, herbalism and mining where I get things from I can sell. World of Warcraft definitely does educate to save your money aka gold or else you are broke very easily. And nothing hurts a teenager more than not having the newest available flying mount while all your friends do already have it *lol*

2. Social Skills

Yes, many players do lack social skills. I have always been differently. I like haggling with other players and I enjoy playing with them together to fight against the bad guys. It is all about chatting, interacting and helping each other. That is one of the features that influenced WoW and contributed to its success.
If someone is not behaving, he is often taught differently by explaining or worse: kicking out of the group. The ignore function for the chat also does teach some people to behave. And of course, you will always have helpful admins and moderators.

3. It could be worse

Yes, it could definitely worse. There are many hobbies out there that I consider more anti social. I could learn how to shoot and kill real people ^^ I could spend all my money on booze and wake up in the hospital. I could consume drugs for fun and die... Ouch, not something I would fancy.